ArcBotics Launches Hubert the Humanoid on Kickstarter, Funded In 2 Hours

HAYWARD – ArcBotics, a leading educational robotics company based in California, is pleased to announce the launch of Hubert the Humanoid: Your Advanced Robotics Study Buddy, a research-grade open source humanoid robot, on Kickstarter.

ArcBotics’ mission is to help anyone learn robotics, no matter their background or current skill level. It is undeniable that robots will play a part in every part of our collective futures, and in many ways, they already do. They believe that by understanding how robots work can we control our own futures, rather than allow technology to control us.

Hubert is designed for anyone pursuing robotics and want the most affordable, top-to-bottom college-level robotics class you’ll ever find – while getting to use your own humanoid robot. Hubert is designed for educators, roboticists who want to compete in robotics competitions, researchers, pro-users, and hobbyists new to robotics who are looking for a humanoid robot that is ready-to-go.

They have created Hubert to make a full suite of college-level robotics lessons cheaper than the cost of a single robotics class. Hubert runs the same software that today’s leading robotics companies and universities are running. Similar robots have been used in the leading universities – but starting at 10x the price. Hubert is starting at $599 USD on Kickstarter, retailing for $1,199 USD, and is 100% Open Source Hardware.

ArcBotics will be releasing in-depth, free web tutorials to help train anyone to become a robotics engineer in the latest topics such as: ROS, Arduino, OpenCV, Object Recognition, TensorFlow, Inverse Kinematics, Control Theory, MoveIt!, Power Management, Path Planning, Legged Mechanics, Python, and so much more.

Hubert’s core features:

  • Dual-camera stereo HD vision cameras
  • On-board Raspberry Pi 3, preloaded with all necessary software
  • Custom smart servo – incredibly high torque, voltage independent, embedded sensors with serial communication
  • Custom Arduino-compatible Python-powered servo controller, with on-board 9-axis Motion and Bluetooth 4 LE connection
  • Rigid aluminum frame
  • Removable outer sheet metal shell – easily remove, design, and attach your own shell or parts
  • Functional grippers
  • Speaker and microphone
  • Touch-screen LCD head
  • Independent emotive ears
  • 100% Open Source Hardware
  • Future-proof with Raspberry Pi 3, C.H.I.P., and ODROID-XU4

About ArcBotics Since 2012, ArcBotics has been making robotics accessible by creating full-feature robots designed for different age groups and skill levels, with extensive, step-by-step documentation and open sourcing the hardware and software. They previously launched 2 successful Kickstarter campaigns for Hexy the Hexapod and Sparki the Easy Robot for Everyone, raising $360,000 and shipping to over 2500 backers. Since then, they have grown to ship tens of thousands of robots to homes, STEM programs, and universities around the world like Stanford, MIT, and Northwestern. Their robots can be found at global retailers like Barnes and Noble, Adafruit, RobotShop, DFRobot, and more.

The first Mars rover designed for Earth

After several years of working on Mars rover prototypes, a team of four engineers decided to launch their own company and their own product.

Turtle Rover – as this is how they named their newest baby – is a remotely controlled four-wheeled robot designed for Earth exploration.

The rover is designed to drive anywhere you’d prefer not to go alone. Its architecture allows to attach cameras, sensors and your own electronic modules to its body, so you can easily configure it to your own needs. Tweak the inner RaspberryPi with your own code and fit your own electronics inside the rover watertight storage case.

As the rover is designed to drive on land, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that it allows for more predictable and longer use than drones.

With its on-board camera, Mars-rover suspension and enough power to keep your phone on for a month, it’s you who will be exhausted first, not the rover.

Attach it to your backpack and go to the mountains to explore caves in places no one explored yet. Find old ruins and inspect them with no worry of being stuck in tight passages. Go home and have fun with an open-source code in the soul of the robot to find out how to extend its functionality to the borders.

Turtle Rover is available on Kickstarter since 22 August 2017.

The special Kickstarter edition will be available with extra robotic arm attached starting at a price $1597.

See more at:

www.turtlerover.com

www.facebook.com/TurtleRover

 

Major Sponsors Sign-On to Support Boston Mini Maker Faire September 17 at Boston Children’s Museum

Boston Children’s Museum announced that major sponsors have signed on for the second annual Boston Mini Maker Faire event on Sunday, September 17, 2017. The Museum, in collaboration with Maker Media, WBZ-TV/CBS Boston, Boston Public Schools, the City of Boston, welcome sponsors Autodesk, BOSEbuild, MathWorks, National Grid, PEAK Event Services, Skyworks Solutions Inc., Ultimaker, Velcro Companies, Vertex and Senator William „Mo“ Cowan and Mrs. Stacy L. Cowan, who have all come together to make the Boston Mini Maker Faire possible. A diverse group of “Makers,” from robotics groups like New England R2 Builders and iRobot; to cutting edge technology companies such as Formlabs; to local maker spaces like Boston Makers, and inspiring junior makers like Sam Hoyt, a 13-year old who 3d-printed his own prosthetic arm, will share their ingenuity with the thousands of attendees to the Maker Faire.

“We continue to be impressed by the creativity of the Boston community,” said Paul Blandini, director of business operations, Autodesk. “We support initiatives like the Boston Mini Maker Faire to help cultivate curiosity and inspire the next generation of designers, engineers and innovators.”

The Boston Mini Maker Faire is being led by Boston Children’s Museum and an advisory board of leaders from local maker organizations, including: Emily Glaser of Boston Makers, Haidan Hodgson from Artists for Humanity, Henry Houh from Einstein’s Workshop, Netia McCray of Mbadika, Amon Milner from Olin College, Abigail Norman from Eliot School of Fine & Applied Arts, Derek Seabury from Artisan’s Asylum, and Rosa Weinberg from NuVu Studio.

“Supporting innovation is extremely important to us at Velcro companies,” said Fraser Cameron, CEO of Velcro Companies.” Curiosity has powered everything we do since George De Mestral first examined the burdock plant and created the first hook and loop fasteners more than 60 years ago. Events like the Mini Maker Faire plant the seeds of similar discoveries. We’re proud to return as sponsors of this outstanding event, where we hope to spark the curiosity of emerging inventors of all ages.”

Admission to the Mini Maker Faire will be $20 per person, which includes indoor and outdoor activities. The cost to Museum members is $10. Given the nature of this special event, typical Museum discounts will not apply. Please also note that not all indoor Museum exhibits will be open during the event. To purchase tickets in advance for the Mini Maker Faire visit http://boston.makerfaire.com/tickets/

“As a company founded on transformative science and committed to inspiring and equipping students to become the next generation of scientific leaders, Vertex is proud to support Boston’s Mini Maker Faire,” said Dr. Melodie Knowlton, Head of Vertex’s onsite Learning Lab for hands-on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education opportunities.

Boston Mini Maker Faire is independently organized by Boston Children’s Museum and operated under license from Maker Media, Inc.

For additional information visit http://boston.makerfaire.com/ and http://www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org

About Boston Children’s Museum
Boston Children’s Museum engages children and families in joyful discovery experiences that instill an appreciation of our world, develop foundational skills, and spark a lifelong love of learning. More information about Boston Children’s Museum can be found at http://www.BostonChildrensMuseum.org. Become a fan of the Museum on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Hours and Admission
The Museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fridays until 9:00 p.m. Adults, $17, children (1-15) and senior citizens, $17; children under 12 months and Museum members are always free. Fridays 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m., all visitors $1.

Marble Partners with DoorDash to Bring Robot-Delivered Goods to Your Doorstep

Today, Marble — the maker of autonomous ground-delivery robots — is announcing a partnership with DoorDash — an on-demand delivery platform operating in more than 500 cities nationwide — to begin testing deliveries under a pilot program in the San Francisco Bay Area. Under the pilot program, DoorDash will be using Marble’s robots to deliver customer orders in select neighborhoods.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with DoorDash as we continue to build towards the city of the future, a city in which on-demand delivery is accessible to everyone,” said Marble CEO Matt Delaney. “DoorDash has a strong reputation for top-tier restaurant partnerships and innovative logistics technology. We’re excited to have our robots work with them to expand options for delivery and reduce urban congestion across communities to create a more enjoyable neighborhood experience.”

The pilot program will allow Marble and DoorDash to explore how to best optimize last-mile deliveries in a variety of Bay Area neighborhoods and with the diverse businesses currently on the DoorDash platform. Beginning today, select DoorDash customers may be assigned one of Marble’s friendly neighborhood robots to deliver their order.

“Marble has quickly established itself as an innovative thinker in the autonomous delivery space,” said Stanley Tang, co-founder and Chief Product Officer at DoorDash. “This partnership expands upon our existing tests of new types of delivery technology, including robots, drones and electric bikes. We’re excited to begin working with Marble to make deliveries faster, easier, and more efficient.”

To celebrate the Marble-DoorDash partnership and initial pilot program, the companies partnered with restaurant chain Jack in the Box in early August to test out a delivery in the North Beach neighborhood and showcase the partnership. This delivery demo expands upon the ongoing relationship between Jack in the Box and DoorDash, which recently increased Jack in the Box’s delivery options to more than 830 restaurants across 229 US cities. To learn more about the delivery and see the custom Marble Robot in action, go here.

About Marble:
Marble is a San Francisco-based startup seeking to re-engineer urban logistics by utilizing autonomous robots for neighborhood delivery. The company was founded in 2015. For more information, please visit http://www.marble.io/.

About DoorDash:
DoorDash is a technology company that connects customers with their favorite local and national businesses in more than 500 cities across the United States and Canada. Founded in the summer of 2013, DoorDash empowers merchants to grow their businesses by offering on-demand delivery, data-driven insights, and better in-store efficiency, providing delightful experiences from door to door. By building the last mile delivery infrastructure for local cities, DoorDash is bringing communities closer, one doorstep at a time. Read more on the DoorDash blog or at http://www.doordash.com.

Mobilicom Releases SkyHopper ONE UAV Data Link for High End DIY Drones

(PRWEB) AUGUST 15, 2017

Mobilicom has announced the release of the SkyHopper ONE UAV data link – the second from the SkyHopper family of products. This advanced UAV communication system leverages SkyHopper PRO’s proven technology, and fulfills an unmet need in the DIY drone market. SkyHopper ONE makes it easy for professional DIY drone users to equip their drone with a robust communication link that is also highly secure and encrypted.

Today, DIY drone enthusiasts oftentimes use separate solutions for control, telemetry and payload, thereby increasing costs and weight. SkyHopper ONE is an easy plug & play device, which gives these drone enthusiasts the peace of mind of packaging all drone communication into a single RF channel. SkyHopper ONE is a small and lightweight solution that offers multiple transmission modes. With a complete online support infrastructure, including instructional manuals and videos, SkyHopper ONE is easy to use and configure.

To date, Mobilicom has garnered success with its wireless solutions for commercial and industrial drones as well as for mission critical applications, and it has gained significant market traction throughout. Mobilicom has leveraged this proven technology and expanded into the high-end DIY drone market segment.

A few of SkyHopper ONE’s key features include:

  • Superior UAV communication through N-LOS and Urban areas using proprietary radio technology that finds its way around obstructions to carry a clear and solid radio signal.
  • Line-of-Sight range of 1.2 miles
  • Broadcast, multicast and unicast transmission modes.
  • Security and encryption with the addition of our advanced proprietary encryption mechanism.
  • Broadband link enabling real-time full HD video
  • Single link for control, telemetry and real-time full HD video
  • Small form factor and lightweight.
  • Plug & Play for easy operation.

SkyHopper ONE is available for purchase online on Amazon in the US and eBay in Israel. For purchases in all other countries, visit our website, http://www.skyhopper.biz/skyhopper.
For more information, visit us at https://goo.gl/8N4t2a.

The First Robot For Parents Is Here, And It Will Make Your Life Way Easier

A group of young designers and engineers, leaded by CEO Claudia Linares are developing the world´s first social and smart robot specifically designed to help parents take care of their kids.

Making any son or daughter survive everyday is the major goal of any parent. And as we all know, the only way to achieve this is to be on watch 24/7 and even then a lot of accidents happen. This is why a group of engineers and designers have decided to develop a small gadget that will become any family’s best friend. BOBOP

What is BOBOP?

BOBOP is the first smart and social robot specifically designed to help parents take care of their children.

BOBOP is the first product of the WATOTO company, founded in 2016 and leaded by CEO Claudia Linares. The company is focused on designing and developing technological products that will improve the life of parents and children.

“From the beginning we wanted to impact society in a real way, and use technology to make the world a better place. During our university studies we were in a school project exchanging stories and anecdotes, we found that many of our relatives had accidents at home during childhood, some of them potentially fatal, and by researching a little bit about the subject we found that the number of deaths of children from ages 0 to 5 represents 10% of all deaths in the world. Most of these deaths are preventable home accidents. This is why we developed BOBOP, and we think that if BOBOP is able to prevent even one accident, then the whole project is worth it,” said WATOTO CEO Claudia Linares.

BOBOP is able to follow kids and watch them from anywhere, parents can relax and see what they are up to through his integrated HD camera from a smartphone. BOBOP can help kids reach their maximum potential, with the ever-growing number of activities that he can play with kids. These activities are not only fun but are designed to stimulate core aspects of children´s early development.

BOBOP also has the ability to monitor kids‘ health data, such as breathing rate, sleep cycles, temperature and time spent playing together, if something is out of the ordinary BOBOP will send an alarm. BOBOP can configure several alarms that will help remember important moments during the day, such as playtime, eating time, nap time or medicine time.

BOBOP helps to keep your children safe. Thanks to its beacon system you can know if your kids are near a room that it´s not suitable for them.

BOBOP has been slowly gaining some traction on the media. Presenting itself as the first smart and social robot specifically designed to take care of kids.

WATOTO is live on indiegogo, if you are interested in the project visit their website http://www.bobop.io or go to their indiegogo website igg.me/at/bobop, if you subscribe now you can get a big discount.

TyroBot, the DIY Humanoid Robot Kit Launches on Kickstarter

Buffalo, MN: Tyro Electronics, an educational robotics an electronics company founded by Tyler Spadgenske, just launched TyroBot on Kickstarter. TyroBot is a 3D printable do it yourself humanoid robot kit aimed at getting people of all ages and experience levels started in robotics and programming.

TyroBot can be assembled in an afternoon with only a screwdriver and a computer. TyroBot is available in two different models:

  • The Maker’s kit includes all the electronics and components you need to build a TyroBot, but you must 3D print the plastic parts yourself. That can be done on any 3D printer with a bed size of at least 100mm^3.
  • The complete kit includes everything you need to build a TyroBot except a screwdriver. 

TyroBot’s brain is Tyro Board, a custom electronics controller board with a 32 bit ATSAMD21 microcontroller, WiFi, accelerometer for detecting orientation, rechargeable lithium ion battery and two expansion ports for further customization. Tyro Board supports 7 servos, 4 for walking, 2 for arms, and a head servo. On the reverse side of Tyro Board is a 2.8in TFT touchscreen display for programming and playing with TyroBot without the use of a computer.

Once TyroBot is built, flip the switch and TyroBot is operational. Using the built in software, you can make TyroBot walk forward, backward, left and right without ever having to plug him into a computer.

When you are ready for something more advanced, connect TyroBot to a computer and follow easy programming tutorials to make him do more advanced maneuvers by programming him in Arduino with our open source libraries.

With TyroBot’s built in WiFi, the user can also make TyroBot send tweets to Twitter, email, or do anything supported on the IFTT network.

About Tyro Electronics LLC

Tyro Electronics is an educational robotics company founded in 2016 by 17-year-old Tyler Spadgenske.

Tyro Electronics started out by selling parts to make retro game emulators but has moved into selling DIY Kits with the release of TyroBot. Tyler Spadgenke is a student who has built countless electronics and robotics projects, including a Smartphone, Home Monitoring System, and a Smart Drawer.

Links

Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/tyroelectronics/tyrobot-diy-humanoid-robot-kit/

Project Development: https://hackaday.io/project/12275

Project Source Code and Design Files: https://github.com/TyroElectronics/TyroBot

Algobrix Makes Coders Out of Kids With Its LEGO Compatible Coding Blocks on Kickstarter

DELAWARE, USA  – July 25, 2017 – Algobrix is announcing the launch of its Kickstarter campaign today to make programming simple and fun with its play-based coding blocks. Algobrix turn traditional LEGOs into programmable robots through tangible lines of code. Each coding-block teaches children the basics of STEM with its step by step coding activities for a kid-friendly introduction to programming.

Imagine your typical LEGO set growing up. Chances are you would build a car, play with it and deconstruct it shortly after being left underwhelmed or frustrated. With Algobrix, play is limitless and screenless so kids (or kids at heart), can develop greater analytical thinking skills while learning the basics of coding while creating moving masterpieces. All it takes to upgrade your standard-block play to coding-block play is a bit of programming and imagination. Creators simply:

  • Snap: Each block represents a unique function and commands the AlgoBot to play audio, light or move in any direction.
  • Set: The parameters are stacked on top of the function block to determine specifically how the AlgoBot will carry out the function and for how long.
  • Activate: Once the function blocks are snapped together, a sequence is triggered and the AlgoBot is set into motion.
  • Explore: AlgoBots come with a variety of mats and activity cards to enhance and elevate the learning experience.

Why program on a screen when you can program with your hands? Algobrix takes standard, computer code and allows you to hold it in your hands in the form of coding blocks.  Now, ordinary LEGOs are transformed to create moving AlgoBots. AlgoBots light up, make sounds and explore the space around you through simple code.

https://youtu.be/o-bGJlvd23Y

“Kids find it difficult to sit next to a computer and learn how to program,” describes co-founder Amir Asor. “The first problem is language related and the second problem is that they don’t enjoy the experience. Algobrix changes what is stereotypically a boring, confined experience to a playful, intuitive, and fun learning experience while maintaining a high, positive correlation with coding languages that leave a lasting impression.”

“The third industrial revolution is around the corner,” says CTO and co-founder Dr. Danny Eizicovits. “We are starting to see robots in hospitals, schools, and even our homes. By teaching our kids to communicate with our robotic counterparts, we are hoping to give them the proper tools, and competitive edge in a world that is moving further towards robotics every day.”

 

About

Algobrix was founded in April 2016 after Amir Asor and Dr. Danny Eizicovits came together with a collective goal to enhance and redefine how children learn to code. The company’s mission is to introduce young children to an entertaining and effective style of education that is based on fun, intuition, and the joy of LEGO-building through the implementation of coding and its patented coding blocks.

Amir, CEO and Co-Founder, established his first educational company, Young Engineers, in 2008 and was named YBI Entrepreneur of the Year in 2011. Following his success with Young Engineers, Amir co-founded BRIXO, an electric building blocks company, that raised $1.5 Million through Kickstarter and Indiegogo. Algobrix’s CTO, Danny Eizicovits, received a PhD in Robotics and is an award-winning researcher and lecturer in accordance with Ben Gurion University of the Negev.

Tertill, The Weed-Killing Robot, Exceeds Kickstarter Goal

With 2 Weeks Left, Solar-Powered Gardening Bot Hits 170% of its Goal, and is Now Shipping Internationally

Boston, Massachusetts – Led by the inventor of the Roomba, the Boston-based Franklin Robotics is currently raising funds for their latest release – a solar-powered, robotic weed-killer for home gardens. Named Tertill, the 2.5-pound, disk-shaped robot patrols the garden and intelligently identifies – and whacks – unwanted plants.

Word is spreading quickly across the gardening and robotics worlds, and in the first five days of Tertill’s Kickstarter campaign it reached its goal. Now with just over two weeks of crowdfunding left, Franklin Robotics has already raised over 170% of their goal. MarthaStewart.com wrote that the “cute robot… works magic on your unwanted greens.” and Engadget adds that the “Roomba creator wants to do for gardens what he did for your floors.” After dozens of Kickstarter backers from Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Germany, and more have pushed for international delivery of Tertill prototypes, Franklin Robotics has decided to open up shipping to the entire world.

Tertill uses unique design elements and a variety of sensors to patrol the garden daily, avoid plants and obstacles, and look for weeds to eliminate. The robot has a simple method of telling weeds from desirable plants: weeds are short, plants are tall. A plant tall enough to touch the front of Tertill’s shell activates a sensor that makes the robot turn away. A plant short enough to pass under the shell activates a different sensor and turns on the weed cutter. Franklin Robotics provides protective collars to put around short plants and seedlings until they are tall enough for Tertill to recognize. Tertill uses a spinning string trimmer to cut the weed off near the ground. Because Tertill lives in your garden and goes looking for weeds every day, weeds are always small when the robot finds them. If the weed sprouts again, Tertill will be there to quickly whack it, and since the weed will never grow enough to have leaves, it will run out of energy and die.

Tertill is 100% solar powered, and knows the best times to patrol the garden to use its energy most efficiently.

Robotic garden weeding offers gardeners several important advantages:

  • Herbicide-free garden: Tertill helps you maintain a pesticide- and chemical-free organic garden.

  • Diligence: While humans might procrastinate or forget to weed, go away on vacation, or get distracted, Tertill doesn’t.

  • Productivity: Tertill prevents weeds from eating up your crops’ water, fertilizer, and sunlight.

  • Gardening limitations: Tertill is great for gardeners who have limited or challenged mobility, and allows them to spend more time having fun in their garden.

Tertill is $249 on Kickstarter right now, and is expected to ship in early 2018. Future Tertill models will include other functions, such as pest repellents, a scarecrow function, and soil quality sensors.

About Franklin Robotics

Founded in 2015, Franklin Robotics, Inc. is located north of Boston, Massachusetts.  Franklin’s imperative is to exploit rapidly developing, low cost robotic technology to accomplish tasks not previously automated.  The principals of Franklin Robotics bring decades of experience to this challenge.  A focus of the company is the creation of technology appropriate to home gardens, agriculture, and other outdoor applications.

Drone racing manufacturer Lumenier becomes The Drone Racing League’s (DRL’s) Official Antenna Supplier for FPV

The Lumenier AXII 5.8GHz Video Antenna is specifically designed to perform extremely well under intense drone racing conditions. „The quality of the pilots video link is one of the most critical aspects of amateur and professional drone racing.” says Tim Nilson, President of Lumenier. “The AXII Antenna ensures a reliable video link at high speeds, with several pilots in the air, and in challenging RF environments.“

„Lumenier is one of the most respected gear designers in the drone racing market.“ said Nick Horbaczewski, DRL’s CEO. „We are thrilled to have them as a partner this season.“

Key Specs of the Lumenier AXII 5.8GHz Antenna (patent pending):

Gain: 1.6dbic
Axial ratio: 1.0 (near perfect)
Bandwidth: 5.5GHz-6.0GHz
Radiation Efficiency: 98%
SWR: <=1.5:1
Weight: 7.6g
Size: 70mm x 16mm
Cable: Semi-rigid RG402
Polarization: RHCP or LHCP
Connector: SMA or RP-SMA

Works great as both a transmitting or receiving antenna.
Compatible with other styles of 5.8GHz antennas.

About Lumenier
Lumenier is a high-end designer and manufacturer of top quality racing drone products – airframes, motors, batteries, propellers, electronics, antennas, accessories, and more. The company operates from its main headquarters in Sarasota, Florida with wholly owned manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and China. Leveraging their expert engineers in aeronautics, mechanical and electrical design, Lumenier has become known globally for its innovation and quality. For more info please visit http://www.lumenier.com or call 941-444-0021.

About DRL
DRL is the premier drone racing circuit for elite FPV pilots around the world. A technology, sports and media company, DRL combines world-class media and proprietary technology to create thrilling drone racing content with mass appeal. In 2017 DRL is hosting a global series of six races, the Allianz World Championship, to be broadcast on ESPN, Sky Sports, Prosieben and other leading broadcast channels around the world. Founded by Nicholas Horbaczewski in 2015, DRL is a privately held company headquartered in NYC.