Makeblock mBot Ranger – 3in1 robot building kit 

The Makeblock mBot Ranger is a 3-in-1 robot building kit designed for kids aged 10 years that teaches building and programming robots in a fun and exciting way.

Features

1. Three different robot configurations

  • The mBot Ranger can be configured into three different robots: a robot tank, a three-wheeled racing car, and a self-balancing car. This allows kids to learn about different types of robots and how they work.

2. Programmable

  • The mBot Ranger is programmable using the mBlock software, which is based on Scratch 2.0. This allows kids to learn coding and programming skills in a fun and interactive way.

3. Easy to build

  • The kit is solidly built, mostly metal, and has easy-to-understand architecture. It comes with the tools to build several different iterations and lots of add-ons for customization.

4. Hands-on learning

  • The mBot Ranger combines building and programming, functionality and hands-on learning. This allows kids to learn by doing and to see the results of their work in action.

5. Control from smartphone or tablet

  • The mBot Ranger can be controlled from a smartphone or tablet using Bluetooth if you don’t like to program. This allows kids control their robot from a distance.

6. Great for entry-level coding lessons

  • The mBot Ranger is a great entry-level coding robot kit. It is straightforward and simple to build and control, making it a great choice for kids who are just starting to learn about coding and robotics.

These features make it a versatile and educational tool for teaching kids about robotics and coding.

Hardware

The Makeblock mBot Ranger is an educational robot with powder-coated metal parts and an Arduino compatible mainboard called the Me Auriga. Overall, the Makeblock mBot Ranger comes with a range of hardware and sensors that allow it to navigate, detect obstacles, follow lines, respond to light, and be controlled remotely. Here are some of the hardware and sensors in the kit:

1. Me Auriga mainboard

  • The Me Auriga mainboard is an Arduino-compatible board that provides a wide range of features and interfaces.
  • It is the brain of the robot and allows it to be programmed and controlled.
  • The Me Auriga board integrates various sensors, including a gyro sensor, temperature sensor, sound sensor, and ultrasonic sensor

2. Ultrasonic sensor

  • The mBot Ranger comes with an ultrasonic sensor that can detect obstacles and measure distances.
  • This allows the robot to navigate and avoid obstacles.

3. Line follower sensor

  • The kit also includes a line follower sensor that can detect and follow lines on the ground.
  • This allows the robot to follow a path and stay on course.

4. Light sensor

  • The mBot Ranger has a light sensor that can detect light intensity.
  • This allows the robot to respond to changes in light and to adjust its behavior accordingly.

5. Infrared receiver

  • The kit includes an infrared receiver that allows the robot to receive signals from a remote control.
  • This allows the robot to be controlled from a distance.

6. Gyro sensor

  • The gyro sensor can be used to determine the movement and posture of the robot.
  • It can be used to make a self-balancing robot.

7. Temperature sensor

  • The temperature sensor can be used to measure the temperature of the environment.
  • It can be used to create a robot that responds to changes in temperature.

8. Sound sensor

  • The sound sensor can be used to detect sound intensity.
  • It can be used to create a robot that responds to sound, such as a robot that moves towards a loud noise.

Conclusion

mBot Ranger is a solidly built kit, mostly metal, with easy-to-understand architecture. It comes with the tools to build several different iterations and lots of add-ons for customization. The user manual is excellent and lists out all the components in the kit. The mBlock interface is pretty intuitive, especially if kids have already used Scratch or another block-based language, so kids are likely to be able to work out how to program the Ranger through exploration. Overall, the Makeblock mBot Ranger is easy to use and a great tool for teaching kids about robotics, coding, and hands-on learning.

The Makeblock mBot Ranger is an excellent piece of DIY kit for kids to build different types of robots, write code, and control them from a smartphone or tablet. It is a great tool for teaching kids about robotics, coding, and hands-on learning.

mbot Ranger and more MakeBlock products can be found here.

AMBER Lucid ONE, first choice for bioinspired Robot’s arm, launches on Kickstarter

AMBER Robotics launches Lucid-1 NOW! The ultralight 7-axis Robotic Arm with AI Intuitive controller, very suitable for Robot’s real arm, tease to simplify Robotics Development.

AMBER Robotics, a leading robotics development and innovation company, has launched its latest product, AMBER Lucid-1, a 7-axis portable robotic arm with the AI intuitive mover. The new technology simplifies robotics development and operation and speeds up the creation of films and vlogs by providing a range of features that are easy to use.

„A lightweight robotic arm, should be 3kg or less,“ said the CEO of AMBER Robotics. „AMBER Robotics unveils the Lucid ONE, a game-changer for humanoid’s arm. Weighing only 3.2kg, it can carry up to 1.5kg and boasts a built-in visual recognition interface and 7-axis flexibility. This new technology allows for greater agility and lifelikeness, making the Lucid ONE ideal for manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries. Get ready for a significant impact on the future of robotics.“

Need your humanoid robot to have a pair of flexible arms? Don’t hesitate, Lucid ONE will be your first choice to achieve it.

Kickstarter launch page, https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/amberobotics/lucid-1-zero-code-and-ai-planning-7-axis-portable-robotic-arm?ref=bordo6

Designed for the industry co-bot, filming, pick & place, spraying, sculpting, laser engraving, 3D printing, etc., AMBER Lucid-1 offers industrial features like dragging to teach, gravity compensation, collision detection, and avoidance. With native trajectory planning algorithms and high reliability, AMBER Lucid ONE eliminates the complex challenges of robot automation and filming.

The AMBER Lucid ONE comes with a bunch of external IO devices like the force control gripper, the magnetic connector with a camera, smartphone, sucker, laser pen, and more, making it the perfect choice for any robot project.

In addition, the AMBER Lucid ONE is compatible with ROS2, RViz, Moveit2, and features native trajectory planning and editing tools, a visualized drag-to-program software, AMBER Robot Studio.

For film studios and vloggers, the AMBER Lucid ONE boasts an incredibly efficient feature, „Just a Snap,“ that can help to automatically plan the right camera robot trajectory and angles in just 10 minutes, saving artists up to 24 hours or more.

AMBER Robotics is also offering a unique Kickstarter promotion, with more than 50% off during the campaign.

For more information, visit amberobotics.com.

About AMBER Robotics: AMBER Robotics is a leading robotics development and innovation company focused on providing easy-to-use, intuitive solutions for customers in various industries. The company’s latest product, AMBER Lucid ONE, is a portable robotic arm with the AI intuitive mover, simplifying robotics development and filming.

Robohood AI-Driven Robotic Painter Introduces Stable Diffusion and Text Generation Neural Network Model

Robohood, world’s first robotics & AI-driven art & technology company has integrated both Stable Diffusion and a text generation neural network

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (PRWEB) APRIL 25, 2023

Robohood, an art & technology company specializing in AI-driven solutions for robotics-generated physical art, has integrated two forms of AI technology into their software, Stable Diffusion and ChaptGPT both originally developed and released in 2022.

Robohood’s integrated Stable Diffusion technology is a deep learning, text-to-image model primarily used to generate detailed images conditioned on text descriptions, though it can also be applied to other tasks such as inpainting, outpainting, and generating image-to-image translations guided by a text prompt. While the integrated ChatGPT technology is a fine-tune approach to transfer learning using both supervised and reinforcement learning techniques with detailed and articulate responses.

Through these newly integrated technologies, users now have two options when creating a painting with Robohood. The first option involves uploading an image from a device, generating a render, and then painting with a robot, which was the conventional method. Alternatively, they can use our AI-generation tool. To use this tool, users can input an image description in the „Generate by text“ field or request a topic suggestion in the „Can AI suggest a topic for you?” and the tool will offer suggestions in the interface. Once an idea has been selected, the user can copy and paste it into the image generation field and Robohood technology will generate an image that it can later render onto canvas.

“These newly integrated technologies allow for artists to have multiple options when creating artwork within the Robohood interface,” stated Victor Peppi, CEO of Robohood. “Combining art with AI-driven technology is our passion at Robohood and these technologies allow artists to have more freedom and solutions throughout their creative process.”

About Robohood

Robohood is an art & technology company specializing in AI-driven solutions for robotics-generated physical art. Robohood’s groundbreaking software/hardware solution, a brainchild of a brilliant team of software engineers, robotics experts and artists, turned Robohood into the world’s first robotics art company. Producing everything from software to robot-specific painting supplies, Robohood’s solution utilizes robotic manipulators to paint with oil and acrylic paints on various surfaces. To learn more about Robohood, visit the website at https://robohood.com/, and follow us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/RobohoodArts, and Instagram: @robohood.inc.

Short interview with Roy, the founder of „The OffBits“

Sebastian Trella from Robots-Blog had the opportunity to conduct a short interview with Roy Barazani from „the OffBits“.

Roy Barazani from „the OffBits“

·        Robots-Blog: Who are you and what is your job at the OffBits?

Roy: I am Roy Barazani – The OffBits founding father 

·        Robots-Blog: What inspired you to create the OffBits toy?

Roy: I guess I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of re-design. Even as a child I used to break my toys apart and try to rebuild them in new and different ways. Looking back, this allowed me to develop my imagination and ability to fantasize.

·        Robots-Blog: How did you come up with the name „the OffBits„?

Roy: The OFFBITS started out by playing with random parts I found in my toolbox while working on an exercise before starting my design studies in college. Suddenly I found I had made a little robot! I kept this idea with me during my studies, and for my final project built a whole city of them made from recycled parts. It was really well received and I knew I had a great idea in my hands. It took a few years of development and testing in Maker Faire events and boutique design stores and now I finally feel they are ready for the world.

·        Robots-Blog: Do you have a lot to do with robots in your job/everyday life?

Roy: Yes, I love robots and I have collected robots for years!

·        Robots-Blog: How did sustainability factor into the creation of the OffBits?

Roy: I see The OFFBITS as a new way of playing with toys, an “open-source” platform with no rules, so each creation can be as unique as the one who built it. I love the way people can take the original design and then make something completely different. Also, the fact it is made of components we all have around us means there are no cost or availability limits to what people can do with them.

Offbits are a sustainable and eco-friendly educational toy that encourages zero-waste principles and practices through a fun and interactive experience. It’s a great way to bring awareness and inspire positive actions in preserving the environment.

We don’t think you need many toys, but what you do choose should be made to last.

The possibilities are endless with The Offbits, you can create anything from a simple robot to a complex model while using sustainable materials and reducing waste.

·        Robots-Blog: And which is your favorite robot from the OffBits?

Roy: I love all my robots family!

·        Robots-Blog: Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while designing the OffBits?

Roy: From a design perspective, working with standard hardware components brought many unique challenges. For example, choosing the right mix of bits in the kits (both functionally and aesthetically) required a lot of trial-and-error type work, and then of course there is the issue of connecting parts that weren’t designed to fit together.

·        Robots-Blog: How do you envision the OffBits evolving in education fields?

Roy: This is a S.T.E.A.M toy helping young minds grow in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. The OffBits toys encourage the development of fine motor skills, spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and imaginative play.

The hands-on building process allows users to learn about robotics and engineering concepts in a fun and interactive way. The step-by-step instructions for building and programming the Offbits kits, making it easy for users of all ages to understand the principles behind the technology.

The OffBits offer educational resources such as workshops, online tutorials, and educational material that could help kids to learn about sustainable practices and technologies.


· Robots-Blog: What can you tell us about your community?

Roy: The Offbits community feature allows users to share their creations and ideas, providing inspiration and a sense of collaboration. The Offbits users have challenges for every level. When they create, share and pass the challenge they can earn tokens for their future purchases.

 Stephanie @stem_with_stephanie

Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime – The ultimate robot for Transformers fans!

Are you a fan of intelligent robots and artificial intelligence? The Robosen company has recently announced that the Flagship Optimus Prime robot will soon be available in Germany. This is especially great news for all Transformers fans who have always dreamed of owning their own Optimus Prime robot. This new version is also the world’s first auto-convertible Optimus Prime. Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime is a highly complex and interactive robot toy that is supposed to imitate the iconic character from the Transformers franchise. More information is available here on robots-blog.com and on the Robosen website.

What is the Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime?

The Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime is a stunning robot based on the iconic and also arguably most famous Transformers character. The robot is able to transform from a moving truck into a robot and is equipped with a variety of smart features. It is 19 inches tall, 2.8kg heavy and constructed from premium components that are strong and long-lasting. More than 5,000 parts make up the robot toy, including 60 microchips and 27 servo motors that give it its sophisticated capabilities.

The robot is equipped with advanced technology, which gives it a variety of capabilities. For example, it can be controlled by simple voice commands to move or perform certain actions.  A built-in speaker on the robot toy allows it to play music and sound effects, further enhancing the realistic experience.

In addition, the robot has an advanced motion system that allows it to move in unique ways. The robot can move on both legs and wheels and is capable of performing fast movements and complex choreographies. Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime is powered by a rechargeable battery that provides up to 4 hours of playtime on a single charge.

Transforming Mechanism

One of the Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime’s most striking characteristics is its transforming system. It converts from a robot to a vehicle using a complex motor system that can carry out fast and precise movements. It is one of the fastest transforming robot toys available because the full transformation takes only 5 seconds. Advanced algorithms enable Optimus Prime to walk on two legs.

Voice Command System

Immersive Voice Commands power the interaction with Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime’s vocal command system, enabling it to recognize and carry out a variety of speech orders. By just saying commands like „transform,“ „roll out,“ and „attack,“ users may direct the robot toy. The voice command system is an excellent feature for both kids and adults because it is made to be simple to use and is incredibly responsive.

What are the main features of the Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime?

Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime has a wide range of functions that make it a fascinating and entertaining robot. Among the most important functions are:

– Intelligent control (Voice Activated): the robot can be controlled by simple voice commands to move or perform certain actions.

– Smartphone app (Remote Control): the robot has its own app that allows the user to customize various settings and functions. Optimus Prime can be remotely controlled or programmed through the app.

– Movement system: the robot is equipped with an advanced movement system that allows it to move in unique ways.

– Programmable functions: The robot can be programmed by users to perform certain movements and actions. The program/movement sequences created can then be shared with other users to expand the functions for all users.

What can you do with the accompanying smartphone app?

Connect the app to the Robosen Optimus Prime robot to bring Optimus Prime to life while learning to program and enjoying an immersive experience. Let Optimus Prime go on excursions, reenact movie scenes, or challenge him to take on various tasks and challenges. Completing missions in the app unlocks additional features for Optimus Prime, resulting in a more interactive gaming experience. You can also watch videos in the app to see cool actions from Optimus Prime and get inspired by what other programmers are doing with their Optimus Prime robots. The smartphone app is already available now for IOS and Android.

Comparison with other Transformers Toys in the market

Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime stands out from other Transformers toys in the market due to its advanced features and functionality. While there are other transforming robot toys available, none of them offer the same level of interactivity and control as Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime. Its voice command system, mobile app elements and licensed sounds and voices from the movies make it a unique and engaging toy that offers a more immersive and interactive experience for users.

Where can the Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime be purchased?

The Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime will soon be available in Germany for 999€. Interested parties can order the robot directly on the Robosen website. Robosen Robotics has also shown interest in using its robotics technology to enter new areas, including those in education. Seeing how the business innovates and creates new goods in the future will be exciting.

Bring the epic battle between the Autobots and Decepticons to life with Robosen Flagship Optimus Prime, the ultimate transforming robot toy. With its advanced features, interactivity, and responsiveness, it offers a unique and engaging experience for all ages. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind toy, get yours today!