Archiv der Kategorie: Hardware

ICON Corp. Toy Robot to Teach Programming to Infants and Toddlers

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TOKYO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–On April 20th, 2017 (Thu.) ICON Corp. will begin a crowdfunding campaign for KUMIITA, an educational toy designed for 0 to 3 year olds to teach them the concepts of programming.

Kickstarter project page at https://goo.gl/MLkbjM.

By providing a language-less and hands-on experience in the form of a puzzle game, children will be accustomed to programming from a young age. KUMIITA cultivates the basic thinking patterns and logic behind programming in children by allowing them to physically assemble command panels and see how the resulting programs are executed – and why they fail at times, as well. Failed programs can also be fixed by rearranging the panels in various ways, allowing children to figure out new solutions for themselves.

KUMIITA is played by placing down panels which the robot will roll over, following its path ahead. The robot scans each panel and executes different commands to change its color or direction, play a musical instrument, or make animal sounds.

The ICON Outlook
Through cultivating a rich culture of product development that has led us to solutions for searchable, encryption protected data systems, ICON Corp. will soon reach the 20th anniversary of our founding. The KUMIITA project represents a confluence of technical expertise and free thinking to realize the development, introduction, and furthering of new ideas under the banner of „well-being through technology“ that we have strived for since our inception.

To realize a prosperous future through technology, we have taken a stance of total integration, to include not only our programming software, but hardware products and services. And now we are venturing to build opportunities for children so that they may enjoy programming in the effort to accelerate the creation of new ideas, and value that will ultimately carry the future forward.

KUMIITA on Kickstarter
The Kickstarter campaign will run from April 20th through May 20th with a project funding goal of $30,000. For full details concerning the campaign including pledge rewards, please see our project page at https://goo.gl/MLkbjM.

Meccanoid XL 2.0 Review

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This article has been automatically translated from German to English

Some weeks ago, I received the Meccanoid XL 2.0 as a review copy. Unfortunately, it was only a few weeks later that I found time to commit myself more closely with this new humanoid robot from Meccano. Even though I got the Meccanoid free of charge, this is a neutral report. Here are my first impressions after the assembly and the first hours of the „programming“.

The Meccanoid XL 2.0 is the successor of Meccanoid G15KS and its smaller G15 version. Even the G15 has received a successor with the Meccanoid 2.0 (excluding XL). The number of parts has been reduced slightly compared to its predecessor, and the previously existing building instructions for a dinosaur are missing on the robot now. There’s a new „Meccasaur“ Dino robot now as a separate product. Also accounted for, is the ability to control the robot through a Smartphone by controlling the movements in front of the camera. This option was apparently completely removed from the app and is also no longer available for the G15 or G15KS. Newly added are over 3000 new gestures and language editions, as well as possibilities of speech recognition. The understood vocabulary of the robot was so significantly expanded compared to the previous version. The Meccanoid XL 2.0 has a size of 1,20 m, what makes him to be really impressive, and an absolute eye-catcher.

The Assembly was largely problem-free; however I must confess at this point that I am a newbie in Meccano. The instructions could have been given in better quality, so it was difficult to identify building steps and the corresponding correct holes for the screws in some places. You should take special consideration on the cable guide, because this is neglected in the building instructions’ manual. Here planning and thinking is required, whereby the degree of difficulty is rather aimed at advanced hobbyists. Even the assembly time of 5-6 hours proves to me that this is not a robot Kit for beginners. The specified minimum age of 10 years here, in my opinion, is somewhat young. Certainly, children need assistance by an adult when reassembling.

The parts are different from what Meccano usually offers, not made of metal but of plastic. Meccano has already received criticism online for the plastic parts, but they did not disturb me. The motors of the robot parts made of iron would be more overworked than with new plastic model.

Unfortunately many of the components are very specialized, creating one’s customized building is complicated. The hope here is that a few days ago on the Meccano Facebook page, there was posted a video, belonging to a new „Meccano mega builds“ series. This series presented alternate building possibilities in combination with other Meccano sets. Also present is a video for a new „Mecca spider“, a robot spider based on the Meccanoid and the 25 in 1 4 x 4 off-roader set. Unfortunately, I have promised instructions in the video not yet on the Meccano site, but I have already informed the support team. Please more of such alternative models are for the meccanoid set!

The Meccanoid can be adjusted to different types of „Programming“. Movement can be recorded by the movement of the limb and play back by the push of a button. This is not of course the correct programming, but it can very quickly store movements, which can then be retrieved. This „programming mode“ is suitable for everyone who shuns the correct programming. Another mode is the recording of motion sequences with the Meccanoid app (for Android and iOS). In the app is a virtual robot available whose movements can be transferred to the real Meccanoid. This method also provides no proper programming, it also only records movements. Correct programming, however, is possible with the „drag and drop – programming“ in the app. Here simple programs can be put together, which is similar to how a flow chart is built. It can be used on events (inputs) such as time, engine movement, button pressure, etc be it responsive and affiliated movements, speech, LED color change and other operations will be launched. Here we can also easily learn how to program operations and programming constructions (loops, conditions). Since the Meccanoid contains no additional sensors, the possibilities here unfortunately are somewhat limited. The app offers an interactive tutorial with an English language edition and German subtitles. Appealing to children here is the ‚Coach Meccanoid‘ virtual robot that gradually step by step guides them on using the app.

Is the Meccanoid good for use in the classroom? No. With a construction period of 5-6 hours, the building period will take too long for teaching. The learning processes through movement of the robot offers no learning effect. The use of the built-in voice control and dialog function (which did not want to work with me in German), is based on volume which is not suitable for a class room. Drag- and -drop programming is certainly suitable for the classroom, unfortunately there is the lack of tasks set or instructions for the teaching of Meccano. The introduction to simple programming sequences can be taught with some adequate preparation. Additional advanced features give hope that the  Meccano can provide a download portal for „open source programming“. Here you will find sample projects and libraries to control the meccanoid by third-party hardware.

As far as my impression of the Meccano Meccanoid XL 2.0, should you have questions or suggestions, you would like to use the comment function. Pictures and videos of the set up will be available here soon.

PLEN Cube: The Portable Personal Assistant Robot, from PLENGoer Robotics Inc., launched on Kickstarter

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PLENGoer Robotics launched a KICKSTARTER campaign to bring PLEN Cube:
The Portable Personal Assistant Robot, to the world. PLEN Cube can be your
customizable, palm-­sized companion featuring a smart camera and automation skills.
Visit PLEN Cube’s Kickstarter page to pre-­order it, meet the developers, and learn more
about the product that is changing our lives.


PLEN Cube is a portable robot that can consolidate your devices and favorite web
services;; capture moments with a smart camera that tracks your face and motions;; and
complement your life with hands-­free voice activation, and customization options.
Natsuo Akazawa, CEO at PLENGoer Robotics, explains: “Think of PLEN Cube as your
right-­hand man (in robot form). We’ve packed a lot into this playful 3-­inch powerhouse:
a powerful processor, Full-­HD camera, display, microphone array and speakers, along
with cutting-­edge software in facial recognition, speech recognition, and more.“

 

A HANDS-­FREE CAMERA THAT FOLLOWS YOUR MOVEMENTS

No need for a cameraperson. Simply use voice commands to take a photo or video. PLEN Cube also uses computer vision technology, and can rotate 360 degrees to follow you wherever you go. Because PLEN Cube is wifi and bluetooth-­enabled, you can instantly share photos or videos on social media.

KEEPS YOU INFORMED

PLEN Cube aggregates all your day’s essential info including the weather, schedule, reminders, social media and more.Use the PLEN Cube mobile app to connect your services. PLEN Cube will keep you informed through its display, movements, sound, or notifications to your mobile device.

ALL YOUR SERVICES AND DEVICES IN ONE PLACE

With PLEN Cube, you can control all your favorite devices via Wifi, Bluetooth and infrared.You can also connect and consolidate your social media, including Facebook,Instagram, and Twitter.

CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR LIFE -­ FROM MORNING TO NIGHT

Anyone can customize the PLEN Cube using IFTTT, a web-­based automation service that allows you to create chains of actions with your favorite web services. PLEN Cube can do everything else a personal assistant bot can do, and also expands the number of triggers (inputs) and actions (outputs) you can use. Advanced developers can access our open API and take customization to the next level. We’ll also launch a community forum where users can share ideas and collaborate, and PLENGoer can provide further developer information.

Specs:

  • Size: 75mm x75mm x75mm / Weight: 500g (1.1 lbs).
  • Intel Joule 570x
  • WiFi, Bluetooth
  • 320×240 LCD – full color
  • Full HD Camera – with stop motion, panoramic, and face and actiontracking
  • Microphone x2 – to locate sound source
  • Electromagnetic field-based sensor – detects hand presence and motion.
  • Program different gestures to activate certain application actions
  • Speakers – full range drivers, woofers and tweeters from GoerTek, a leaderin the global miniature electro-acoustic industry
  • Infrared home appliance control – through a partnership with Crossdoor
  • Motors – for PLEN Cube’s expressive movement
  • Linux OS
  • Robot Operating System (ROS)
  • Voice recognition software (we’re currently evaluating the best option for this)

About PLENGoer Robotics Inc.

Founded in 2016, PLENGoer Robotics Inc. develops personal service robots to achieve a richer quality of life. With the robot development technology our parent PLEN Project Company has cultivated thus far, and production technology of GoerTek group, we aim to develop unprecedented and truly functional service robots. PLENGoer Robotics will be an innovation platform for service robots.
Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/plengoer/

Introducing MekaMon: an Augmented Reality Gaming Experience with Real-Life Robots Designed to Turn Living Rooms Into Battle Zones

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BRISTOL, U.K. (Jan. 3, 2017) — Pokemon Go introduced the magic that comes from augmented reality to the world. As fun as it was, it was limited to watching onscreen battles between digital creatures. Now, augmented reality breaks out of the screen with MekaMon: the world’s first premium gaming robots that battle in both the physical and virtual worlds, creating a limitless experience for gamers everywhere.

Created by Reach Robotics and available for purchase today at MekaMon.com, MekaMon starts at $279 and is a new way to experience augmented reality, robotics and video games, where the whole universe is one giant battlefield.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEo7D2fwJ3Q

Augmented Reality, Real Robots

Inside the MekaMon app, the smartphone screen becomes a dashboard for controlling and customizing the real-life robots, as well as a gateway for augmented reality gameplay. In single player, the screen transforms into a vast augmented reality world where players embark on an epic campaign and gamers learn how to strike, evade, and

master the robot’s controls. MekaMon’s tracking technology enables robots to transcend the physical environment and become one with digital gameplay in real time.

Mechanized Warriors

MekaMon’s robots have gone through 27 iterations over three years of development to become premium fighting machines. Features include:

  • Three degrees of freedom per leg allowing a sophisticated level of movement
  • Customization by physical accessories that add weapons or shields, enabling the creation of aggressive, defensive or technical specialists
  • One hour of battery life per charge
  • Phone camera and infrared tracking system for precision gameplay
  • Lightweight form factor (2.2 pounds) to enable swift battle strikes Two Bots Enter, One Bot Leaves MekaMon spans single and multiplayer action.

In multiplayer mode, friends battle in bot-to bot-combat as well as arcade-style, co-op gameplay that spans Tug of War, Last Man Standing, and more. MekaMon robots can also connect to multiple devices, allowing for cooperative gameplay for two people and up. In single-player mode, gamers progress through the MekaMon campaign and earn upgrades and experience points that they can use later for future battles.

As the robots battle, they level up and achieve new capabilities and weapons that can be customized in the mobile app based on a player’s strategy. Digital items augment abilities and boost health and recovery times, adding a layer of depth and strategy to upgrade choices and inventory.

Co-founded by 25-year-old Nigerian robotics engineer Silas Adekunle, Reach Robotics has assembled a team of leading engineers, game designers and computer vision PhDs and experts who have built their

reputations working at Aston Martin and Airbus. The result is a premium robotics product that’s easy to play but difficult to master and aimed squarely at bringing consumer robots to the multi-billion dollar toys-to-life market.

“At the root of everything we build is the premise that gaming is an experience that goes beyond a screen. We imagine a world where things come to life in front of you,” says Silas Adekunle, CEO and cofounder of Reach Robotics. “Our inspiration came from building robots in STEM classes with underprivileged students in the U.K., and while we got our humble start there — we’re ready to introduce a new twist on hardware and video games and unleash our battling robots.”

Enlist in the MekAcademy

The first 500 people to buy MekaMon will receive exclusive features and enter the MekAcademy, a club that offers special promotions, battle advice and more. For a limited time, a single MekaMon is available in the Lone Wolf Battle Pack for $279 while the Ultimate Battle Pack contains two MekaMons and is available for $499 – a discount of more than 35 percent from its retail price.

To purchase MekaMon today, go to: MekaMon.com

About Reach Robotics

Founded in 2013 by CEO Silas Adekunle, CTO Chris Beck and COO John Rees, Reach Robotics is creating the future of gaming by fusing robotics, reality-bending technology and competitive play. MekaMon is the company’s first product and the company is backed by world-class investors like London Venture Partners, Qualcomm Ventures, Hardware Club, Iglobe Partners, Passion Capital and Techstars.

Meccanoid XL 2.0

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Vor einiger Zeit habe ich den Meccanoid XL 2.0 als Ansichtsexemplar erhalten. Leider habe ich erst einige Wochen später die Zeit gefunden, mich genauer mit diesem neuen humanoiden Roboter von Meccano zu beschäftigen. Auch wenn ich den Meccanoid kostenfrei erhalten habe, handelt es sich hierbei um einen neutralen Bericht. Hier nun meine ersten Eindrücke nach dem Zusammenbau und den ersten Stunden der „Programmierung“.

Der Meccanoid XL 2.0 ist der Nachfolger des Meccanoid G15KS und seiner kleineren Version G15. Auch der G15 hat mit dem Meccanoid 2.0 (ohne XL) einen Nachfolger erhalten. Die Anzahl der Teile wurde im Vergleich zum Vorgänger etwas reduziert und die zuvor vorhandene Bauanleitung für einen Dinosaurier Roboter fehlt nun. Dafür gibt es nun einen neuen „Meccasaur“ Dinoroboter als gesondertes Produkt. Ebenfalls entfallen ist die Funktion den Roboter durch ein eingesetztes Smartphone über das Vormachen von Bewegungen vor der Kamera zu steuern. Diese Option wurde anscheinend vollständig aus der App entfernt und steht somit auch nicht mehr für den G15 oder G15KS zur Verfügung. Neu hinzugekommen sind dafür über 3000 neue Gesten und Sprachausgaben sowie Möglichkeiten der Spracherkennung. Das verstandene Vokabular des Roboters wurde zur Vorgängerversion also deutlich ausgebaut. Der Meccanoid XL 2.0 hat eine Größe von 1,20m, was ihn zu einem wirklich beeindruckenden Roboter macht, ein absoluter Blickfang.

Der Zusammenbau verlief weitestgehend problemfrei, allerdings muss ich an dieser Stelle gestehen, dass ich ein Meccano Neuling bin. Die Bauanleitung hätte in besseres Qualität vorliegen können, sodass das Identifizieren von Bauschritten und der dazugehörigen richtigen Löcher für die Schrauben an einigen Stellen schwer erkennbar war. Besonders Rücksicht sollte man auf die Kabelführung nehmen, da diese in der Bauanleitung vernachlässigt wird. Hier ist Planen und Mitdenken gefordert, wodurch sich der Schwierigkeitsgrad eher an Fortgeschrittene Bastler richtet. Auch die von mir benötigte Zeit von 5-6 Stunden für den Zusammenbau zeigt, dass es sich hierbei nicht um ein Roboterset für Einsteiger handelt. Das angegebene Mindestalter von 10 Jahren ist hier, meiner Meinung nach, etwas jung. Kinder brauchen hier sicherlich Unterstützung durch einen Erwachsenen beim Zusammenbau.
Die Teile sind, anders als sonst bei Meccano üblich, nicht aus Metall sondern aus Plastik. Meccano hat dafür online bereits Kritik einstecken müssen, mich störten die Plastikteile aber nicht. Wären die Roboterteile aus Metall, wären die Motoren noch überforderter als jetzt schon.

Leider sind viele der Bauteile sehr spezialisiert, wodurch das freie Bauen von eigenen Kreationen sich als kompliziert gestaltet. Hoffnung macht hier, dass vor wenigen Tagen auf der Meccano Facebook Seite ein Video gepostet wurde, zugehörig zu einer neuen „Meccano Mega Builds“ Serie. in dieser Serie werden alternative Baumöglichkeiten in Kombination mit anderen Meccano Sets vorgestellt. Neu ist hier auch ein Video für eine „Mecca Spider“, eine Roboterspinne basierend auf dem Meccanoid und dem 25 in 1 4×4 Offroader Set. Leider habe ich die im Video versprochene Bauanleitung noch nicht auf der Meccano Seite finden können, habe aber bereits den Support darüber informiert. Bitte mehr solcher alternativen Modelle für das Meccanoid Set!

 

Der Meccanoid lässt sich auf verschiedene Arten „Programmieren“. Bewegungen lassen sich aufzeichnen durch das bewegen der Gliedmaße und auf Knopfdruck wieder abspielen. Hierbei handelt es sich natürlich nicht um richtige Programmierung, aber es lassen sich sehr schnell Bewegungsabläufe speichern, die dann wieder abgerufen werden können. Dieser „Programmiermodus“ ist für jeden geeignet, der die richtige Programmierung scheut. Ein weiterer Modus ist das Aufzeichnen von Bewegungsabläufen mit der Meccanoid App (für Android und iOS). In der App steht ein virtueller Roboter zur Verfügung dessen Bewegungen sich auf den realen Meccanoid übertragen lassen. Auch diese Methode bietet keine richtige Programmierung, handelt es sich hierbei auch nur um das Aufzeichnen von Bewegungsabläufen. Richtige Programmierung ist hingegen mit der „Drag and Drop – Programmierung“ in der App möglich. Hier lassen sich einfache Programme zusammensetzen, die änhlich wie ein Ablaufdiagramm aufgebaut ist. Es kann auf Ereignisse (Inputs) wie Zeit, Motorenbewegung, Knopdrücke, etc reagiert werden und daraufhin Bewegungen, Sprachausgabe, LED Farbwechsel und andere Vorgänge gestartet werden. Hier lassen sich auch erste einfach Programmabläufe und Programmierkonstrukte (Bedingungen, Schleifen) erlernen. Da der Meccanoid keine zusätzlichen Sensoren enthält, sind die Möglichkeiten hier leider etwas begrenzt. Die App bietet ein interaktives Tutorial mit englischer Sprachausgabe und deutschem Untertitel. Ansprechend für Kinder ist hier der „Coach Meccanoid“ virtuelle Roboter, der einen Schritt für Schritt an die Benutzung der App heranführt.

Ist der Meccanoid für den Einsatz im Klassenzimmer geeignet? Jein. Mit einer Bauzeit von 5-6 Stunden dauert der Aufbau viel zu lang für den Unterricht. Das Anlernen von Abläufen durch Bewegung des Roboters bietet keinen Lerneffekt. Das Verwenden der integrierten Sprachsteuerung und Dialog-Funktion (die bei mir auf Deutsch nicht funktionieren wollte), ist auf Grund der Lautstärke in einem Klassenraum nicht verwendbar. Drag und Drop Programmierung ist sicherlich für den Unterricht geeignet, leider fehlt es an Aufgabensätzen oder Anleitungen für den Unterricht von Meccano. Mit etwas Vorbereitung lässt sich hiermit aber der Einstieg in einfach Programmierungsabläufe unterrichten. Hoffnung auf zusätzliche, fortgeschrittene Funktionen macht das durch Meccano zur Verfügung gestellt Downloadportal für „Open Source Programmierung“. Hier finden sich Beispielprojekte und Bibliotheken zur Ansteuerung des Meccanoid durch Dritthersteller Hardware.

 

Soweit mein Eindruck vom Meccano Meccanoid XL 2.0. Solltet Ihr Fragen oder Anregungen haben, nutzt gerne die Kommentarfunktion. Bilder und Videos vom Aufbau folgen hier in Kürze.

Einsteigerset für Robotik Fans

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Wenn das selbst konstruierte Fahrzeug auf Knopfdruck losfährt, dann fühlt sich das einfach nur großartig an. Oder wenn die Fußgängerampel, die gerade erst gebaut wurde, genau so leuchtet wie geplant – dann leuchten auch die Augen der kleinen Baumeister. Mit dem ROBOTICS BT Smart Beginner Set (179,95 Euro, lieferbar ab März 2017) sind strahlende Kinderaugen vorprogrammiert.

Denn mit diesem Baukasten des Spielwarenherstellers „Made in Germany“ heißt es: bauen, programmieren, Spaß haben und verstehen. Das BT Smart Beginner Set richtet sich an Kinder ab acht Jahren und ist ein Komplettset. Einsteiger können also direkt loslegen – das Set enthält alles, was das Robotik-Herz begehrt. Es besteht aus 380 Bauteilen, inklusive Sensoren (zwei Fototransistoren, zwei Taster), Aktoren (zwei XS Motoren, zwei Lichtschranken LEDs) sowie der Steuereinheit BT Smart Controller.

Dank der anschaulichen Anleitungen lassen sich zwölf aufregende Modelle konstruieren, etwa ein Karussell, eine Schranke, ein Förderband mit Stanzmaschine, mobile Raupenmodelle, eine Ampel, ein Leuchtturm und ein Händetrockner. Wie die Modelle funktionieren sollen, das können die jungen Konstrukteure selbst programmieren.

Die Programmierung erfolgt über die leicht verständliche grafische Software ROBO Pro Light, die gratis zum Download für PC und Android-Tablets bereit steht. Ergänzend kann unter www.fischertechnik-elearning.com auf didaktisches Lernmaterial zurückgegriffen werden, welches ausführlich erklärt, wie das Programmieren der Modelle mit ROBO Pro Light funktioniert. Der BT Smart Controller wiederum ermöglicht es, die programmierten Modelle per Bluetooth-Technologie über den PC oder ein Tablet zu steuern. Der Controller hat vier Eingänge für Sensoren und zwei Ausgänge für Motoren und Lampen sowie über eine USB- und Bluetooth-4.0-Schnittstelle.

Das BT Smart Beginner Set verfügt somit über alles, um den Ingenieuren von morgen den Eintritt in die aufregende Welt der Robotik so leicht wie möglich zu machen.

Das BT Smart Beginner Set enthält einen Batteriehalter für 9-Volt-Blockbatterien (Batterie nicht enthalten).

Comparison of Meccanoid G15, G15KS, 2.0 and XL 2.0

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Name

Meccanoid

G15

Meccanoid

G15KS

Meccanoid

2.0

Meccanoid

XL 2.0
Robot height About 2 feet (61 cm) Almost 4 feet (122 cm) About 2 feet (61 cm) Almost 4 feet (122 cm)
Robot Material High-impact Polycarbonate High-impact Polycarbonate Durable ABS and high-impact polycarbonate Durable ABS and high-impact polycarbonate
Number of Parts 621 1223 497 1014
Number of Smart Motors 4 8 4 8
Number of Motors 2 2 2 2
Articulation Basic Advanced Basic Advanced
Power Supply 4x C-cell alkaline batteries Rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack 4x D-Cell alkaline batteries Rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack
Smart Device Communication (iOS and Android) Yes
Voice Recoginition Yes
Pre-programmed phrases 1000+ 4000+
L-I-M programming Yes
Ragdoll Programming Yes
Open source programming Yes
Drag and drop programming No Yes
Micro Controller Meccabrain
Flash Memory 64Mb 128Mb
Programmable LED Eyes (500+ colors) Yes

Vergleich Meccanoid G15, G15KS, 2.0 und XL 2.0

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Name

Meccanoid

G15

Meccanoid

G15KS

Meccanoid

2.0

Meccanoid

XL 2.0
Robotergröße ca. 61 cm ca. 122 cm ca. 61 cm ca. 122 cm
Robotermaterial robustes Polykarbonat robustes Polykarbonat Hochwertige, belastbare Kunststoff- und Polykarbonatteile Hochwertige, belastbare Kunststoff- und Polykarbonatteile
Anzahl der Teile 621 1223 497 1014
Anzahl der Servomotoren 4 8 4 8
Anzahl der Antriebsmotoren 2 2 2 2
Beweglichkeit Elementar Fortgeschritten Grundlegend Fortgeschritten
Stromversorgung 4 Alkali-Babyzellen C wiederaufladbarer Ni-MH-Akku 4 x D (LR61) wiederaufladbarer Ni-MH-Akku
Smartphone-Kommunikation (iOS und Android) Ja Ja Ja Ja
Stimmerkennung Ja Ja Ja Ja
Vorprogrammierte Fragen und Antworten 1000+ 1000+ 3000+ 3000+
L-I-M-Programmierung Ja Ja Ja Ja
„Ragdoll“-Fernsteuerungsfunktion Ja Ja Ja Ja
Quelltextoffene Programmierung (Open Source) Ja Ja Ja Ja
Mikrocontroller Meccabrain Meccabrain Meccabrain Meccabrain
Flash-Speicher 64Mb 64Mb 128Mb 128Mb
Programmierbare LED-Augen (500+ Farben) Ja Ja Ja Ja

uArm Swift: Multi-use Desktop Robotic Arm for Everyone

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In 2014 UFACTORY built the first open source desktop robotic arm, ushering in a new era of affordable desktop robotic arms for consumers. uArm is an Arduino-powered desktop 4-axis parallel-mechanism robot, easy to use, has multiple accessories and open sourced. In Jan 2014, uArm went on Kickstarter and became famous overnight, leading to an exclusive interview with WIRED. A standout quote from the piece: “Thirty years ago Bill Gates promised to put a computer on every desk in America, an ambitious sentiment echoed by Wang and company … The most innovative aspect of the entire project is probably the concept of putting a robot arm on your desk”.

As the robot arm is moving to various industries, its users have expanded from relatively minority geeks to robot lovers. The demand for better and easier user experience is increasing.

January 23, 2017, UFACTORY returns again, announcing two robotic arms in uArm Swift Series. Swift is intended to highlight the elegant texture of the fuselage, lightweight and portable form and flexible movement, just like a swift. This series has uArm Swift and uArm Swift Pro.

  • Hardware Upgrades

 

Performance improvements

1.Precision improvement

uArm Swift enhanced the control algorithm and increased the accuracy by 50%, from 1cm to 5mm.

uArm Swift Pro adapted self-designed reducer. Working with a high-precision stepping motor, uArm Swift Pro minimizes gear gap, improves joint accuracy, and is more compact. The built-in 12-bit magnetic encoder and motor forms instant position feedback, achieving closed-loop control, and improves the accuracy to unprecedented 0.2mm, perfectly performs 3D printing and laser engraving.

  1. Working scope improvement:

uArm Swift Series improves mechanical arm structure and increases working range by 20%, covering the working area of an entire A4 paper.

  1. CPU upgrade

uArm Swift Series upgrades the main board. We choose Arduino MEGA 2560, which is nearly 10 times larger in the storage space compared to the previous UNO edition.

  1. Accessories enhancements

uArm Swift Series has 4-axis, whether equipped with fixtures or suction head, the end of uArm can freely steer, and the replacement of accessories requires less than 30 seconds.

uArm Swift/uArm Swift Pro have a built-in socket for selected Seeed Grove modules.

uArm Swift Series can be equipped with a smart car, the uCar. uCar is a mobile open-source car, with infrared avoidance, trajectory planning functions.

uArm Swift Series adapts CNC integral forming process, and the whole body is matte black. uArm Swift looks has a more minimalistic design. The aluminum body is light and stable, enhancing the overall rigidity.

Compared with the previous version, uArm Swift series redesigned the base, inserted the mainboard and added power button, function switching button, play button and menu button. The new indicator light shows the current operation mode and status of uArm Swift.

 

 

  • Software upgrade

uArm Swift Series support PC + mobile control.

Software upgrade -uArm Studio

uArm Studio is a brand new cross-platform robotic arm control software. It has integrated offline learning, graphical programming and instant control functions, manipulate the robotic arm to finish complex tasks.

  1. Teach & Play Offline Learning Mode

Teach uArm Swift by your own hand to learn move, gripping, dropping, and save them with just a click to replay on Blockly mode. uArm Swift can also sync offline learning data once connected.

  1. Blockly-based graphical programming

Blockly is a web-based visual programming tool, allowing users to program without needing to code The software is designed to be so simple that even even preschool children could create a program easily. Detailed tutorial will be provided for your quick guide and interesting secondary development.

  1. Instant Control

uArm Studio has combined control of keyboard and mouse. Developers may use keyboard hotkeys and mouse simultaneously to control move, gripping, and dropping of the robotic arm, and it supports customize hot keys.

After connect with LeapMotion, users of uArm Swift may use their own hand to control gesture such as move, gripping and dropping etc.

 

Software upgrade –

APP-uArm Play

Robotic Arm has built-in Bluetooth module, simply connect your smartphone with uArm Play to remote control your uArm Swift or uArm Swift Pro.

Your smartphone can also work as an external actuator, download and run a program from Blockly.

 

UCS

UCS, also known as uArm Creator Studio, which is a open sourced developer tool developed by UFACTORY. UCS has integrated graphical programming and coding, to achieve features such as rapid development, visualize and easy sharing.

 

  1. Rapid Development

With numerous commands of UCS, developers don’t need to construct programming environment.

For programming developers, UCS is a rapid development tool, developers doesn’t need to construct programming environment, any interface of the whole system supports Python script, all variables can be sharing between visual programming and coding which means you don’t need to copy setting each time.

 

  1. Built-in Robotic Vision

UCS has integrated complex robotic vision function, just need to connect with the camera, so the uArm can “see” and adapt to different environment.

The camera can instantly locate, memorize, recognize and track 3D space position of objects.

3.Easy Sharing

Every creator will be able to save their own work as .task file format through the UCS programming, and it supports one click sharing to the official website of UFACTORY or Reddit Community, copying scenario in just one click on other robotic arms.

The uArm Swift Pro is a “Open Sourced” design concept with more freedom, simplicity, and functions. This is a whole new open platform came from developers, back to developers, and still that Open Source Robotic Arm. We just can’t wait to become  your comprehensive desktop assistant!