First-time users can program their collaborative robots and industrial robots for free within minutes
System integrators and experienced users can develop, share, and customize sophisticated programs for application-specific features
ABB Robotics has expanded the scope of its free Wizard Easy Programming software for collaborative robots to include all six-axis industrial robots running on an ABB OmniCore™ controller. This makes ABB the first robot manufacturer to offer an easy-to-use no-code programming tool for cobots and six-axis industrial robots. This lowers the barriers to automation for early adopters and provides ecosystem partners and integrators with an efficient tool to support their customers.
„If we want to promote and advance the use of robotic automation on a global scale, we need to address the challenges and opportunities of the industry,“ says Marc Segura, head of the robotics division at ABB. „By adding our six-axis industrial robots to Wizard Easy Programming, ABB Robotics is responding to the skills shortage and increasing demand from manufacturing companies for simple and easy-to-use programming software for their robot fleets.“
Create robot applications without prior training
Wizard Easy Programming uses a graphic, drag-and-drop, no-code programming approach designed to simplify the development of robotic applications. The software allows both first-time and experienced robot users to create applications in minutes – a task that typically requires a week of training and another week of development work. Since its launch in 2020, Wizard Easy Programming has been used in a wide range of applications in conjunction with ABB’s YuMi, SWIFTI™ and GoFa™ collaborative robots.
Wizard Easy Programming, previously available for ABB’s collaborative robots, is now available for all of the company’s six-axis industrial robots. (Image: ABB)
The software offers users the opportunity to create complete programs for applications such as arc welding or machine tending without prior training. An intuitive graphical user interface allows you to customize existing programs and pre-programmed blocks to control various actions – from robot movements to signal instructions and force control – for added flexibility.
Efficiently generate specific codes for specific applications
Wizard Easy Programming also includes Skill Creator, a tool that helps system integrators and experts create custom, application-specific wizard blocks for their customers. Skill Creator simplifies the creation of new blocks for highly specific tasks such as machine tending and welding, but also for difficult applications such as medical tests. Ecosystem partners who develop accessories such as grippers, feeding systems and cameras will have access to a digital tool that allows them to share product-specific functionalities regardless of the type of robot to be used.
Wizard Easy Programming is pre-installed on all cobots and new six-axis industrial robots running ABB’s OmniCore controller. The leading robot controllers of the OmniCore family are characterized by an energy saving potential of 20 percent on average and a high degree of future-proofing – thanks to integrated digital connectivity and over 1,000 scalable functions.
More information about Wizard Easy Programming is available here.
ABB stellt als erster Hersteller intuitive, blockbasierte No-Code-Programmierung für alle Cobots und Sechsachs-Industrieroboter zur Verfügung
Erstanwender können ihre kollaborativen Roboter und Industrieroboter kostenlos innerhalb von Minuten programmieren
Systemintegratoren und erfahrene Anwender können anspruchsvolle Programme für anwendungsspezifische Funktionen entwickeln, mit anderen teilen und anpassen
ABB Robotics hat den Anwendungsbereich seiner kostenfreien Software Wizard Easy Programming für kollaborative Roboter um alle sechsachsigen Industrieroboter erweitert, die mit einer ABB OmniCore™-Steuerung laufen. Damit ist ABB der erste Roboterhersteller, der ein einfach zu bedienendes No-Code-Programmierungstool für Cobots und sechsachsige Industrieroboter anbietet. Dies senkt die Automatisierungshürden für Erstanwender und stellt Ökosystem-Partnern und Integratoren ein effizientes Tool zur Unterstützung ihrer Kunden zur Verfügung.
Die bisher für die kollaborativen Roboter von ABB verfügbare Software Wizard Easy Programming gibt es ab sofort auch für alle Sechsachs-Industrieroboter des Unternehmens. (Bild: ABB)
„Wenn wir den Einsatz von robotergestützter Automatisierung auf globaler Ebene fördern und vorantreiben wollen, müssen wir die Herausforderungen und Chancen der Industrie angehen“, sagt Marc Segura, Leiter der Robotics-Division bei ABB. „Durch die Erweiterung von Wizard Easy Programming um unsere Sechsachs-Industrieroboter reagiert ABB Robotics auf den Fachkräftemangel und die steigende Nachfrage von Fertigungsunternehmen nach einfacher und benutzerfreundlicher Programmiersoftware für ihre Roboterflotten.“
Roboteranwendungen ohne vorherige Schulung erstellen
Wizard Easy Programming nutzt einen grafischen, Drag-and-Drop-basierten No-Code-Programmieransatz, der darauf ausgelegt ist, die Entwicklung von Roboteranwendungen zu vereinfachen. Mit der Software können Erstanwender ebenso wie erfahrene Roboternutzer Anwendungen innerhalb von Minuten erstellen – eine Aufgabe, für die normalerweise eine Woche Schulung und eine weitere Woche Entwicklungsarbeit erforderlich ist. Seit seiner Einführung im Jahr 2020 kommt Wizard Easy Programming in Verbindung mit den kollaborativen ABB-Robotern YuMi, SWIFTI™ und GoFa™ in einer Vielzahl von Anwendungen zum Einsatz.
Die Software bietet Nutzern die Möglichkeit, ohne vorherige Schulung komplette Programme für Anwendungen wie Lichtbogenschweißen oder Maschinenbeschickung zu erstellen. Über eine intuitive grafische Benutzeroberfläche lassen sich bestehende Programme und vorprogrammierte Blöcke zur Steuerung verschiedener Aktionen – von Roboterbewegungen über Signalanweisungen bis hin zur Kraftsteuerung – anpassen, was ein Plus an Flexibilität bietet.
Spezifische Codes für bestimmte Anwendungen effizient generieren
Wizard Easy Programming beinhaltet zudem Skill Creator – ein Tool, das Systemintegratoren und Experten dabei hilft, benutzerdefinierte, anwendungsspezifische Wizard-Blöcke für ihre Kunden zu erstellen. Skill Creator vereinfacht das Erstellen neuer Blöcke für hochspezifische Aufgaben wie die Maschinenbeschickung und das Schweißen, aber auch für diffizile Anwendungen wie medizinische Tests. Ökosystem-Partner, die Zubehör wie Greifer, Zuführsysteme und Kameras entwickeln, erhalten Zugang zu einem digitalen Tool, mit dem sie produktspezifische Funktionalitäten unabhängig von der Art des zu verwendenden Roboters teilen können.
Wizard Easy Programming ist auf allen Cobots und neuen Sechsachs-Industrierobotern vorinstalliert, die mit der OmniCore-Steuerung von ABB laufen. Die führenden Robotersteuerungen der OmniCore-Familie zeichnen sich durch ein Energieeinsparungspotenzial von durchschnittlich 20 Prozent und eine hohe Zukunftssicherheit aus – dank integrierter digitaler Konnektivität und über 1.000 skalierbaren Funktionen.
Mehr Informationen über Wizard Easy Programming stehen hier zur Verfügung.
IDS NXT malibu marks a new class of intelligent industrial cameras that act as edge devices and generate AI overlays in live video streams. For the new camera series, IDS Imaging Development Systems has collaborated with Ambarella, leading developer of visual AI products, making consumer technology available for demanding applications in industrial quality. It features Ambarella’s CVflow® AI vision system on chip and takes full advantage of the SoC’s advanced image processing and on-camera AI capabilities. Consequently, Image analysis can be performed at high speed (>25fps) and displayed as live overlays in compressed video streams via the RTSP protocol for end devices.
Thanks to the SoC’s integrated image signal processor (ISP), the information captured by the light-sensitive onsemi AR0521 image sensor is processed directly on the camera and accelerated by its integrated hardware. The camera also offers helpful automatic features, such as brightness, noise and colour correction, which significantly improve image quality.
„With IDS NXT malibu, we have developed an industrial camera that can analyse images in real time and incorporate results directly into video streams,” explained Kai Hartmann, Product Innovation Manager at IDS. “The combination of on-camera AI with compression and streaming is a novelty in the industrial setting, opening up new application scenarios for intelligent image processing.“
These on-camera capabilities were made possible through close collaboration between IDS and Ambarella, leveraging the companies’ strengths in industrial camera and consumer technology. „We are proud to work with IDS, a leading company in industrial image processing,” said Jerome Gigot, senior director of marketing at Ambarella. “The IDS NXT malibu represents a new class of industrial-grade edge AI cameras, achieving fast inference times and high image quality via our CVflow AI vision SoC.“
IDS NXT malibu has entered series production. The camera is part of the IDS NXT all-in-one AI system. Optimally coordinated components – from the camera to the AI vision studio – accompany the entire workflow. This includes the acquisition of images and their labelling, through to the training of a neural network and its execution on the IDS NXT series of cameras.
Mit der Produktneuheit Smart Robots Pro bietet fischertechnik ein spannendes Komplettpaket, das nicht nur kreatives Bauen fördert, sondern auch Programmierkenntnisse vermittelt. Das Set wurde für Kinder ab acht Jahren entwickelt und ist seit September im Handel erhältlich.
Das fischertechnik Set Smart Robots Pro enthält alles, was junge Technikbegeisterte brauchen, um zwölf faszinierende Modelle zu bauen, zu programmieren und zu steuern. Egal, ob es sich um den Fahrroboter mit Hinderniserkennung, das Karussell mit Blinklichtern, die Temperaturregelung mit Ventilator oder die Alarmanlage handelt – mit dem fischertechnik Smart Robots Pro können Programmierkenntnisse auf- und ausgebaut werden.
Ein Highlight des Konstruktionsbausets ist der BT Smart Controller. Dieser Controller verfügt unter anderem über vier Eingänge für digitale oder analoge Sensoren sowie zwei Ausgänge für Motoren oder Lampen.
Um die Programmierung der Modelle anschaulich und leicht verständlich zu gestalten, kann Smart Robots Pro mit der ROBO PRO Coding Software verwendet werden, die kostenlos zum Download in den jeweiligen App Stores bereitsteht. Diese Software ermöglicht es den jungen Entwicklerinnen und Entwicklern, ihre Modelle mühelos grafisch zu programmieren und zu steuern. Das didaktische Begleitmaterial, das über die E Learning-Plattform verfügbar ist, unterstützt den Lernprozess der Kinder und erklärt auf leicht verständliche Weise die Grund lagen der Programmierung.
Das Set ist nicht nur ein Spielzeug, sondern ein Bildungswerkzeug, das Spaß und Lernen miteinander verbindet. Es fördert die Kreativität, das Problemlösungsdenken und die technische Kompetenz junger Menschen. Gleichzeitig bietet es eine unterhaltsame Möglichkeit, die Programmierkenntnisse zu erlernen.
„Wir freuen uns, mit Smart Robots Pro ein innovatives Produkt auf den Markt zu bringen, das die nächste Generation von Technikenthusiasten inspirieren wird“, sagt Marc Schrag, fischertechnik Vertriebsleiter für Deutschland, Österreich und die Schweiz.
Smart Robots Pro ist seit September erhältlich (199,99 Euro, UVP) und verspricht stundenlangen Spielspaß und Lernen zugleich. Weitere Informationen und Produktbilder sind auf der fischertechnik Website zu finden unter www.fischertechnik.de.
I am passionate about technology and robotics. Here in my own blog, I am always taking on new tasks. But I have hardly ever worked with image processing. However, a colleague’s LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robot, which can recognize the rock, paper or scissors gestures of a hand with several different sensors, gave me an idea: „The robot should be able to ’see‘.“ Until now, the respective gesture had to be made at a very specific point in front of the robot in order to be reliably recognized. Several sensors were needed for this, which made the system inflexible and dampened the joy of playing. Can image processing solve this task more „elegantly“?
Rock-Paper-Scissors with Robot Inventor by Seshan Brothers. The robot which inspired me for this project
From the idea to implementation
In my search for a suitable camera, I came across IDS NXT – a complete system for the use of intelligent image processing. It fulfilled all my requirements and, thanks to artificial intelligence, much more besides pure gesture recognition. My interest was woken. Especially because the evaluation of the images and the communication of the results took place directly on or through the camera – without an additional PC! In addition, the IDS NXT Experience Kit came with all the components needed to start using the application immediately – without any prior knowledge of AI.
I took the idea further and began to develop a robot that would play the game „Rock, Paper, Scissors“ in the future – with a process similar to that in the classical sense: The (human) player is asked to perform one of the familiar gestures (scissors, stone, paper) in front of the camera. The virtual opponent has already randomly determined his gesture at this point. The move is evaluated in real time and the winner is displayed.
The first step: Gesture recognition by means of image processing
But until then, some intermediate steps were necessary. I began by implementing gesture recognition using image processing – new territory for me as a robotics fan. However, with the help of IDS lighthouse – a cloud-based AI vision studio – this was easier to realize than expected. Here, ideas evolve into complete applications. For this purpose, neural networks are trained by application images with the necessary product knowledge – such as in this case the individual gestures from different perspectives – and packaged into a suitable application workflow.
The training process was super easy, and I just used IDS Lighthouse’s step-by-step wizard after taking several hundred pictures of my hands using rock, scissor, or paper gestures from different angles against different backgrounds. The first trained AI was able to reliably recognize the gestures directly. This works for both left- and right-handers with a recognition rate of approx. 95%. Probabilities are returned for the labels „Rock“, „Paper“, „Scissor“, or „Nothing“. A satisfactory result. But what happens now with the data obtained?
Further processing
The further processing of the recognized gestures could be done by means of a specially created vision app. For this, the captured image of the respective gesture – after evaluation by the AI – must be passed on to the app. The latter „knows“ the rules of the game and can thus decide which gesture beats another. It then determines the winner. In the first stage of development, the app will also simulate the opponent. All this is currently in the making and will be implemented in the next step to become a „Rock, Paper, Scissors“-playing robot.
From play to everyday use
At first, the project is more of a gimmick. But what could come out of it? A gambling machine? Or maybe even an AI-based sign language translator?
After a series of successful Kickstarter Campaigns, Geek Club and CircuitMess launch their most ambitious project yet – a NASA-approved AI-powered scale model Replica of the Perseverance Space Rover
Zagreb, Croatia – October 31st, 2023. – Today, Geek Club and CircuitMess announced their Kickstarter space exploration campaign designed to teach children eleven and up about engineering, AI, and coding by assembling the iconic NASA Perseverance Space Rover, as well as a series of other NASA-inspired space vehicles.
This new space-themed line of DIY educational products was born out of both companies‘ shared vision to aim for the stars and to take their fans with them. The Kickstarter campaign starts today, October 31st, and will last for 35 days.
The collaboration was a logical union of the two companies. Both companies create educational STEM DIY kits that are targeted towards kids and adults. Both share the same mission: To make learning STEM skills easy and fun.
“For decades, the team and I have been crafting gadgets for geeks always inspired by space exploration,” says Nicolas Deladerrière, co-founder of Geek Club. “Inspired by Mars exploration, we’ve studied thousands of official documents and blueprints to craft an authentic Mars exploration experience. The product comes alive thanks to microchips, electromotors, and artificial intelligence. Imagine simulating your own Mars mission right from your desk!”
Geek Club is an American company that specializes in designing and producing DIY robotics kits that educate their users on soldering and electronics. They focus primarily on space exploration and robotics, all to make learning engineering skills easy and fun for kids, adults, and everyone in between.
“We have successfully delivered seven Kickstarter campaigns, raised more than 2.5 million dollars, and made hundreds of thousands of geeks all around the world extremely happy,” says Albert Gajšak, CEO of CircuitMess. “In a universe where space and technology are constantly growing, we’re here to ensure you’re never left behind.”
The new product line consists of five unique space-themed products:
1. The Perseverance Space Rover Kit
This kit is designed to be an educational journey into programming, electronics, robotics, and AI. The model comes with four electromotors, six wheels, a control system with a dual-core Espressif ESP32 processor, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth connectivity, a sample collection arm based on the real thing with two servo motors, a Wi-Fi-connected remote controller, and support for programming in Python or via a Scratch-inspired drag-and-drop visual coding environment.
Alongside the Perseverance Space Rover, you’ll be able to get more iconic space vehicles:
2. The Voyager: A DIY kit made as a tribute to NASA’s longest-lasting mission, which has been beaming back data for an incredible 45 years and counting.
3. Juno: A solar-powered DIY kit celebrating the mission that gave us the most detailed and breathtaking images of Jupiter.
4. Discovery: A DIY kit honoring the legendary space shuttle with 39 successful orbital flights under its belt.
5. The Artemis Watch: A sleek, space-themed wrist gadget inspired by NASA’s upcoming Artemis space suit design. The watch is a programmable device equipped with an LCD display, Bluetooth, and a gyroscope.
The Perseverance Educational Space Rover Kit is available for pre-order now on Kickstarter, starting at $149.
No previous experience or knowledge is needed for assembling your very own space rover. The kit is designed for anyone aged 11+ and comes with detailed video instructions.
Why no-code & low-code tools have become indispensable in robotics
Using robots is almost always worthwhile for companies. They can reduce labor costs, relieve employees, and make production more flexible – because the required batch sizes are becoming smaller and production processes more individual. In addition, a robot or cobot offers another major advantage: it can work without breaks and fatigue, thereby increasing product quality and reducing scrap.
With modern robot systems, almost all processes can now be automated. Usually, robots take over simple, dirty, monotonous, physically demanding, or even dangerous tasks. However, with the right hardware and, above all, software, very complex or particularly demanding tasks, so-called „Advanced Robotics“ applications, can also be solved. Examples of this include the assembly of flexible and bendable components such as cables, wires, or hoses or force-controlled surface processing.
When teach points can be transferred from the real robot back to the programming software as well, such a solution seamlessly integrates into the commissioning process and saves unexpected effort; Source: Ridvan – stock.adobe.com
Following the no-code/low-code trend, there are various software solutions on the market that enable graphical and therefore simplified and faster programming. The advantage is that no special programming skills are required. The portfolio ranges from manufacturer-specific solutions to independent offerings that can be used to program robots from different manufacturers with one single software. Especially in the latter case, experts recommend using tools that automatically generate native robot code for the particular robot controller instead of controlling the robot arm via a separate IPC.
In the first case, users remain flexible when it comes to adjustments or optimizations during operation and avoid a lock-in effect, as they can continue to program the robot in the traditional way using line code even without using the software.
Whether with external engineering tools or line code, there are factors on the path to robot-based automation that users often underestimate and therefore do not pay enough attention to. How to avoid three of the most important stumbling blocks will be briefly explained below.
No-code/low-code tools simplify and speed up robot programming thanks to their template-based approach; Source: ArtiMinds Robotics GmbH
FACTOR 1: PROGRAMMING EFFORT
The time required for programming an application is usually not underestimated, but there are other pitfalls in this phase: for example, process tolerances and variances that have not been taken into account or the increased complexity when incorporating sensors or establishing a communication between the robot and a PLC. In addition, programming a system is often a tailor-made and complex solution that is difficult to adapt. Moreover, programmers often have their own style, which can make the resulting code or program difficult to understand and modify for other programmers. At this point, the market supports the user with the aforementioned no-code/low-code solutions. For example, with pre-defined function blocks, programs can be constructed and structured in a clear and understandable manner for others. Process tolerances and variances can also be automatically compensated, analyzed, and optimized by using the right software. If the corresponding interfaces are already integrated, the effort required to connect sensors or set up a PLC communication is also immensely reduced.
FACTOR 2: EFFORT DURING COMMISSIONING
A rule of thumb states that the cost of the robot itself is only about one-third of the initial cost of the cell, and experience shows that around 45 percent of the typical costs are incurred during ramp-up. This is because users often underestimate the time required for commissioning. Although the system is programmed offline and simulated throughout in advance, differences between theory and practice often become apparent during commissioning.
Thus, despite good preparation, the process can take significantly longer than planned, and adjustments and changes can quickly become expensive In addition, factors that were not apparent during digital preparation now need to be addressed on-site during commissioning. This makes this phase difficult to calculate. With consistent tools, the ramp-up can be implemented in a controlled manner and without great loss of time, so that this phase does not become a cost driver. It is important to combine simulation, programming, sensors, and data analysis in one single software package. This way, the engineering chain becomes consistent without the user having to compromise on functionality.
Programs can be structured and made traceable using pre-defined function blocks. Before commissioning, the process can be simulated as realistically as possible in a 3D simulation environment and tested; Source: ArtiMinds Robotics GmbH
This makes changes and adjustments faster, more flexible and easier. With ideally automatically generated robot code and the ability to transfer teach points back from the real robot into the software, such a solution integrates seamlessly and optimally into existing commissioning and maintenance processes. This also offers the greatest flexibility in terms of online and offline programming, allowing the user to choose the best option and easiest way for the respective task.
FACTOR 3: CHANGES DURING THE LIFECYCLE OF THE CELL
Even when the robot is running, there is still a danger that is often not considered: Over the system runtime, numerous changes in general conditions can occur that require adaptation of the programming.
These can be vibrations and shocks, for example caused from forklifts or other machines, wear and tear of tools, replacement parts that react differently than the previous components, changes in workpiece batches, and the space available in the hall or a change of the operating personnel. Changed lighting conditions and temperature conditions or the difference between a cold-started and warmed-up robot can also have an impact.
Software that standardizes and simplifies programming allows the user to react simply, quickly, and flexibly to these and many other changes and to make necessary adjustments in the program itself. If the worker uses a tool that also makes changes or the resulting consequences visible early on in terms of forces, cycle times, or defects and quality, it becomes easier to analyze and derive possible optimizations, which makes the user best prepared.
Voice assistants have become a crucial component of our everyday lives in today’s technologically sophisticated society. They assist us with work, respond to our inquiries, and even provide entertainment. Have you ever wondered how voice assistants operate or how to build your own? Spencer is here to satisfy your curiosity and provide a fun DIY activity, so stop searching. This blog post will introduce you to Spencer, a voice assistant that will brighten your day with jokes and provide you with all the information you need.
Meet Spencer
Spencer is a buddy that converses with you; it is more than simply a voice assistant. It can hear you well enough to comprehend all you say. It uses its large red button as a trigger to search the internet and give you straightforward answers. It’s a wonderful addition to your everyday routine because of Spencer’s endearing nature and capacity to make you grin.
Spencer’s Features: Your Interactive Voice Assistant Companion
1. Voice Interaction
High-quality audio communication is possible because of Spencer’s microphone. It comprehends your instructions, inquiries, and chats and offers a simple and straightforward approach for you to communicate with your voice assistant. Simply talk to Spencer, and it will answer as you would expect, giving the impression that you are conversing with a genuine friend.
2. Internet Connectivity and Information Retrieval
Spencer has internet access, allowing you to access a huge information base. You may have Spencer do a real-time internet search by pushing the huge red button on his chest. Spencer can search the web and provide you clear, succinct answers, whether you need to discover the solution to a trivia question, check the most recent news headlines, or collect information on a certain issue.
3. Personalization and Customization
Being wholly original is what Spencer is all about. You are allowed to alter its features and reactions to fit your tastes. Make Spencer reflect your style and personality by altering its external elements, such as colors, decals, or even adding accessories. To further create a genuinely customized experience, you may alter its reactions, jokes, and interactions to suit your sense of humor and personal tastes.
4. Entertainment and Engagement
Spencer is aware of how important laughing is to life. It has built-in jokes and amusing replies, so talking to your voice assistant is not only educational but also interesting and fun. Spencer’s amusing features will keep you entertained and involved whether you need a quick pick-me-up or want to have a good time with friends and family.
5. Learning and Educational STEM Experience
In particular, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) subjects are the focus of Spencer’s educational mission. You will learn useful skills in electronics, soldering, component assembly, and circuits by making Spencer. To further develop Spencer’s talents, you may go into programming, gaining practical experience with coding and computational thinking.
6. Inspiration and Creativity
Spencer acts as a springboard to spark your imagination and motivate further investigation. You may let your creativity run wild as you put together and customize your voice assistant. This do-it-yourself project promotes critical thinking, problem-solving, and invention, developing a creative and innovative mentality that may go beyond the context of making Spencer.
Recommended Age Group
Spencer is intended for those who are at least 11 years old. While the majority of the assembly procedures are simple, some, like soldering and tightening fasteners, call for prudence. Never be afraid to seek an adult for help if you need it. When using certain equipment and approaches, it is usually preferable to be guided.
Assembly Time Required
The construction of Spencer should take, on average, 4 hours to finish. However, take in mind that the timeframe may change based on your prior knowledge and expertise. Don’t worry if you’re unfamiliar with electronics! Enjoy the process, take your time, and don’t let any early difficulties get you down. You’ll grow more used to the procedures as you go along.
Skills Required
To start this DIY project, no special skills are needed. Fun and learning something new are the key goals. Your introduction to the field of electronics via Building Spencer will pique your interest in STEM fields and provide you the chance to get hands-on experience. Consider completing this assignment as the first step towards a lucrative engineering career.
Pros and Cons of Spencer
Pros of Spencer
Spencer provides an engaging and interactive experience, responding to voice commands and engaging in conversations to make you feel like you have a real companion.
With internet connectivity, Spencer can retrieve information in real-time, giving you quick answers to your questions and saving you time.
Spencer can be customized to reflect your style and preferences, allowing you to personalize its appearance, responses, and interactions.
Spencer comes with built-in jokes and entertaining responses, adding fun and amusement to your interactions with the voice assistant.
Building Spencer provides hands-on learning in electronics, soldering, circuitry, and programming, offering a valuable educational experience in STEM disciplines.
Cons of Spencer
The assembly process of Spencer may involve technical aspects such as soldering and component assembly, which can be challenging for beginners or individuals with limited experience.
Spencer heavily relies on internet connectivity to provide real-time answers and retrieve information, which means it may have limited functionality in areas with poor or no internet connection.
While Spencer offers basic voice assistant features, its capabilities may be more limited compared to advanced commercially available voice assistant devices.
Conclusion
Spencer, creating your own voice assistant is a fascinating and worthwhile endeavor. You’ll learn useful skills, expand your understanding of electronics, and enjoy the thrill of putting a complicated gadget together as you go along with the assembly process. Remember that the purpose of this project is to experience the thrill of learning, solving problems, and letting your imagination run free as well as to produce a final product. So be ready to join Spencer on this journey and discover a world of opportunities in the exciting world of voice assistants.
Konstanz, 28.06.2023 – fruitcore robotics hebt mit einem innovativen Betriebssystem, das die neueste KI-Technologie nutzt, die Industrieautomation auf ein neues Level. Industrieunternehmen steht mit horstOS ein neues Werkzeug zur Verfügung, das ihnen in jedem Schritt der Inbetriebnahme gesamter Anwendungen mit dem intelligenten Industrieroboter HORST zur Seite steht und dabei die Komplexität deutlich reduziert. Durch einen integrierten AI Copiloten können Industrieunternehmen die Effizienz ihrer Produktionsprozesse steigern und Zeit einsparen. „Generative KI treibt eine Veränderung vieler Aufgabenbereiche voran. Die neue Technologie wird die Automatisierung verändern und unseren Kunden eine ganze neue Automatisierungserfahrung verschaffen“, sagt Patrick Heimburger, Geschäftsführer (Chief Revenue Officer) von fruitcore robotics.
Das neue Betriebssystem von fruitcore robotics vereinfacht und beschleunigt die Konfiguration und Verwaltung aller am Prozess beteiligten Komponenten, das Programmieren sowie den Betrieb der fertig eingerichteten Anwendung. Die gesamte Steuerung von Roboter, Komponenten und bestehenden Industrieprozessen erfolgt über eine benutzerfreundliche Oberfläche, über die ihr Zusammenspiel noch leichter realisiert wird. horstOS umfasst im Wesentlichen drei miteinander verbundene Bereiche: den Bereich Komponentenmanagement, den Bereich für die
Programmerstellung und den Bereich Prozesssteuerung. Diese drei Bereiche bieten Anwendern alle Funktionen, mit denen sie ihre Gesamtanlagen schnell, einfach und effizient einrichten und nutzen können. Im Bereich Komponentenmanagement können Anwender dank standardisierter Schnittstellen alle für eine Gesamtanlage relevanten Komponenten wie beispielsweise Greifer, Kamerasysteme und Sicherheitssysteme nahtlos integrieren und zentral verwalten. Das Hinzufügen der Komponenten erfolgt mit einem Klick und ist bei allen Komponenten möglich, die über eine Web-App oder eine Digitale Schnittstelle verfügen – unabhängig vom Hersteller. Sollen bei einer der angeschlossenen Komponenten Statusinformationen abgefragt, Einstellungen kontrolliert oder Änderungen vorgenommen werden, lässt sich dies ganz einfach über das Roboterpanel mit horstOS als zentrale Bedienoberfläche umsetzen. Wechseln Anwender in den Bereich für die Programmerstellung finden sie sich in der intuitiven Bediensoftware horstFX wieder, in welcher sie den Programmablauf des Roboters unter Einbindung aller Komponenten erstellen. Steht der Programmablauf erstmal, kann dieser im Bereich Prozesssteuerung gestartet, gestoppt oder pausiert werden. Der Bereich Prozesssteuerung ermöglicht es Anwendern auch, den Betrieb und die Prozessüberwachung an ihre persönlichen Bedürfnisse und spezifischen Prozesse anzupassen. Mithilfe von Widgets können relevante Prozessdaten eingeblendet, der Status der angeschlossenen Komponenten angezeigt und häufig anzupassende Parameter zugänglich gemacht werden. So haben Anwender die volle Kontrolle über ihren Automatisierungsprozess.
Ask HORST Anything – AI Copilot hilft in allen Lebensphasen der Industrieroboter
„Unser neues Betriebssystem beinhaltet die fortschrittlichste Technologie und eine tiefe Integration künstlicher Intelligenz. Es setzt neue Standards für die schnelle Einbindung von Industrierobotern in Prozesse wie beispielsweise die Maschinenbeladung und -entladung, Qualitätssicherung, Teilevereinzelung oder Klebe- und Dichtmittelauftrag, so Patrick Heimburger. Mit dem AI Copiloten in horstOS erhalten Anwender einen intelligenten Assistenten, der in natürlicher Sprache in Echtzeit dabei unterstützt, die Herausforderungen der Automatisierung erfolgreich zu bewältigen. Ob bei der Einrichtung des Roboters und weiterer Komponenten, bei der Fehlerbehebung oder beim Vorschlagen von Programmbausteinen oder gar dem Schreiben ganzer Programme, der AI Copilot ermöglicht es Anwendern, schnell und präzise Lösungen für ihre Anwendungen zu finden und den Betrieb reibungslos aufrechtzuerhalten. Möchte der Anwender beispielsweise erfahren, wie er dem Roboter die von der Kamera ermittelte Teileposition übergeben kann, kann er diese Frage per Text-Prompt an den AI Copiloten richten und erhält innerhalb weniger Augenblicke den entsprechenden Code-Baustein.
Der AI Copilot von fruitcore robotics basiert auf ChatGPT und wurde speziell für die Anforderungen der Industrie trainiert. Er bietet Anwendern einen umfassenden Zugriff auf alle relevanten Anleitungen, Supportinhalte und Software-Dokumentationen von fruitcore robotics. Um Anwendern ein optimales Nutzungserlebnis zu bieten, setzt das Konstanzer Unternehmen auf stetige Erweiterungen der Fähigkeiten des AI Copiloten.
Zukunftsorientierte Automatisierung mit horstOS
Auch der Leistungsumfang von horstOS soll in den kommenden Jahren stetig wachsen. Schon heute ermöglicht der modulare Aufbau des Betriebssystems, externe Software und Services ohne großen Aufwand einzubinden. Auch anwenderspezifische Softwareprogramme und -oberflächen von OEMs können nahtlos integriert werden. „Durch horstOS wird die Zukunft der Automatisierung zur neuen Realität. Das System bietet umfangreiche Unterstützung, auch bei geringen Kenntnissen, und senkt
den Aufwand bei Einrichtung, Betrieb und After Sales maßgeblich“, erläutert Jens Riegger, Geschäftsführer (CEO) von fruitcore robotics. „Unsere intelligenten Industrieroboter sollen unseren Kunden nicht nur den besten Return-on-Investment auf dem Robotermarkt bieten. Insbesondere vor dem Hintergrund des allgegenwärtigen Fachkräftemangels sollen sie auch dabei helfen, die Produktivität zu steigern und wertvolle Zeit einzusparen“, so Jens Riegger.
Constance, June 28th, 2023 – fruitcore robotics takes industrial automation to a new level with an innovative operating system that uses the latest AI technology. With horstOS, industrial companies have a new tool at their disposal that assists them in every step of commissioning entire applications with the intelligent industrial robot HORST while significantly reducing complexity. With an integrated AI copilot, industrial companies can increase the efficiency of their production processes and save time. „Generative AI is driving a transformation of many task areas. The new technology will transform automation and provide our customers with a whole new automation experience,“ says Patrick Heimburger, Managing Director (Chief Revenue Officer) of fruitcore robotics.
The new operating system of fruitcore robotics simplifies and accelerates the configuration and management of all components involved in the process, the programming as well as the operation of the finished application. The entire control system of robots, components and existing industrial processes is carried out via a user-friendly interface through which their interaction is realized even more easily. horstOS essentially comprises three interconnected areas: the component management area, the program creation area and the process control system area. These three areas provide users with all the functions they need to set up and use their overall plants quickly, simple and efficiently.
In the component management area, users can seamlessly integrate and centrally manage all components relevant to an overall plant, such as grippers, camera systems and safety systems, thanks to standardized interfaces. Adding components takes just one click and is possible for all components that have a web app or a digital interface – regardless of the manufacturer. If status information needs to be queried for one of the connected components, settings need to be checked or changes need to be made, this can be implemented straightforward via the robot panel with horstOS as the central user interface. When users switch to the program creation area, they find themselves in the intuitive horstFX operating software, in which they create the robot’s program sequence with the integration of all components. Once the program sequence has been created, it can be started, stopped or paused in the process control system. The process control system also allows users to customize the operation and process monitoring to their personal needs and specific processes. Widgets can be used to show relevant process data, display the status of connected components, and access parameters that need to be adjusted frequently. This gives users full control over their automation process.
Ask HORST Anything – AI Copilot helps in all life phases of industrial robots
„Our new operating system incorporates the most advanced technology and deep integration of artificial intelligence. It sets new standards for the rapid integration of industrial robots into processes such as machine loading and unloading, quality assurance, parts separation or adhesive and sealant application, says Patrick Heimburger. With the AI Copilot in horstOS, users get an intelligent assistant that provides real-time support in natural language to successfully cope the challenges of automation. Whether setting up the robot and other components, troubleshooting, or suggesting program blocks or even writing entire programs, AI Copilot enables users to quickly and accurately find solutions for their applications and keep operations running smoothly. For example, if the user wants to know how to pass the part position detected by the camera to the robot, he can address this question to the AI Copilot via text prompt and receive the corresponding code block within a few moments.
The AI Copilot from fruitcore robotics is based on ChatGPT and has been specially trained for industry conditions. It offers users comprehensive access to all relevant instructions, support content and software documentation from fruitcore robotics. In order to provide users with an optimal user experience, the Constance-based company focuses on continuous enhancements of the AI Copilot’s capabilities.
Future-oriented automation with horstOS
The scope of horstOS is also expected to grow steadily in the coming years. The modular structure of the operating system already allows external software and services to be integrated without great effort. User-specific software programs and interfaces from OEMs can also be seamlessly integrated. „Through horstOS, the future of automation becomes a new reality. The system offers extensive support, even for those with little knowledge, and significantly reduces the effort required for setup, operation and after sales,“ explains Jens Riegger, Managing Director (CEO) of fruitcore robotics. „Our intelligent industrial robots are not only designed to offer our customers the best return-on investment in the robotics market. Especially against the backdrop of the ubiquitous shortage of skilled workers, they are also designed to help increase productivity and save valuable time,“ says Jens Riegger.
