Hedgehog is for anyone who wants to explore robotics, no matter their age or expertise. It is particularly suited for learning programming, but doesn’t stop there: building your own robot allows you to explore mechanics as well, and experienced programmers can tackle complex projects, such as swarm intelligence, advanced image processing, or developing their own microcontroller firmware.
Hedgehog is developed by the Practical Robotics Institute Austria and is a robot controller: the control module and heart of any robot. It can be combined with standard RC servos, DC motors, as well as various kinds of sensors and push buttons. Its case connects easily to Lego building blocks, but of course robots can be constructed from any kind of pieces.
In many ways, Hedgehog is similar to other controllers, but what makes it stand out is its versatility. Hedgehog supports both visual and textual programming through Blockly and Python. It allows you to connect different kinds of custom hardware through its UART, I2C and SPI busses. You can connect to Hedgehog over Ethernet, WiFi, or by directly plugging in monitor and keyboard. Use either the beginner-friendly in-browser development environment, or use SSH to access Hedgehog’s Raspberry Pi directly. Augment your controller by using thousands of third-party applications & libraries for the Raspberry Pi. Get into Digital Manufacturing by downloading our blueprints and laser-cutting a customized acrylic case – the possibilities are endless.
“We use Hedgehog in workshops all the time, and simplicity and versatility are two major requirements for us. Simplicity allows our learners to focus on exploring robotics, instead of handling the system. And versatility allows us to work with the same hardware in different settings, be it with elementary schoolers, in robot competitions, or in projects with students from technical high schools,” says Clemens Koza, one of Hedgehog’s developers. Workshop and classroom settings are indeed a focus of the controller’s design, but hobbyists profit from this as well: more possibilities potentially mean more projects and experiments, making the controller a cost-effective purchase.
All of Hedgehog’s hardware and software is open source, Clemens Koza explains: “when versatility is one of your goals, hiding details is counterproductive. We’re convinced of our system’s value and dedicated to its ongoing development. We try to enable a broad audience to explore technology and engineering, and I think Hedgehog is a great tool for this.” Hedgehog is currently on Kickstarter, and more information is available at hedgehog.pria.at.
Evezor is a robot that can carve, draw, engrave, pour, pick,
place, cut, weld, 3D print, grab, mill, assemble and create your next
project or business. Powered by Raspberry Pi, open source software and
hardware, Evezor is the most hackable robotic arm there is. Evezor can
share and automate the hand tools you already own and with open tool head
platform, anyone can make tools for this machine.
A welded tube tower and steel skeleton give Evezor the strength
to support tools weighing over six pounds. Precision machined components
and NEMA 23 motors deliver precise control, quiet operation and the power
for machining operations. An 800mm wingspan provides the build area for
large projects. Evezor has printed an entire single piece violin.
Magnetic encoders make this collaborative arm so user friendly a four year
old can program it, and closed loop control gives you the peace of mind that
you’ll never miss a step.
Make prototypes from a wide array of tool heads, then seamlessly
scale up to production with the same tool. Evezor’s agility opens the door
to the entrepreneurial world for every maker. What can Evezor make? The
answer to this question is anything you can think of, and cocktails.
Evezor commits itself to giving back to the open source and open
hardware communities by contributing 10% from every arm. „We think it’s
important to give back to the ecosystem that made this project possible“
says Andrew Wingate [Founder.] Their mission is to democratize
manufacturing and increase access to opportunity.
„Chicago is one of the world’s megaregions and we often get
overlooked behind Silicon Valley and New York. I think this is the best
place in the world to kick start the next industrial revolution“ ~Andrew
Wingate
TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On April 20th, 2017 (Thu.) ICON Corp. will begin a crowdfunding campaign for KUMIITA, an educational toy designed for 0 to 3 year olds to teach them the concepts of programming.
By providing a language-less and hands-on experience in the form of a puzzle game, children will be accustomed to programming from a young age. KUMIITA cultivates the basic thinking patterns and logic behind programming in children by allowing them to physically assemble command panels and see how the resulting programs are executed – and why they fail at times, as well. Failed programs can also be fixed by rearranging the panels in various ways, allowing children to figure out new solutions for themselves.
KUMIITA is played by placing down panels which the robot will roll over, following its path ahead. The robot scans each panel and executes different commands to change its color or direction, play a musical instrument, or make animal sounds.
The ICON Outlook
Through cultivating a rich culture of product development that has led us to solutions for searchable, encryption protected data systems, ICON Corp. will soon reach the 20th anniversary of our founding. The KUMIITA project represents a confluence of technical expertise and free thinking to realize the development, introduction, and furthering of new ideas under the banner of „well-being through technology“ that we have strived for since our inception.
To realize a prosperous future through technology, we have taken a stance of total integration, to include not only our programming software, but hardware products and services. And now we are venturing to build opportunities for children so that they may enjoy programming in the effort to accelerate the creation of new ideas, and value that will ultimately carry the future forward.
KUMIITA on Kickstarter
The Kickstarter campaign will run from April 20th through May 20th with a project funding goal of $30,000. For full details concerning the campaign including pledge rewards, please see our project page at https://goo.gl/MLkbjM.
PLENGoer Robotics launched a KICKSTARTER campaign to bring PLEN Cube:
The Portable Personal Assistant Robot, to the world. PLEN Cube can be your
customizable, palm-sized companion featuring a smart camera and automation skills.
Visit PLEN Cube’s Kickstarter page to pre-order it, meet the developers, and learn more
about the product that is changing our lives.
PLEN Cube is a portable robot that can consolidate your devices and favorite web
services;; capture moments with a smart camera that tracks your face and motions;; and
complement your life with hands-free voice activation, and customization options.
Natsuo Akazawa, CEO at PLENGoer Robotics, explains: “Think of PLEN Cube as your
right-hand man (in robot form). We’ve packed a lot into this playful 3-inch powerhouse:
a powerful processor, Full-HD camera, display, microphone array and speakers, along
with cutting-edge software in facial recognition, speech recognition, and more.“
A HANDS-FREE CAMERA THAT FOLLOWS YOUR MOVEMENTS
No need for a cameraperson. Simply use voice commands to take a photo or video. PLEN Cube also uses computer vision technology, and can rotate 360 degrees to follow you wherever you go. Because PLEN Cube is wifi and bluetooth-enabled, you can instantly share photos or videos on social media.
KEEPS YOU INFORMED
PLEN Cube aggregates all your day’s essential info including the weather, schedule, reminders, social media and more.Use the PLEN Cube mobile app to connect your services. PLEN Cube will keep you informed through its display, movements, sound, or notifications to your mobile device.
ALL YOUR SERVICES AND DEVICES IN ONE PLACE
With PLEN Cube, you can control all your favorite devices via Wifi, Bluetooth and infrared.You can also connect and consolidate your social media, including Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter.
CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR LIFE - FROM MORNING TO NIGHT
Anyone can customize the PLEN Cube using IFTTT, a web-based automation service that allows you to create chains of actions with your favorite web services. PLEN Cube can do everything else a personal assistant bot can do, and also expands the number of triggers (inputs) and actions (outputs) you can use. Advanced developers can access our open API and take customization to the next level. We’ll also launch a community forum where users can share ideas and collaborate, and PLENGoer can provide further developer information.
Specs:
Size: 75mm x75mm x75mm / Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs).
Intel Joule 570x
WiFi, Bluetooth
320×240 LCD – full color
Full HD Camera – with stop motion, panoramic, and face and actiontracking
Microphone x2 – to locate sound source
Electromagnetic field-based sensor – detects hand presence and motion.
Program different gestures to activate certain application actions
Speakers – full range drivers, woofers and tweeters from GoerTek, a leaderin the global miniature electro-acoustic industry
Infrared home appliance control – through a partnership with Crossdoor
Motors – for PLEN Cube’s expressive movement
Linux OS
Robot Operating System (ROS)
Voice recognition software (we’re currently evaluating the best option for this)
About PLENGoer Robotics Inc.
Founded in 2016, PLENGoer Robotics Inc. develops personal service robots to achieve a richer quality of life. With the robot development technology our parent PLEN Project Company has cultivated thus far, and production technology of GoerTek group, we aim to develop unprecedented and truly functional service robots. PLENGoer Robotics will be an innovation platform for service robots. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/plengoer/
WiSoccero is designed to take advantage of the exciting art of robotics by removing all the struggles involved and also adding a little more fun. It makes entering the world of Robotics as easy as possible. It begins by just playing with friends and travels to incredible areas like learning about robots and even developing amazing robotic projects.
WiSoccero is agile and versatile. Unlike traditional RC Cars, it can move in any direction without any hesitation. It employs a special wheel arrangement and omnidirectional wheels which gives it more freedom in maneuvering.In order to take advantage of this flexibility, the pack includes a customized DIY joystick kit that gives complete control of all its various features and capabilities over WiFi.
This soccer player robot is capable of kicking and passing the ball. It utilizes an electromechanical part (solenoid) and the necessary electrical drivers. This system is capable of kicking the ball with different level of force that can be controlled effortlessly.
WiSoccero needs to be powered by 3 Li-ion 18650 cylindrical rechargeable batteries (at least 2200 mAh in capacity) that under normal condition lasts for about 2 hours.
WiSoccero is based on ATmega2560 core and it has all standard Arduino Mega Headers. Also it’s equipped with WiLoader for WiFi programming and communication.
It also comes with a lot of great components for hobbyist and developers like three DC motor drivers, Gyroscope (for orientation setting), DIP switch, buzzer, two LED Strings, two configurable buttons, power and protection circuit, two rocker switches for turning circuit and motors on/off separately, isolated voltage booster circuit and power transistors for kicker mechanism.
WiSoccero is truly developer friendly. Thanks to its Arduino compatible headers and component placement, its possible to use any Arduino Mega shield such as distance sensor shield for obstacle avoidance, camera shields for autonomous operations and much more. Also you can use all these amazing shields while playing soccer. It’s truly fun!
WiSoccero Kickstarter campaign starts on February 8 for a period of 30 days by PetuniaTech. It offers special discount for the first day only. The final products will be available on June 2017. Click here to view more on WiSoccero Kickstarter campaign.
Mime Industries launched their latest product on Kickstarter; a Raspberry Pi powered robot arm kit that’s simple enough for kids to build.
Ben Pirt from Mime Industries said “we believe in helping children to have fun whilst learning about technology and the MeArm Pi is completely designed around that goal”. Based on the original MeArm, which was launched on Kickstarter in 2014, this version has seen a complete re-working in order to make it much simpler for children to build.
The kit integrates smoothly with the Raspberry Pi, the ubiquitous educational computing platform, using a HAT (a plug-on board that fits on the computer) with on-board joysticks for control. Because of the large ecosystem of programming language support for the Raspberry Pi it is also possible to program the movements of the arm using a wide range of popular programming languages.
Mime Industries enables people to learn through play and exploration of technology. Their groundbreaking build-it-yourself kits have inspired children and adults to break through their own barriers and learn to build and code whilst having fun. Their products are simple to build and can be easily understood. Meaning you can use them to learn whilst playing, adding your own imagination to make something great.
Hong Kong (PRWEB) January 23, 2017 — Today Hanson Robotics launched a Kickstarter campaign for an uncannily human-like robot version of Albert Einstein. The company aims to honor the iconic and imaginative scientist and bring fully expressive robots direct to consumers.
Professor Einstein is a 14.5” personal robot with the ability to walk, hold a natural conversation, learn your name, maintain eye contact, answer questions, entertain and teach science. He’s cloud and Wifi connected, allowing for dynamic interaction with a tablet and the corresponding Stein-O-Matic app to learn and play games.
The robot guides users through the world of science and beyond by presenting interactive lessons, eye-popping slideshows, daily mental kick starts, thought experiments, jokes, brain games and more. With new activities added to the Stein-O-Matic every day, Professor Einstein’s robust reward system allows users to earn IQ points, which can be used to unlock special items, bonus games and avatar upgrades.
The idea for Professor Einstein was born out of toy inventor Andy Rifkin’s lifelong fascination with all things Einstein, and the values he stood for. Hanson Robotics founder and CEO Dr. David Hanson approached Andy about teaming up to create a robot, which led to the formation of a unique shared vision. Rifkin was invited to join as Hanson Robotics’ Chief Technology Officer and the robot was developed under the Hanson Robotics umbrella.
“Professor Einstein has an adaptive learning ability, which means that if you don’t understand something, he will modify the way he presents the information,” said Rifkin. “He has infinite patience. He will keep trying different ways of explaining things until it “clicks” for you. Plus, because he teaches through jokes, metaphors, and games, he makes learning genuinely fun.”
“It was crucial for us that Professor Einstein would embody a sense of playfulness and wonder,” said Hanson. “He had to inspire imagination, be a great conversationalist, and make the gestures and facial expressions that the real Albert Einstein was known for.”
The Professor Einstein Kickstarter campaign runs from January 23 – February 27, 2017. Early bird pricing starts at $249 USD. For a full rundown of the pledge levels visit the Kickstarter page.
In 2014 UFACTORY built the first open source desktop robotic arm, ushering in a new era of affordable desktop robotic arms for consumers. uArm is an Arduino-powered desktop 4-axis parallel-mechanism robot, easy to use, has multiple accessories and open sourced. In Jan 2014, uArm went on Kickstarter and became famous overnight, leading to an exclusive interview with WIRED. A standout quote from the piece: “Thirty years ago Bill Gates promised to put a computer on every desk in America, an ambitious sentiment echoed by Wang and company … The most innovative aspect of the entire project is probably the concept of putting a robot arm on your desk”.
As the robot arm is moving to various industries, its users have expanded from relatively minority geeks to robot lovers. The demand for better and easier user experience is increasing.
January 23, 2017, UFACTORY returns again, announcing two robotic arms in uArm Swift Series. Swift is intended to highlight the elegant texture of the fuselage, lightweight and portable form and flexible movement, just like a swift. This series has uArm Swift and uArm Swift Pro.
Hardware Upgrades
Performance improvements
1.Precision improvement
uArm Swift enhanced the control algorithm and increased the accuracy by 50%, from 1cm to 5mm.
uArm Swift Pro adapted self-designed reducer. Working with a high-precision stepping motor, uArm Swift Pro minimizes gear gap, improves joint accuracy, and is more compact. The built-in 12-bit magnetic encoder and motor forms instant position feedback, achieving closed-loop control, and improves the accuracy to unprecedented 0.2mm, perfectly performs 3D printing and laser engraving.
Working scope improvement:
uArm Swift Series improves mechanical arm structure and increases working range by 20%, covering the working area of an entire A4 paper.
CPU upgrade
uArm Swift Series upgrades the main board. We choose Arduino MEGA 2560, which is nearly 10 times larger in the storage space compared to the previous UNO edition.
Accessories enhancements
uArm Swift Series has 4-axis, whether equipped with fixtures or suction head, the end of uArm can freely steer, and the replacement of accessories requires less than 30 seconds.
uArm Swift/uArm Swift Pro have a built-in socket for selected Seeed Grove modules.
uArm Swift Series can be equipped with a smart car, the uCar. uCar is a mobile open-source car, with infrared avoidance, trajectory planning functions.
uArm Swift Series adapts CNC integral forming process, and the whole body is matte black. uArm Swift looks has a more minimalistic design. The aluminum body is light and stable, enhancing the overall rigidity.
Compared with the previous version, uArm Swift series redesigned the base, inserted the mainboard and added power button, function switching button, play button and menu button. The new indicator light shows the current operation mode and status of uArm Swift.
Software upgrade
uArm Swift Series support PC + mobile control.
Software upgrade -uArm Studio
uArm Studio is a brand new cross-platform robotic arm control software. It has integrated offline learning, graphical programming and instant control functions, manipulate the robotic arm to finish complex tasks.
Teach & Play Offline Learning Mode
Teach uArm Swift by your own hand to learn move, gripping, dropping, and save them with just a click to replay on Blockly mode. uArm Swift can also sync offline learning data once connected.
Blockly-based graphical programming
Blockly is a web-based visual programming tool, allowing users to program without needing to code The software is designed to be so simple that even even preschool children could create a program easily. Detailed tutorial will be provided for your quick guide and interesting secondary development.
Instant Control
uArm Studio has combined control of keyboard and mouse. Developers may use keyboard hotkeys and mouse simultaneously to control move, gripping, and dropping of the robotic arm, and it supports customize hot keys.
After connect with LeapMotion, users of uArm Swift may use their own hand to control gesture such as move, gripping and dropping etc.
Software upgrade –
APP-uArm Play
Robotic Arm has built-in Bluetooth module, simply connect your smartphone with uArm Play to remote control your uArm Swift or uArm Swift Pro.
Your smartphone can also work as an external actuator, download and run a program from Blockly.
UCS
UCS, also known as uArm Creator Studio, which is a open sourced developer tool developed by UFACTORY. UCS has integrated graphical programming and coding, to achieve features such as rapid development, visualize and easy sharing.
Rapid Development
With numerous commands of UCS, developers don’t need to construct programming environment.
For programming developers, UCS is a rapid development tool, developers doesn’t need to construct programming environment, any interface of the whole system supports Python script, all variables can be sharing between visual programming and coding which means you don’t need to copy setting each time.
Built-in Robotic Vision
UCS has integrated complex robotic vision function, just need to connect with the camera, so the uArm can “see” and adapt to different environment.
The camera can instantly locate, memorize, recognize and track 3D space position of objects.
3.Easy Sharing
Every creator will be able to save their own work as .task file format through the UCS programming, and it supports one click sharing to the official website of UFACTORY or Reddit Community, copying scenario in just one click on other robotic arms.
The uArm Swift Pro is a “Open Sourced” design concept with more freedom, simplicity, and functions. This is a whole new open platform came from developers, back to developers, and still that Open Source Robotic Arm. We just can’t wait to become your comprehensive desktop assistant!
Heute ein Gastbeitrag von Roman Kessler, Gründer Make Rhein-Main. Vielen Dank für diesen Beitrag.
Von Roman(ä)make-rhein-main.de
Der InMoov-Androide ist ein Roboter aus dem 3D-Drucker, der aussieht wie ein wissensdurstiger Student. Das Open-Source-Projekt des Franzosen Gael Langevin hat sich schnell weltweit verbreitet. Die Frankfurter Maker-Community will den UrVater des InMoovs und seinen hochentwickelten Androiden jetzt erstmals nach Deutschland holen – und du kannst helfen.
Je nach Version und Ausbaustufe kann der InMoov verschiedene Dinge: Von komplizierten Handbewegungen, bis hin zur Bewegung im Raum und Spracherkennung. Und sogar Dance-Moves! Angefangen hat alles 2012 mit einer Hand. Der französische Designer Gael Langevin beschäftigt sich eigentlich mit Skulpturen, der InMoov ist aber viel mehr eine Vorform von Commander Data.
Insgesamt soll es auf der ganzen Welt schon rund 250 InMoovs geben. Auch im Rhein-Main-Gebiet gibt es einen InMoov, den Studenten von Prof. Neser gedruckt und zusammen gebaut haben. Der kleine darmstädter Bruder des großen Vorbilds aus Paris war bei lokalen bisherigen Maker-Messen www.make-rhein-main.de immer ein großer Hingucker. Jetzt wollen wir den Erfinder Gael zu unserer 5. “Make Rhein-Main” (vom 18.-19. März 2017) nach Frankfurt holen – quasi die deutsche, blauäugige und die französische Version einander vorstellen.
Seit 2014 veranstalten wir rund um Frankfurt die “Make Rhein-Main” in unregelmäßigen Abständen. Wir sind eine unabhängige (!), eigenständige Community, die klein angefangen hat. Bei unserer ersten Messe, waren vielleicht knapp 300 Besucher. Inzwischen ist das Projekt gewachsen und hat eine Eigendynamik entfaltet. Das liegt auch daran, dass wir alle Überschüsse immer wieder in die Messe stecken (ähm,… haben… und nun gerade pleite sind, aber dazu unten mehr).
Nicht nur erreichen wir jetzt weit mehr als 1.000 Besucher – wir waren im Mai 2016 auch zur “European Maker Week” nach Brüssel eingeladen. Klar: Da waren Politiker und Lobbyisten – aber wir haben auch Gael und seinen InMoov getroffen. Uns hat das Ding echt umgehauen, weil es so… ja, menschlich war. Und der InMoov wurde eben nicht von einem japanischen Konzern erschaffen, sondern wird auch in der Open Source-Community ständig verbessert.
Der Plan war schnell gefasst: Der InMoov von Gael aus Paris muss zu uns kommen! Denn bislang war unsere „Make Rhein-Main“ immer eine eher regionale Veranstaltung – eben von und mit den Nerds aus der Nachbarschaft. Die haben Eltern und Kindern erklärt, wie man mit moderner Technik bastelt.
Aber was wäre, wenn wir plötzlich einen solchen internationalen Szene-Star bei uns präsentieren würden? Würde das nicht alle anderen Maker zusätzlich inspirieren und motivieren? Der Gedanke treibt uns an.
Als wir dann endlich wieder eine Zusage für eine Halle hatten (in einer Stadt wie Frankfurt ist die Suche ein Albtraum!!) haben wir Gael dann über Twitter angefragt. Er erinnerte sich sofort an uns und schrieb uns von einem Trip aus Indien, wo er gerade den InMoov vorstellte.
Gael war mit dem InMoov auch schon in aller Herren Ländern. Lustig, ist nur, dass Gael den InMoov noch nie in Deutschland vorgestellt hat. Dabei sind wir doch fast Nachbarn. Wir sind daher extra stolz über die Zusage des InMoov-Erfinders!
Wie kommt der InMoov aus Paris nach Frankfurt?
Allerdings müssen wir natürlich die Reisekosten für Gael, seine Frau und den Bot übernehmen – und zwar VOR der nächsten “Make Rhein-Main”. Das ist nur fair. Nur: Da wir gerade die hohe Kaution für die Hallen bezahlt haben, sind wir mehr oder weniger pleite.
Du kannst uns aber helfen, den großen, tanzenden und sprechenden InMoov zum ersten Mal nach Deutschland zu holen! Noch bis zum 20. Februar 2017 läuft die Crowdfunding-Aktion hierfür auf startnext, damit wir die Reise-Tickets und Unterbringung vor der Messe bezahlen können. Im Kern ist das ein Vorverkauf für die Make-Tickets – aber wir haben auch “Dankeschöns” für alle, die nicht mal eben vorbeikommen können. Zum Beispiel unser Armband oder unser T-Shirt.
Das Crowdfundig soll die unabhängige „Make Rhein-Main“ 2017 zu einer echt europäischen Messe machen. Und den InMoov samt Erfinder und Anhang endlich mal nach Deutschland bringen.
Wenn das Geld reicht, wollen wir versuchen zwei weitere europäische Ausstellern für euch nach Frankfurt zu holen: Paula Pongratz aus Österreich und das Team von Precious Plastic aus den Niederlanden.
Zu Paula Pongratz: Postapokalyptische Schmuck-Workshops für Kinder und Erwachsene
Paula Pongratz aus Österreich bastelt “postapokalyptischen Schmuck.” Also Schönes aus dem, was von unserer Zivilisation übrig bleiben wird: NATO-Draht, Elektronikbauteile, Verschlüsse aus Plastik. Paulas Favorit: die Borsten großer Straßenkehrmaschinen. In ihren Händen werden daraus Ringe, Armbänder, Ohrringe oder Diademe.
In den letzten Jahren war die Kommunikationsdesignerin mit ihren Werken zum Beispiel beim 33C3, dem jährlichen Kongress des Chaos Computer Clubs in Hamburg, und verschiedenen Maker-Messen in halb Europa. Mit ihren Workshops bietet Paula vor allem Kindern die Gelegenheit, selbst mit dem zu basteln, was wir meistens achtlos wegwerfen: “Das kann man doch noch weiter verwenden” ist Paulas Credo.
Zu Precious Plastic: Mit der mobilen Plastikwerkstatt zu einer sauberen Umwelt
Von Precious Plastic haben wir aktuelle noch keine Bestätigung, dass sie kommen, wenn wir die Kosten übernehmen. Aber es sieht ganz gut aus.
Das Projekt des Niederländers Dave Hakkens dreht sich rund um Recycling: Ihn störte der Plastikmüll an Stränden. In den wenigsten Ländern besteht überhaupt ein System, das altes Plastik wieder nutzbar macht. Und so landet der Abfall, den die Natur nicht abbauen kann, im Meer. Eine Möglichkeit, dies zu unterbinden, hat Hakkens mit seinem Projekt “Precious Plastic” gefunden: Aus vier billigen Maschinen zum Selberbauen besteht seine “Plastikwerkstatt”. Sie schreddern das Plastik, schmelzen es ein und bringen es in neue Formen. Der WWF Brasilien fand die Idee großartig, in einer Favela entstand bereits eine mobile Plastikwerkstatt.
Zusammengefasst: Wir die Make Rhein-Main Community, versuchen gerade den InMoov-Androiden zum ersten Mal aus Paris nach Deutschland zu holen. Wenn das Geld reicht, kommen sogar Paula aus Österreich und Precious Plastic. Im Crowdfunding kannst du uns unterstützen, auch wenn du nicht zu unserer nächsten Messe kommen kannst.
Neugierig geworden? Dann unterstütze uns bei startnext und lerne die uns und den InMoov im März persönlich kennen!
AUSTIN — JANUARY 24, 2017 — Today, bots_alive launched its Kickstarter campaign to crowdfund the distribution of a cutting-edge smartphone kit that uses artificial intelligence and augmented reality technology to build robot creatures that feel believably alive.
The complete bots_alive set includes a Hexbug® Spider and a bots_alive smartphone kit that brings the spider to life. The kit contains an infrared blaster that sends remote control signals from the smartphone directly to the Hexbug Spider, an easy-to-apply decal for the Hexbug Spider, and a set of special “vision blocks’”with which owners create the world the robot interacts with—and change that world as they wish.
These physical pieces complement the bots_alive iOS and Android app, which runs all software for augmented reality—including seeing where the robot and the vision blocks are—and artificial intelligence to determine the robot’s behavior. One vision block is often sought by the robot, and the rest are obstacles the robot avoids; owners influence the robot’s behavior by creating areas to explore, mazes, and barricades, and changing them on the fly.
“The bots_alive kit makes an autonomous robot creature out of a popular remote control toy,“ said Brad Knox, founder and CEO of bots_alive. „Our vision is to create artificially intelligent robot creatures that feel organic and alive. By packaging our cutting-edge technology into an affordable kit, we’re excited to bring more organic, lifelike robot characters into the hands of enthusiasts around the world.”
Through a new artificial intelligence technique the founder developed at the MIT Media Lab, the robot creatures are both goal-oriented (like other autonomous robots) yet also uniquely organic: hesitating, looking around, thinking about its next move, and making mistakes, all at a lifelike cadence. This new category of character AI is built during development by demonstrating what the robots should do through puppetry rather than by directly programming them. The bots_alive team is optimistic that this technique will be broadly applicable to robot characters and non-player characters in video games.
In addition to the complete bots_alive set, campaign supporters can also opt-in to a add another Hexbug Spider as a companion and competitor to the first, and they can stock up on vision blocks to enable complex obstacle courses. Owners of Hexbug Spiders can buy the bots_alive smartphone kit alone.
The goal of the 23-day campaign is to raise $15,000 by mid-February, with plans to begin shipping the bots_alive smartphone kits in September.
About bots_alive bots_alive is a robotics startup that’s introducing a new, more organic form of robot artificial intelligence. Its cutting edge technology uses a simple smartphone kit to bring a mindless remote control Hexbug Spider to life. Founded by Brad Knox, bots_alive aims to build compelling, lifelike robots that are fun, affordable, and offer limitless play.
