Intermodellbau 2023 Dortmund
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Archiv der Kategorie: English
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“.
· 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.
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!
Variobot variAnt Timelapse and Realtime Build Videos
Maker Faire Ruhr Dortmund 2023
Free update makes third deep learning method available for IDS NXT
Update for the AI system IDS NXT: cameras can now also detect anomalies
In quality assurance, it is often necessary to reliably detect deviations from the norm. Industrial cameras have a key role in this, capturing images of products and analysing them for defects. If the error cases are not known in advance or are too diverse, however, rule-based image processing reaches its limits. By contrast, this challenge can be reliably solved with the AI method Anomaly Detection. The new, free IDS NXT 3.0 software update from IDS Imaging Development Systems makes the method available to all users of the AI vision system with immediate effect.
The intelligent IDS NXT cameras are now able to detect anomalies independently and thereby optimise quality assurance processes. For this purpose, users train a neural network that is then executed on the programmable cameras. To achieve this, IDS offers the AI Vision Studio IDS NXT lighthouse, which is characterised by easy-to-use workflows and seamless integration into the IDS NXT ecosystem. Customers can even use only „GOOD“ images for training. This means that relatively little training data is required compared to the other AI methods Object Detection and Classification. This simplifies the development of an AI vision application and is well suited for evaluating the potential of AI-based image processing for projects in the company.
Another highlight of the release is the code reading function in the block-based editor. This enables IDS NXT cameras to locate, identify and read out different types of code and the required parameters. Attention maps in IDS NXT lighthouse also provide more transparency in the training process. They illustrate which areas in the image have an impact on classification results. In this way, users can identify and eliminate training errors before a neural network is deployed in the cameras.
IDS NXT is a comprehensive AI-based vision system consisting of intelligent cameras plus software environment that covers the entire process from the creation to the execution of AI vision applications. The software tools make AI-based vision usable for different target groups – even without prior knowledge of artificial intelligence or application programming. In addition, expert tools enable open-platform programming, making IDS NXT cameras highly customisable and suitable for a wide range of applications.
More information: www.ids-nxt.com
MasterMover Partners with BlueBotics for Best-in-Class AGV Navigation
20.03.2023, St-Sulpice, Switzerland: MasterMover, the world’s leading manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, has announced a new partnership with vehicle automation leader BlueBotics to provide best-in-class ANT navigation technologies for MasterMover’s range of Automated Guided Vehicles.
Known for its broad portfolio of pedestrian operated electric tugs and electric tows, used across Industrial Manufacturing, Logistics, and Retail, MasterMover also offers a range of advanced solutions, spanning remote control operation, line follow navigation, and fully autonomous solutions.
MasterMover AGV products now include BlueBotics’ ANT natural navigation technology as standard, ensuring customers benefit from the advanced features and functionality available from the vehicle navigation market leader.
“MasterMover has twenty-five -years’ experience in designing, manufacturing, and delivering load moving solutions that are synonymous with reliability, quality, and performance,” commented James Jones, Partner and Director at MasterMover. “We are combining this expertise with world-class technology partners to deliver advanced solutions. These are increasingly being demanded by our customers who are focused on maximising safety and efficiency within their operations.”
BlueBotics is the global reference in natural feature navigation. For over 20 years, the Swiss company has helped companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation, and today there are more than 4,000 ‘ANT driven’ AGVs, automated forklifts, and AMRs in operation around the world.
“At BlueBotics our goal is to work with market-leading vehicle producers who have the expertise and experience needed to fully meet their customers’ AGV needs,” said Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics. “Partnering with MasterMover is a great example of this. We have been continually impressed with the professionalism of both the company’s solutions and its team, and we look forward to enjoying much success together.”
MasterMover AGV solutions offer Industrial Manufacturing organisations an effective way to automate a range of load moving processes, delivering return-on-investment, and driving operational efficiency.
Autonomous solutions are available from MasterMover with the capacity to move up to 30,000kg, meaning the company is equipped to take on a wide range of load movement challenges with advanced solutions.
MasterMover is combining a strong track record of success in building powerful and reliable load moving products, with best-in-class technologies from market leaders such as BlueBotics. The company also works with safety technology specialists SICK for its AGV solutions.
“Partnering with BlueBotics was a natural choice, with their ANT navigation technology leading the way. The advanced capabilities of BlueBotics’ solutions, as well as their focus on innovation, mean they are the ideal navigation partner for MasterMover,” added Jones. “We have worked closely with the BlueBotics team on a number of projects, and the relationship between the two organisations will only go from strength to strength”.
For more information on MasterMover AGV solutions, please visit:
https://www.mastermover.com/automated-guided-vehicles-agv/
About MasterMover
MasterMover is a world-leading manufacturer of electric tug and tow solutions, designed to improve safety and operational efficiency when moving heavy, large or unconventional loads. MasterMover focuses on innovation, research, and development to provide the widest range of electric tug products on the market.
Specialist solutions include pedestrian-operated, remotely controlled, and fully Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) options. In addition, MultiLink technology allows a single remote operator to simultaneously control multiple electric tugs through synchronised movement.
MasterMover operates globally through direct relationships and a network of sales and service partners. The company works with an enviable range of world-leading names across industrial manufacturing, retail, and logistics. With an expert in-house engineering team, MasterMover has a proven track record of delivering bespoke projects for diverse applications around the world.
About BlueBotics
BlueBotics is the reference in natural feature navigation and has the mission to help companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation. With over 20 years of industry experience, the company provides the autonomous navigation technology (ANT) and expert support customers need to bring their AGV, automated forklift, or mobile robot successfully to market. Today, there are more than 4,000 ANT driven vehicles in operation worldwide. Visit www.bluebotics.com to learn more.
RBTX robotics marketplace now available in 18 countries
Powered by igus, RBTX continues to expand international offers, making Low Cost Automation accessible in ten additional countries
16 February 2023 – igus®, the global leader in motion plastics, is expanding its broad range of Low-Cost Automation solutions, reflecting the company’s determination to lower the barriers to entering the automation age.
The robotics marketplace helps interested parties find the right automation solution for their individual application as easily, quickly, and cost-effectively as possible. RBTX.com has been part of this effort since 2019. Previously, RBTX was available in eight countries. Now igus is expanding the range and launching the robotics marketplace in ten additional countries – with three more soon to follow.
To ensure competitiveness, more and more companies are automating their processes. However, investment costs are typically high, and the lack of expertise often represents an obstacle – especially for small and medium-sized companies. This is where RBTX, powered by igus, comes into play. The offer includes an online marketplace for cost-effective robotic components and complete solutions, the RBTXpert remote integration service, and customer testing areas at various locations across the globe, where planned customer applications can be tested live before purchase.
“Our RBTX online marketplace grew significantly in the last year,” says Alexander Mühlens, Head of the Automation Technology and Robotics Business Unit at igus. “We started in Germany in 2019. Since our offer was well-received and demand is constantly growing, we expanded RBTX to Austria, France, Great Britain, the US, Canada, India and Singapore in the last few years. We are still continuously working on becoming active in other countries to make Low Cost Automation more accessible worldwide. That’s why, starting immediately, we are offering RBTX in ten more countries: Poland, Switzerland, Denmark, Italy, Japan, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and Thailand. Three more will follow soon: Spain, Brazil, and Turkey.”
Rapid robot integration with remote services is booming
At RBTX.com, interested parties have access to more than 300 individual robotics components from 78 manufacturers and more than 150 complete solutions from real-world applications – including guaranteed hardware and software compatibility.
Additionally, the online marketplace offers a place for humans and robots to meet. In the Customer Testing Area, customers can work with an RBTXpert in the remote integrator service to test the feasibility of their planned application. The RBTXpert engages in a video call from this environment with those interested in automation and provides individual advice.
“In Germany alone, we implement up to 30 projects per week. We also have customer testing areas on-site in many other countries so that the RBTXpert can offer support in various languages and time zones,” says Alexander Mühlens. “This gives even more interested parties across the globe direct access to a wide range of cost-effective robotics.”
Elephant Robotics launched ultraArm with various solutions for education
In the past year, Elephant Robotics has launched various products to meet more user needs and help them unlock more potential in research and education. To help users learn more knowledge about machine vision, Elephant Robotics launched the AI Kit, which can work with multiple robotic arms to do AI recognition and grabbing. In June 2022, Elephant Robotics released the mechArm to help individual makers and students get better learning in industrial robotics.
Nowadays, robotic arms are used in an increasingly wide range of applications, such as industry, medicine, commercial exhibitions, etc. At the very end of 2022, ultraArm is launched, and this time, Elephant Robotics doesn’t just release a new robotic arm, but brings 5 sets of solutions to education and R&D.
Small but powerful
As the core product of this launch, ultraArm is a small 4-axis desktop robotic arm. It is designed with a classic metal structure and occupies only an area of A5 paper. It is the first robotic arm equipped with a high-performance stepper motors of Elephant Robotics. It is stable and owns ±0.1mm repeated positioning accuracy. What’s more, ultraArm comes with 5 kits together including slide rail, conveyor belt, and cameras.
Multiple environments supported
As a preferred tool for the education field, ultraArm supports all major programming languages, including Python, Arduino, C++, etc. Also, it can be programmed in Mac, Windows, and Linux systems. For individual makers who are new to robotics, they can learn robotic programming with myBlockly, a visualization software that allows users to drag and drop code blocks.
Moreover, ultraArm supports ROS1 & ROS2. In the ROS environment, users can control ultraArm and verify algorithms in the virtual environment, improving experiment efficiency. With the support of ROS2, users can achieve more functions and objects in the developments.
Five robotic kits with for Robot Vision & DIY
In the past year, Elephant Robotics found that many users have to spend large amount of time creating accessories or kits to work with robotic arms. Therefore, to provide more solutions in different fields, ultraArm comes with five robotic kits, which are devided into two series: vision educational kits and DIY kits. These kits will help users, especially students program easily for a better learning experience on practical exercises about AI robot vision and DIY robotic projects.
Vision educational kits
Combined with vision functions, robotic arms can be used for more applications in industry, medicine, education, etc. In robotics education, collaborative robotic arms with vision capabilities allow students to better learn about artificial intelligence. Elephant Robotics has launched three kits for machine vision education: Vision & Picking Kit, Vision & Conveyor Belt Kit, and Vision & Slide Rail Kit to provide more choices and support to the education industry. With the camera and built-in related AI algorithms (Yolo, SIFT, ORB, etc.), ultraArm can achieve different artificial intelligence recognition applications with different identifying ways. Therefore, users can select the kit based on their needs.
For Vision & Picking Kit, users can learn about color & image recognition, intelligent grasping, robot control principle, etc. For Vision & Conveyor Belt Kit and Vision, the robotic arm can sense the distance of materials for identifying, grabbing, and classifying the objects on the belt. Users can easily create simulated industrial applications in this kit, such as color sorting. Users can have deeper learning in machine vision with the Vision & Slide Rail Kit because the robot can track and grab objects through the dynamic vision algorithm in this kit. With the multiple programming environments supported, the vision educational kits are preferred for school or STEM education production line simulation. Moreover, Elephant Robotics also offers different educational programs for students and teachers, to enable them to better understand the principles and algorithms of robot vision, helping them operate these robot kits more easily.
DIY kits
There are two kits in the DIY series: the Drawing Kit and Laser Engraving Kit. Users will enjoyonline production, nameplate and phone case DIY production, and AI drawing with the multiple accessories in the DIY kits.
To help users quickly achieve DIY production, Elephant Robotics created software called Elephant Luban. It is a platform that generates the G-Code track and provides primary cases for users. Users can select multiple functions such as precise writing and drawing, laser engravingwith, only with a few clicks. For example, users can upload the images they like to the software, Elephant Luban will automatically generate the path of images and transmit to ultraArm, then users can choose drawing or engraving with different accessories.
There is no doubt that ultraArm with different robotics kits certainly provides a great deal of help and support to the education field. These kits offer better operating environments and conditions for students, and help them get better learning in robotic programming. Elephant Robotics will continue to launch more products and projects with the concept of helping more users to enjoy the robot world.
Now ordering ultraArm in Elephant Robotics Shop can enjoy the 20% discount with the code: Ultra20
Digital Robot HORST1000 with a payload of up to 8 kilograms
Constance, February 28th, 2023 – Up to 8 kilograms payload, a reach of 1,018 millimeters, short cycle times: fruitcore robotics is launching HORST1000, a new robot whose performance parameters enable a wide range of additional applications and better meet the growing market for industrial processes such as machine placement and pick & place applications.
HORST1000 is a completely newly developed robot kinematics system that incorporates all the knowledge gained from industrial practice in recent years. Building on existing technology innovations, fruitcore robotics‘ patented robot transmission for HORST1000 has been further optimized using a machine learning algorithm, resulting in a significant increase in performance. In terms of design, fruitcore robotics focuses on a compact footprint and aesthetics, as it has done with its robots that have already won multiple awards in the past, such as the Fokus Open Award and the German Innovation Award. With the introduction of the new model, the predecessor HORST900 will no longer be continued.
Performance improvement based on existing technology innovations
In HORST1000, key performance features such as payload, range and workspace have been significantly improved. The new all-rounder has a payload of up to 8 kilograms and a reach of 1,018 millimeters. The developers placed particular focus on the workspace of HORST1000. The threedimensional workspace has increased by 40 % compared to HORST900, allowing 50 % larger trays to be processed. From the base, HORST1000 can move around 230 millimeters further forward than its predecessor, which corresponds to a 43 % longer linear path. This allows customers to enter machines more easily. Higher acceleration values of the individual axes in the nominal load range also ensure shorter cycle times. In a classic pick & place process, this improves the cycle time by up to 20 %.
„The technological innovations of HORST1000 let us further increase the performance difference compared to current cobots,“ explains Jens Riegger, Managing Director (CEO) and Co-Founder of fruitcore robotics. Patrick Heimburger, Managing Director (Chief Revenue Officer) and Co-Founder of fruitcore robotics, adds: „We now allow an even wider range of applications and help our customers implement industrial processes such as machine placement and pick & place even more easily and efficiently.“
Optimized for Machine Loading and Pick & Place
Thanks to its range and workspace design, HORST1000 is tailor-made for loading and unloading any machine tools; especially for lathes and milling machines, the robot is also ideally suited due to its software and interfaces. The robot can reach deep into the machines, the high axis accelerations enable a short cycle time. In addition, the maximum payload of 8 kilograms also allows the use of heavy tools and complex multiple gripper systems. As an automation solution, Digital RobotHORST1000, like its predecessor HORST900 and its brothers HORST600 and HORST1400, includes not only powerful and cost-effective hardware. It follows a coordinated operating concept, which not only makes the operation of the robot particularly simple, but also the implementation of the entire application. All components involved in the process, such as grippers, CNC systems and safety systems, are operated via the horstFX graphical user interface and centrally networked with the horstCOSMOS IIoT platform.
For example, the machine tool can be integrated as a 3D model in horstFX and component variants can be easily traded via the program management of the operating software. Switching between two tools can be mapped on the software side via the multi-tool feature. In addition to the connection to the IIoT platform, all fruitcore robotics robots come with an IIoT surf stick with SIM card as standard. This offers companies the possibility to go online with the robot system without having to integrate it into their company network. Customers can establish an internet connection as required and use horstCOSMOS to view their robot fleet on dashboards, including the process data of the robot application. This allows processes to be optimized independently or in coordination with fruitcore robotics. In addition, availability is increased because maintenance can be carried out via predictive maintenance and a quick response can be made to service cases via remote maintenance.
Pre-orders now possible
HORST1000 can be pre-ordered from the manufacturer from now on. Delivery will take place from 01.06.2023. The price for the new all-rounder can be found on the manufacturer’s website.
Specifications HORST1000:
| Specification | HORST1000 |
| Max. Payload | 8 kg |
| Nominal Load | 5 kg |
| Max. Range | 1018 mm |
| Mounting Surface | 380 x 380 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 70k g |
| Repeatability | +/- 0,05 mm |
| Protection Class | IP54 |
| Sound Level | < 70 dB (A) |
| Power Supply | 230VAC, 50-60Hz, typ. 350W |
| Surrounding Temperature | 5-40 °C |
| Standard Color | RAL 5021 (Water Blue) |