What would you do with your own robot arm? How can it support me at work? What can you automate, just for fun?
I have collected answers to these questions and ideas for projects over the last few years. If you have ideas or wishes for what a robot arm should do for you, please contact me. In the near future you will find various projects and results on Robots-Blog and our social media channels. I am supported by a Rotrics DexArm, which was kindly provided to me in the Luxury Kit version.
This version comes with a wide range of tools that make the maker’s heart beat faster. The Rotrics DexArm is supplied with the following tools:
– 1 x Rotrics DexArm – 1 x pen holder module – 1 x 3D printing module – 1 x laser module – 1 x safety goggles – 1 x pneumatic module – 1 x Air pump housing – 3 x suction cup – 3 x soft gripper – 1 x touch screen – 1 x extruder – 1 x construction plate – 5 x print stickers & wooden plates – 1 x DC Y power divider – 1 x power supply – 2 x Dual Type-C cables – 1 x Type-C cable – 1 x tweezers – 1 x spare nozzle
The packaging of the Rotrics DexArm deserves special mention. It comes in a great reusable hard foam case that makes the arm and its accessories safe for transport.
Here are the hard facts for the technology fans among you:
Was würdet ihr mit einem eigenen Roboterarm machen? Wie kann er mich bei der Arbeit unterstützen? Was kann man, einfach nur zum Spaß, automatisieren?
Antworten auf diese Fragen und Ideen für Projekte habe ich in den letzten Jahren gesammelt. Solltet ihr Ideen oder Wünsche haben was ein Roboterarm für euch machen soll, kontaktiert mich. In nächster Zeit werdet ihr verschiedene Projekte und Ergebnisse hierzu auf Robots-Blog und unseren Social-Media-Kanälen finden. Unterstützt werde ich hierbei von einem Rotrics DexArm, der mir dankenswerterweise in der Luxury Kit Variante zur Verfügung gestellt wurde.
Diese Ausstattungsvariante kommt mit verschiedensten Werkzeugen, die das Maker-Herz höher schlagen lassen. So kommt der Rotrics DexArm mit folgendem Lieferumfang:
• 1 x Rotrics DexArm • 1 x Stifthalter-Modul • 1 x 3D-Druckmodul • 1 x Lasermodul • 1 x Schutzbrille • 1 x Pneumatikmodul • 1 x Luftpumpengehäuse • 3 x Saugnapf • 3 x Soft-Greifer • 1 x Touchscreen • 1 x Extruder • 1 x Konstruktionsplatte • 5 x Druckaufkleber & Holzplatten • 1 x DC Y Leistungsteiler • 1 x Netzteil • 2 x Dual Type-C Kabel • 1 x Type-C Kabel • 1 x Pinzette • 1 x Ersatzdüse
Hervorzuheben ist hier noch mal besonders die Verpackung des Rotrics DexArm. Dieser wird in einem tollen wiederverwendbaren Koffer aus Hartschaum geliefert, der den Arm und sein Zubehör sicher transportfähig gemacht.
Hier noch die harten Fakten für die Technik-Fans unter euch:
What do all electronic devices have in common today? They have a touchscreen. What do all touchscreens have in common? They must be subjected to extensive quality assurance before delivery so that the customer receives quality and is satisfied.
Since one touchscreen is not the same as another in terms of size and user interface, it is important to have a testing system that is flexible in terms of dimensions and movement patterns. This application shows a room linear robot from igus®. That xyz gantry can be flexibly controlled via the igus Robot Control. In addition, the dimensions of the portals can be adapted to fit your QA needs as desired.
This allows you to carry out your quality assurance process without complex retooling.
Linear robots have several linear axes combined in order to implement a multidimensional movement. igus supplies flat, linear and room linear robots for a multitude of different tasks. igus linear robots include harnessed drylin linear modules/axes with NEMA stepper motors as well as all the components needed to build your own robot. Application examples for room linear robots: Measurement and testing, handling and assembly technology, identification in microelectronics and medical technology, tasks in the handling of small parts and simple handling tasks.
Munich/Shenzen – Rotrics announces the market launch of its new multifunctional robotic arm, DexArm. The robotic arm has a modular design and has tremendous versatility. The DexArm has a variety of attachments, making it as easy as possible for manufacturers to paint and label objects, to 3D print and, as an optional feature, laser engrave products. The attachments can be quickly and easily exchanged with just one move.
The DexArm features a high repeatability of 0.05 mm, a high speed of up to 300 mm/s and a payload capacity of up to 500G. The robot arm can be expanded via modules, including a pen holder, a suction cup, a soft gripper, a 3D printer and optionally also, a laser engraver. To ensure user safety, a protective cover for the DexArm is also available for laser engraving. With the help of the user-friendly software, projects of all kinds – from labeling and engraving to 3D printing – can be easily realized. „Its precision, blend of innovation, as well as its technology make our new DexArm a unique and versatile robotic arm for any industry. It makes it easier than ever to bring ideas to life as never before. The DexArm helps manufacturers draw, write, laser engrave and 3D print, in the easiest possible way. Its greatest strength is its versatility. Thanks to its modular design, it offers the exact functions needed for every industry,“ explains Wang Yong Xu, CEO of Rotrics.
About Rotrics Rotrics (a brand of Shenzhen Saiwenbote Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.) is a tech startup based in Shenzhen, China. The team consists of dedicated engineers and designers who have extensive experience in robotics, open-source hardware, industrial design, and 3D printing. The founders of Rotrics wanted to understand how students play and learn with robots to be able to assist in learning and making the next generation ready for the digital future. Learning has always been part of our corporate philosophy. That is why we develop inspiring, engaging, and effective solutions for students and robotics enthusiasts which change the way we learn. Developing products, that help our customers and bring their ideas to life is our passion.
München/Shenzen – Rotrics gibt die Markteinführung seines neuen multifunktionalen Roboter-Arms DexArm bekannt. Der Roboter-Arm ist modular aufgebaut und verfügt über eine enorme Vielseitigkeit. Der DexArm verfügt über verschiedene Aufsätze und macht es Herstellern dadurch so einfach wie möglich, Gegenstände zu bemalen und zu beschriften, 3DDrucke anzufertigen und als optionales Feature Produkte mit Laser-Gravuren zu versehen. Die Aufsätze lassen sich schnell und einfach mit nur einem Handgriff austauschen.
Der DexArm verfügt über eine hohe Wiederholgenauigkeit von 0,05 mm, eine hohe Geschwindigkeit von bis zu 300 mm/s sowie eine Nutzlastkapazität von bis zu 500 G. Der Roboter-Arm lässt sich über vielseitige Module erweitern, darunter ein Stifthalter, ein Saugnapf, ein Soft-Greifer, ein 3D-Drucker sowie optional ein Lasergravurgerät. Um die Sicherheit der Benutzer zu gewährleisten, ist für die LaserGravuren auch eine Schutzhülle für den DexArm erhältlich. Mithilfe der nutzerfreundlichen Software lassen sich Projekte aller Art – von der Beschriftung über Gravuren bis hin zum 3D-Druck, ganz einfach verwirklichen.
„Seine Präzision sowie die Mischung aus Innovation und Technologie machen unseren neuen DexArm zum einzigartigen und vielseitigen Roboter-Arm für jede Branche. Mit ihm lassen sich Ideen so einfach zum Leben erwecken wie nie zuvor. Der DexArm hilft Herstellern auf einfachste Weise beim Zeichnen, Schreiben, Lasergravieren und 3D-Drucken. Seine größte Stärke ist seine Vielseitigkeit. Durch den modularen Aufbau bietet er für jede Branche passgenau die benötigten Funktionen“, erklärt Wang Yong Xu, CEO von Rotrics.
Über Rotrics Rotrics (eine Marke der Shenzhen Saiwenbote Intelligent Technology Co., Ltd.) ist ein Technik-Start-up mit Sitz in Shenzen, China. Das Team besteht aus engagierten Ingenieuren und Designern, die über umfangreiche Erfahrung in den Bereichen Robotik, Open-Source-Hardware, Industriedesign und 3DDruck verfügen. Die Gründer von Rotrics wollten verstehen, wie Schüler mit Robotern spielen und lernen, um so die nächste Generation fit für die digitale Zukunft zu machen. Lernen ist seit jeher Teil unserer Unternehmensphilosophie. Deshalb entwickeln wir inspirierende, fesselnde und effektive Lösungen für Schüler und Robotik-Fans, die die Art des Lernens verändern. Produkte zu entwickeln, die unseren Kunden helfen und ihre Ideen zum Leben erwecken, ist unsere Leidenschaft.
Education Technology Leader RoboKind Grows Team, Introduces New Robot Models.
Meet Carver & Jemi, Inclusive Robots That Support Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive (DEI) Classrooms
Education Technology Leader RoboKind Grows Team, Introduces New Robot Models.
DALLAS, Feb. 25, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — RoboKind officially announced a new initiative to support diverse, equitable, and inclusive education. The announcement comes during Black History Month, after almost a full-year of development and research into what RoboKind can and should do to improve access and equity in exceptional student populations.
„During the last 10 years, we demonstrated the impact of our technology and its ability to empower students with Autism to break down social-emotional barriers,“ commented Mary Shaw, RoboKind’s new Sr. Director of Professional Development and Content. „For us, that now extends beyond developmental differences and prioritizes diversity and inclusivity in the classroom.“
Each of its robots are inspired by the values and commitments of the individuals for whom they are named. „Importantly, we are guided by each of these values,“ added Mary. „Sure, we sell innovative robots and curriculum; but we are actually in the business of improving outcomes. We don’t take our mission lightly and are clearer now than ever that DEI is an important piece of our company.“
Carver, after George Washington Carver, the scientist who arguably saved American agriculture, represents the motives of one’s actions, specifically improving your talents and abilities to become the impact you wish to make.
Jemi, for NASA Astronaut and Social Activist Dr. Mae Jemison, the first woman of color to visit space, symbolizes the ambition and drive to break down barriers that prevent us from reaching our greatest potential.
Mark Nixon, RoboKind’s CRO and newest team member, concluded, „Last year, it became clear that DEI will be at the forefront of any conversation about improving educational outcomes. Leaders in EdTech must commit resources to a mission of a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable classroom. And, that is exactly what we are doing.“
About RoboKind
RoboKind (www.robokind.com) is an education technology company based in Dallas, Texas. The company develops evidence-based robots and curriculum for students with Autism. Recently endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education, RoboKind is committed to working with PK-12 institutions in delivering and developing solutions that help educators break down barriers of growth and improve outcomes for students with developmental differences.
The PROTO-HAROLD 1.1 is a simple, light weight robot, designed to easily bring a CINEMATIC element to any video project. Designed, Machined and Hand Assembled in Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
Your smartphone can go from pocket to stunning motion shot in under 10 seconds as the PROTO-HAROLD 1.1 has ZERO assembly or setup, programming or technical know-how required for use. Simply insert your smartphone, press „ON“, followed by „GO“ and you have a MOVING VIDEO.
Perfect for live streams, nature documentaries, music videos, interviews, YouTubers, TikTokers, movie projects for screens large and small, commercials, presentations, video demonstrations, school projects, home movies, advertisements, video production, unboxing videos, reaction videos, literally… any video project imaginable.
BOUNCE: When turned on, the PROTO-HAROLD 1.1 will begin running „BOUNCE“, a custom-written, pre-loaded program which will move the CAMERA SLED from one end of the track to the other. Instead of only traveling only one time like other systems, or harshly running back and forth, BOUNCE slowly brings the camera sled to a smooth, full stop, before reversing and smoothly accelerating backwards to full speed, endlessly repeating this choreographed process.
The speed and travel length are both adjustable, with a max travel speed of ~1cm per second, or ~50 seconds to go 52cm / 20.5″ from one end to the other.
This is useful as an extra „camera man“ during an interview process to provide an extra moving camera angle, or set it up to capture a moving shot when you aren’t exactly sure when the action will start, let it run for a bit and choose the best moving shot.
MOVING TIME LAPSE: Use the backlit LCD screen and EASY MENU to change modes to TIME LAPSE and set a desired time frame of 2 – 60 minutes. The PROTO-HAROLD 1.1 does the math and will travel from one end to the other, slowly accelerating, reaching full speed, decelerating and smoothly coming to a stop within the time frame selected. Once done, it will park and then ask to run a second time in reverse.
FEATURES:
Light Weight and Portable (under 2 pounds / under 1kg)
34″ x 4″ x 2″ (87cm x 10cm x 5cm)
20.5″ of camera movement (52cm)
Strong for its size (can lift itself, or up to 2 pounds vertically)
Designed for smartphones up to 2 pounds, but can slide 10+ pounds (not recommended)
USB rechargeable (take and charge it anywhere)
~2 Hour Runtime (horizontal, no camera)
~1 Hour Runtime (vertical, no camera)
RECORD MOVING TIME LAPSE VIDEO (2 – 60 minutes) with soft start and stop
(3) 1/4″ standard tripod bottom mounting holes on each end
Non-marring rubber feet
Self Calibrating
Powered by a 16MHz Super Computer Thinking Machine
Precision Stepper Motor Control
Quiet Operation
(2) Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries
RED/GREEN charging LED
Replaceable Safety Fuse (remove for long term storage/transport)
Pre-programmed with an EASY USE MENU, turn it on and use it
Education Technology Leader Brings the Future to 2021, With New Robotic Technology and Curriculum to Support Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
DALLAS, TX (January 28, 2021) – Today, RoboKind, an education technology company that builds robotic technology and curriculum for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), announced the release of robots4autism: Avatar, a remote learning software built specifically to help educators support students during remote and blended learning.
“Students with autism are one of the most at-risk student populations to be left behind during COVID-related virtual and blended learning,” said Richard Margolin, RoboKind’s Founder and CTO. “This new software provides the consistency these students need in order to progress toward their Individual Education Program (IEP) goals, regardless of the student’s location.”
Avatar is a version of RoboKind’s social-emotional learning program, robots4autism®, that was recently endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE). Based on development theory and the principles of applied behavioral analysis (ABA), the program includes a modular, evidence-based curriculum, combining facially expressive avatar robots with social narratives, visual aids, video, and natural modeling to help students learn and, eventually, master basic social-emotional skills.
Richard added, “We as a team and company have invested heavily in bringing virtual, digital options to educators knowing that, now more than ever, schools and districts need the support and innovation companies like RoboKind can provide. For us, it’s about improving student outcomes and we have already begun seeing students across North America make tangible progress toward their IEP goals.”
The program was developed as part of an expanded platform the company says will allow for educators to help students, regardless of background or abilities, in a variety of implementations and learning models.
About RoboKind Founded in 2011 by Richard Margolin, RoboKind (www.robokind.com) is an education technology and robotics company based in Dallas, Texas. The company developed the world’s most Advanced Social Robots™ and an award-winning, evidence-based social-emotional instructional curriculum for students in grades K-12. Milo, one of RoboKind’s facially expressive robots, was named as Tech & Learning’s Most Inspiring Game Changer in 2019, the first non-human ever to win the award. Recently endorsed by the Council of Administrators of Special Education (CASE), RoboKind is committed to working with PK-12 institutions in delivering and developing solutions that allow students to build the confidence and master the lifelong skills they need.
St-Sulpice, Switzerland, February18, 2021 – BlueBotics, the global leader in natural feature navigation, has announced its Autonomous Navigation Technology (ANT®) is now estimated to have driven automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) over 10 million kilometers, in applications ranging from warehousing and manufacturing to commercial cleaning services, UVC disinfection and more.
Dr. Nicola Tomatis, CEO of BlueBotics, said, “The timing of this milestone is perfect as it comes the same month that we celebrate the company’s 20-year anniversary. It is amazing to think that our customers’ ANT® driven vehicles have driven over 10 million kilometers, almost 250 times the circumference of the globe. This achievement really speaks to the robustness of our industry-proven ANT® technology.”
ANT® navigation is popular with manufacturers and end users of AGVs, automated forklifts and AMRs, since it simplifies and shortens vehicle installation times as well as providing flexible, accurate and user-friendly operation. The technology suits a myriad of vehicle types and kinematics, from small 100 kg AMRs to 30-ton heavy load transporter AGVs. In addition, with BlueBotics’ accompanying ANT® server software, users whose vehicles are driven by BlueBotics’ ANT® lite+ product can create and operate a synchronized fleet of ANT® driven vehicles, no matter what the type or even brand. All of these vehicles are able to interact seamlessly with on-site equipment and machinery, including an organization’s existing WMS/MES/ERP software, using ANT® server’s simple API.
Dr. Tomatis continued, “In arriving at our 10-million-kilometer milestone, we conservatively estimate that AGVs driven by ANT® technology have worked more than one million days – over 2,500 years – of commercial operation.”
“It is exciting to see the impact ANT® technology is having, both on the AGV market and – most importantly – on the efficiency of those companies that operate ANT® driven vehicles. With our continuing strong growth, it shouldn’t be long before ANT® driven products will have circumnavigated the globe 500 times!”
About BlueBotics
BlueBotics is the reference in natural feature navigation and has the mission to help companies meet the challenge of vehicle automation. With its 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 2,000 ANT® driven vehicles in operation worldwide. https://www.BlueBotics.com
Cody Block is centered on a little wooden car called Cody that has to find its way home through 16 Building Blocks which act as commands. The task for children is to lay out a path that leads Cody back to his house by positioning the Building Blocks in the correct order.
Children put Cody at the starting point and watch as the electronic car moves through the Building Blocks. Each of the Blocks gives a unique directional command to the car through RFID tags.
Cody will follow the sequence of instructions provided by the Blocks and – if the blocks are arranged correctly – make it to his goal. If not, children have to figure out how to rearrange the blocks in order to fix the sequence and help Cody get home.
The patented RFID technology embedded in every wooden block allows children to play with Cody for hours without the need of any smartphone, laptop or screen. The design of Cody Block takes its inspiration from classic wooden toys and the Montessori philosophy in its material and shape: solid beech wood and intuitive design. Cody Block provides gender-neutral play that stimulates a child’s critical thinking, creativity, problem solving abilities and resilience.
QUBS and Cody Block was started by Hayri Bulman, a Swiss IT entrepreneur and father of 2 children. In 2016, Hayri started exploring how to bring technology and classic wooden toys together to help his children learn the basics of coding through play. After prototyping a number of concepts at home which incorporated RFID technology inside of wooden blocks he brought together a team of designers, engineers and illustrators to launch Cody Block.
Hayri wanted to bring Cody Block to the market because he is convinced that by enabling kids to gather new skills through play, we encourage the next generation of innovators, tinkerers, creators and makers of the future. “My aim is to create a toy that blends classic wooden toys with electronics and helps kids navigate this increasingly digital world. There are thousands of wooden toys and there are thousands of electric toys but with Cody we can bridge these two very far worlds together, and close the gap between them,” said Hayri Bulman, founder of QUBS.
“I want to bring children closer to coding, a very essential skill for the future. I hope Cody Block will help them understand how to think and problem solve, all of this while having fun. I believe children will play with Cody Block in many different ways, more than we can ever imagine.”
Cody Block is being launched at a time when coding and STEM subjects are getting more attention both from the education system and from parents.
“The ability to solve problems is a skill that is useful in life in general, we all want our children to become excellent problem solvers, so that they can overcome any adversity they face. Learning code gives children the possibility to learn this type of skills while they’re young, and this will give them advantage in life. Cody Block is the perfect way for them to play and learn at the same time,” said Bruce Lamont, a primary school teacher and Lead Teacher with 32 years of experience in the field.
“Cody Block helps children develop a way of thinking and how to find creative and logical solutions to problems, skills that are really looked for in education nowadays.”
The basic pack includes Cody (the car), 16 Building Blocks, and a City Guide with exercises. Additional educational discounts will be available for classroom packs of 5 and 10 sets.
About QUBS QUBS AG is a Swiss company based in Zurich and founded by Hayri Bulman, a father of 2 children and with a passion for wooden toys and new technologies. QUBS is the only toy maker that merges classic designs and screen-free technology in early years learning. QUBS’ mission is to empower children to explore the learning world in a fun and accessible way. The company makes wooden toys that are loved by children and trusted by parents & educators. By enabling kids to gather new skills through play, QUBS aims to encourage the next generation of innovators, tinkerers, creators and makers of the future.
