Hannover, 3. Februar 2022 – In diesem Jahr gibt es frischen Input aus der Maker-Community wieder live und in Farbe: Vier Maker Faires sind für 2022 geplant. Deutschlands größte Maker Faire findet am 10. und 11. September in Hannover statt. Erstmals gibt es das Format für Innovation und Macherkultur auch im Süden Deutschlands. Maker, Enthusiasten, Kreative und Erfinder treffen sich im Sommer zur Maker Faire Baden-Württemberg. Auch in Dortmund und Chemnitz stellen Maker ihre spannenden Ideen vor. Die Ticketshops sind eröffnet und die Calls for Makers laufen.
Los geht’s im Westen: Auf der 5. Maker Faire Ruhr in Dortmund werden am 26. und 27. März in der DASA, Deutschlands größter Arbeitsweltausstellung, wieder ungewöhnliche Experimente und ziemlich schräge Projekte von IT bis Design präsentiert.
Danach folgt die Premiere im Süden Deutschlands: Die erste Maker Faire Baden-Württemberg startet am 25. und 26. Juni, auf dem Gelände des RTunlimited in Reutlingen. In Kooperation mit dem Innoport in der Metropolregion Stuttgart stellen Maker gemeinsam mit Technologiepartnern ihre zukunftsweisenden Ideen und MINT-Projekte vor. „Wir verlassen den Standort Berlin und wollen zusätzlich zur Maker Faire Hannover im Norden die Maker Faire Baden-Württemberg als zweite große Leitveranstaltung in Deutschland für die Maker-Community aufbauen“, erklärt Anna Ludwig, Besuchermanagerin Maker Faire.
Für den 9. und 10. Juli sollten sich alle Wissbegierigen die Maker Faire Sachsen vormerken: Chemnitz ist nicht nur Kulturhauptstadt 2025, hier präsentieren inspirierende Maker jedes Jahr aufs Neue, wie kreativ man mit Wissenschaft und Technik umgehen kann.
Höhepunkt ist dann die Maker Faire Hannover: Am 10. und 11. September wandelt sich das Hannover Congress Centrum mit seinem idyllischen Außengelände bereits zum achten Mal in einen Schauplatz kreativer Ideen. „Dieses Jahr wird es internationaler und zweisprachig!“, sagt Daniel Rohlfing, Leiter Events und Produktmanagement. „Wir laden Maker aus der ganzen Welt zu uns ein, ihre Genialität bei uns unter Beweis zu stellen.“ Die Maker Faire Hannover hat sich in der niedersächsischen Landeshauptstadt als „Must-see-Event“ etabliert und zog in der Vergangenheit rund 20.000 Besucherinnen und Besucher an.
Ab sofort können für die beiden Leitveranstaltungen, die Maker Faire Baden-Württemberg und die Maker Faire Hannover, Tickets gebucht werden. Auch die Calls for Makers laufen auf Hochtouren. Interessierte Maker können sich für einen Stand, einen Workshop oder Vortrag anmelden. Auch Unternehmen haben noch Zeit, sich für eine Ausstellungsteilnahme zu entscheiden.
Sophie writes on behalf of Panda Security covering cybersecurity and online safety best practices for consumers and families. Specifically, she is interested in removing the barriers of complicated cybersecurity topics and teaching data security in a way that is accessible to all. Her most recent piece is on the evolution of robotic dogs and where they're headed next.
Robots have been a point of fascination and study for centuries as researchers and inventors have sought to explore the potential for automated technology. While there’s a long history of the development and creation of autonomous machines, mobile, quadrupedal robots — or four-legged robotic dogs — have seen a significant boom in the last few decades.
The development of quadrupedal robots stems from the necessity of mobile robots in exploring dangerous or unstructured terrains. Compared to other mobile robots (like wheeled or bipedal/two-legged robots), quadrupedal robots are a superior locomotion system in terms of stability, control and speed.
The capabilities of quadrupedal robots are being explored in a variety of fields, from construction and entertainment to space exploration and military operations. Today, modern robotic dogs can be purchased by businesses and developers to complete tasks and explore environments deemed too dangerous for humans. Read on for the evolution of robotic dogs and where they might be headed in the future.
1966: Phony Pony
Although it technically mirrored the form of a horse, the Phony Pony was the first autonomous quadrupedal robot to emerge in the U.S. that set the precedent for robotic dogs of the future. Equipped with electrical motors, the Pony Pony had two degrees of freedom, or joints, in each leg (the hip and the knee) and one adaptive joint in the frontal plane. The hip and knee joints were identical, allowing for both forward and backward walking movements.
The Phony Pony was capable of crawling, walking and trotting, albeit at a very slow speed. Thanks to its spring-restrained “pelvic” structure, it was able to maintain static vertical stability during movement. Since the Phony Pony was developed before the advent of microprocessors, it could only be controlled through cables connected to a remote computer in an adjacent building.
Developer: Frank and McGhee
Use: Initial research and development of autonomous quadrupeds
1999: AIBO
In the late 1990s, Sony’s AIBO — one of the most iconic and advanced entertainment robotic dogs — hit the market. While the AIBO (Artificial Intelligence RoBOt) was constructed for entertainment purposes, its machinery is still highly complex.
Developed with touch, hearing, sight and balancing capabilities, it can respond to voice commands, shake hands, walk and chase a ball. It can also express six “emotions”: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, dislike and surprise. Its emotional state is expressed through tail wagging, eye color changes and body movements, as well as through a series of sounds including barks, whines and growls. Today, the AIBO has been used across many research groups for the purpose of testing artificial intelligence and sensory integration techniques.
Developer: Sony
Use: Toys and entertainment
2005: BigDog
Boston Dynamics has become a leader in the world of robotics, specifically in their development of canine-inspired quadrupeds. Their first robotic dog, coined BigDog, arrived in 2005. Measuring three by two feet and weighing in at 240 pounds, BigDog was designed to support soldiers in the military. It can carry 340 pounds, climb up and down 35-degree inclines and successfully hike over rough terrains.
Each of BigDog’s legs has a passive linear pneumatic compliance — a system that controls contact forces between a robot and a rigid environment — and three active joints in the knees and hips. The robot is powered by a one-cylinder go-kart engine, and its dynamic regulating system allows it to maintain balance. Its movement sensors embrace joint position, joint force, ground contact, ground load and a stereo vision system.
In 2012, developers were still working to refine BigDog’s capabilities before plans to officially deploy it to military squads. However, the project was discontinued in 2015 after concluding its gas-powered engine was too noisy to be used in combat.
Developer: Boston Dynamics
Use: Assist soldiers in unsafe terrains
2009: LittleDog
Four years after BigDog came LittleDog, Boston Dynamics’ smallest quadrupedal robot to date. LittleDog was developed specifically for research purposes to be used by third parties investigating quadrupedal locomotion.
Each of LittleDog’s legs are powered by three electric motors fueled by lithium polymer batteries and have a maximum operation time of thirty minutes. LittleDog maintains a large range of motion and is capable of climbing, crawling and walking across rocky terrains. A PC-level computer placed on top of LittleDog is responsible for its movement sensors, controls and communications. It can be controlled remotely and includes data-logging support for data analysis purposes.
Developer: Boston Dynamics
Use: Research on locomotion in quadrupeds
2011: AlphaDog Proto
Continuing their efforts to develop military-grade robots, Boston Dynamics released AlphaDog Proto in 2011. Powered by a hydraulic actuation system, AlphaDog Proto is designed to support soldiers in carrying heavy gear across rocky terrains. It’s capable of carrying up to 400 pounds for as far as 20 miles, all within the span of 24 hours, without needing to refuel.
AlphaDog Proto is equipped with a GPS navigation and computer vision system that allows it to follow soldiers while carrying their gear. Thanks to an internal combustion engine, AlphaDog Proto proved to be quieter than its predecessor BigDog, making it more suitable for field missions.
Developer: Boston Dynamics
Use: Assist soldiers in carrying heavy gear over unsafe terrains
2012: Legged Squad Support System (LS3)
Boston Dynamics’ development of the Legged Squad Support System (LS3) came soon after the creation of BigDog in their efforts to continue refining their quadrupedal robots for soldiers and Marines. LS3 was capable of operating in hot, cold, wet and otherwise unfavorable conditions. It contained a stereo vision system with a pair of stereo cameras, which were mounted inside the robot’s head. This operated in conjunction with a light-detecting and ranging unit that allowed it to follow a soldier’s lead and record feedback obtained from the camera.
Compared to BigDog, LS3 was around 10 times quieter at certain times and had an increased walking speed of one to three miles per hour, increased jogging speed of five miles per hour and the ability to run across flat surfaces at seven miles per hour. It was also capable of responding to ten voice commands, which was a more efficient function for soldiers who would be too preoccupied with a mission to use manual controls.
Five years into development, LS3 had successfully been refined enough to be able to operate with Marines in a realistic combat exercise and was used to resupply combat squads in locations that were difficult for squad vehicles to reach. By 2015, however, the LS3 was shelved due to noise and repair limitations. While the Marines were ultimately unable to use the LS3 in service, it provided valuable research insights in the field of autonomous technology.
Developer: Boston Dynamics
Use: Assist soldiers in carrying heavy gear over unsafe terrains
2016: Spot
Spot is Boston Dynamics’ next creation in their line of quadrupedal robots, designed in an effort to move away from developing quadrupeds strictly for military use and instead move into more commercial use. Spot is significantly smaller than their previous models, weighing just 160 pounds. Spot is capable of exploring rocky terrains, avoiding objects in its path during travel and climbing stairs and hills.
Spot’s hardware is equipped with powerful control boards and five sensor units on all sides of its body that allow it to navigate an area autonomously from any angle. Twelve custom motors power Spot’s legs, gaining speed of up to five feet per second and operating for up to 90 minutes. Its sensors are able to capture spherical images and also allow for mobile manipulation for tasks such as opening doors and grasping objects. Spot’s control methods are far more advanced than Boston Dynamics’ earlier robots, allowing for autonomous control in a wider variety of situations.
Developer: Boston Dynamics
Use: Documenting construction process and monitoring remote high-risk environments
2016: ANYmal
While Boston Dynamics had been the main leader in quadrupedal robots since the early 2000s, Swiss robotics company ANYbotics came out with its own iteration of the robotic dog in 2016. Positioned as an end-to-end robotic inspection solution, ANYmal was developed for industrial use, specifically the inspection of unsafe environments like energy and industrial plants.
ANYmal is mounted with a variety of laser inspection sensors to provide visual, thermal and acoustic readings. Equipped with an on-board camera, it’s capable of remote panning and tilting settings to adjust views of the inspection site. ANYmal is capable of autonomously perceiving its environment, planning its navigation path and selecting proper footholds during travel. It can even walk up stairs and fit into difficult-to-reach areas that traditional wheeled robots can’t.
ANYmal has undergone a handful of development iterations since 2016 and is available for purchase as of 2021. ANYbotics is currently working on an upgraded version of the robot suitable for potentially explosive environments.
Developer: ETH Zurich and ANYbotics
Use: Remote inspection of unsafe environments
2021: Vision 60
One of the latest developments in quadrupedal robots is Ghost Robotics’ Vision 60 robotic dog, which has recently been tested at the U.S. Air Force’s Scott Air Force Base in Illinois as part of its one-year pilot testing program. Built to mitigate risks faced by Air Force pilots, Vision 60 features a rifle mounted on its back contained in a gun pod and is equipped with sensors that allow it to operate in a wide variety of unstable terrains. It’s also capable of thermal imaging, infrared configuration and high-definition video streaming.
Vision 60 can carry a maximum of 31 pounds and can travel at up to 5.24 feet per second. It’s considered a semi-autonomous robot due to its accompanying rifle; while it can accurately line up with a target on its own, it can’t open fire without a human operator (in accordance with the U.S. military’s autonomous systems policy prohibiting automatic target engagement).
Developer: Ghost Robotics
Use: Military and Homeland Security operations
2021: CyberDog
With more companies embracing the development of quadrupeds, Xiaomi Global followed suit and released their version named CyberDog. CyberDog is an experimental, open-source robot promoted as both a human-friendly companion and an asset by law enforcement and military. CyberDog is sleeker and smaller than its other robotic dog predecessors, carrying a payload of just 6.6 pounds and running over 10 feet per second.
CyberDog is equipped with multiple cameras and image sensors located across its body, including touch sensors and an ultra-wide fisheye lens. CyberDog can hold 128 gigabytes of storage and is powered by Nvidia’s Jetson Xavier AI platform to perform real-time analyses of its surroundings, create navigation paths, plot its destination and avoid obstacles. CyberDog can also perform backflips and respond to voice commands thanks to its six microphones.
By making CyberDog an open-source project, Xiaomi hopes to expand its reach into the future of robot development and innovation. Its open-source nature is meant to encourage robotics enthusiasts to try their hand at writing code for CyberDog, giving the project more exposure and bolstering Xiaomi’s reputation in the robotics community.
Developer: Xiaomi Global
Use: An open-source platform for developers to build upon
While the market for quadrupedal robots is still in its early stages, interest is steadily growing in a wide range of industries. As for fears of robots pushing out the need for traditionally human-led jobs, these machines are more intended to support humans alongside their jobs rather than replace them outright.
On the other hand, privacy concerns associated with robots aren’t to be ignored. As with any tech-enabled device, hacking is always possible, especially for open-source robotic models that can put users’ personal information at risk. This applies not only to the quadrupeds discussed above, but to more common commercial robotic systems like baby monitors, security systems and other WiFi-connected devices. It’s important to ensure your home network system is as strong and secure as possible with a home antivirus platform.
The true AI vision robotic arm powered by Jetson Nano is affordable and open-source, making your AI creativity into reality.
In recent years, there are more makers, students, enthusiasts, and engineers learning artificial intelligence technology, and many interesting AI projects are being developed as well.Hiwonder brings the power of AI to robot, build a true AI robotic arm— JetMax, to enhance the AI and robotic learning experience for everyone.
JetMax featurs Deep Learning and Computer Vision abilities. It is equipped with Jetson Nano and HD Wide Angle camera, which enables it to interact with the perceived environment efficiently. It empowers you to skillfully make your AI creativity into reality.
Being an AI Vision Robotic Arm, JetMax not only features AI vision but has a clever brain as well. Supporting you in learning coding, researching AI robotics applications, and bringing your AI ideas to life. It can be your helping hand in a lab, university, or workshop.
Powered by NVIDIA Jetson Nano
The open-source JetMax robot arm is powered by Jetson Nano, featuring deep learning, computer vision and more. Jetson Nano has the performance needed to power modern AI workloads to enable JetMax robot arm with advanced AI capabilities.
Supports multiple types of EoAT (End-of-Arm Tooling)
Supporting multiple types of end-of-arm tooling such as grippers, suction cup, pen holder, electromagnet etc, JetMax provides you with many ways of creative design applications.
Open-Source
JetMax is an open platform hardware product. We contribute numerous project source and AI tutorials. Additionally, the API interface is completely opened for customization and supports, such as Python, C++ and JAVA languages.
Canadian company MYNYMAL PC recently announced their newest innovation, a computer designed to be as minimalist as possible. The computer’s size comes in smaller than a tissue box yet houses a fully-fledged Windows desktop computer capable of day-to-day work and entertainment. Despite its humble appearance, this mini-computer packs quite a punch. A 4-core 8-thread CPU capable of photo editing, video editing, 3D modeling, and even light gaming makes this computer a useful tool and not just a decoration.
As decoration, it excels as well. The simple cube design is available in four different textures: Maple Wood, Concrete, White Marble, and Brushed Gunmetal Gray. This gives the buyer a variety of material choices to make the PC fit in best with the interior design of their home. The computer can be removed from the acrylic enclosure for hardware upgrades, and in the future MYNYMAL plans to sell the enclosures individually so that you can swap them out easily depending on the aesthetic you want. „We believe that technology should have both form and function, not just one or the other,“ said Gerard Cirera, Founder and CEO of MYNYMAL PC.
In addition to standard vinyl textures and materials, a limited amount of cube computers will come with interior RGB lighting and a custom Ore Block texture. An included remote control lets the user adjust the lighting to choose from red (redstone), blue (diamond), and many other colours and effects.
The MYNYMAL PC combines modern, minimalist design with the tech in your home, so you can finally get rid of that bulky old tower computer you don’t know where to put.
3D printing experts Tiertime, recently announced the launch of Cetus2, an advanced printer that uses an innovative new print head design making it possible to use one nozzle and switch seamlessly between multiple materials and colors on the fly. No need for nozzle alignment and no need to stop or print purge tower, Cetus2 is time and material saving, and capable of fast material switching during printing. This unique time & material saving feature has never before been possible with traditional FDM 3D printers and opens a new world of creativity for users. This exciting new product is perfect for makers and professionals who wish to elevate their 3D printing efficiency and creativity. Cetus2 is available now. Learn more here: [link]
Cetus2 is able to seamlessly switch between 2 materials and colors on-the-fly for multi-color & multi-material 3D Printing. There is no need to stop printing during the switch. Composite materials and colors are mixed at a ratio of 0-100%, resulting in brand-new printing effects and material properties – something completely new for FDM printing. This advanced material switching process is very fast, compared with traditional dual-extruder printing, which greatly accelerates model making and saves material. Although the technology in Cetus2 is advanced, the operation is simple and intuitive thanks to fully automatic leveling and Z-Level calibration along with powerful software that allows users to customize the path of the model outline and material switching points, which can produce special textures, colors, and effects.
The newly developed software for the Cetus2 multi-material system allows you to define every position of material switching on the model with a simple setup. Cetus2’s self-developed software is powerful yet simple to use for voxel-level 3D printing. With built-in tools to customize the path of the model outline, simple setups of material switching points, the ability to produce special texture effects, and more, you will turn your 3D models into multi-color & multi-material masterpieces in no time.
“Hobbyists, makers, and professionals alike are using 3D printing for creativity, industry and fun. This groundbreaking technology gets better and more affordable continuously. The one drawback however has been the relatively slow process and the need for time-consuming setups that are required when printing models of differing materials and colors. Cetus2 revolutionizes that process with a totally new print head design for seamless material and color switching that elevates and expands what you can do with 3D printing. ” Tiertime, CEO
In addition to the revolutionary on-the-fly material switching, Cetus2 is packed with powerful features for advanced 3D printing such as single/dual extruder options, automatic build platform, touch screen
control, internet remote control support and full Gcode support. As a creative tool, Cetus2 offers endless possibilities. Whether printing something for fun from PLA, or producing functional prototypes from engineering materials – Cetus2 can handle any task with ease and blended creativity.
Cetus2 with on-the-fly material and color switching is available now with special deals and discounts for early adopters.
Der „Crawler“ übernimmt lebensgefährliche Wartungseinsätze in Pipelines – ausgerüstet mit Energieführungen von igus
Köln, 11. Januar 2022 – Er erledigt Arbeit, die für Menschen Lebensgefahr bedeutet: Der ferngesteuerte Roboter „Crawler“ saniert Innenwände von Pipelines in Kraftwerken. Eine Automation, die unter anderem deshalb zuverlässig gelingt, weil Energie- und Datenleitungen vor den rauen Umgebungsbedingungen geschützt sind. Hier setzt der US-amerikanische Hersteller Remote Orbital Installations LLC auf die Zusammenarbeit mit igus.
Wie gefährlich die Arbeit in Pipelines sein kann, zeigt ein tragischer Unfall, der sich 2007 in einem Kraftwerk in Colorado ereignete. Als Arbeiter im Inneren einer Druckrohrleitung, die Wasser zu den Turbinen leitet, eine Epoxidharzbeschichtung auftrugen, entzündete sich ein brennbares Lösungsmittel. Fünf Menschen kamen ums Leben. Ein Schicksal, das Remote Orbital Installations (LLC) und Big Sky Engineering anderen Arbeitern ersparen möchten. Die beiden US-amerikanischen Unternehmen haben deshalb den Crawler entwickelt – eine fernsteuerbare Roboterplattform auf vier Rädern, die durch Rohrleitungen fährt, die Innenwände mit einem Strahlwerkzeug reinigt und mit Epoxidharz neu auskleidet. Die Arbeiter befinden sich währenddessen in Sicherheit, am anderen Ende der Steuerleitung. Doch bevor der Crawler bereit für den Einsatz war, mussten die Ingenieure einige Herausforderungen meistern. Unter anderem galt es, Bauteile zu finden, die der schmutzigen und feuchten Umgebung im Inneren der Pipeline standhalten – ansonsten könnten Ausfälle dazu führen, dass Arbeiter das Rohr betreten und sich in Gefahr bringen müssten. Zu diesen Bauteilen zählten Führungen, die Energie- und Datenleitungen des Roboters vor Beschädigungen durch unkontrollierte Bewegungen schützen sollen.
„Die Langlebigkeit der igus Produkte war entscheidend für den Erfolg“
Fündig wurden die US-amerikanischen Konstrukteure jenseits des Atlantiks bei igus. Die Energieketten des plastics motion Spezialisten übernehmen an mehreren Stellen die Führung von Energie- und Datenleitungen. Sie führen beispielsweise die Leitungen des Mechanismus, der die Radbreite des Crawlers auf den Rohrdurchmesser einstellt. Ebenso Leitungen des Auslegers, der für die Höhenverstellung der Werkzeuge verantwortlich ist. Und für die Sicherheit von hängenden Leitungen sorgen geschlossene Energieketten der triflex Serie, die dank tordierbarer Kettenglieder kontrollierte, dreidimensionale Bewegungen ermöglichen. Alle Energieketten im Crawler bestehen aus einem verschleißfesten, robusten, chemikalienbeständigen und korrosionsfreien Hochleistungskunststoff, der auch widrigsten Umgebungen über Jahre zuverlässig standhält. „Die Langlebigkeit der Produkte von igus war entscheidend für den Erfolg des Crawlers“, bestätigt Ingenieur Mike Kronz. „Wir haben mehrere Projekte durchgeführt und hatten keinen einzigen Ausfall.“
Mutige Energiekettenlösungen: Anmeldung zum vector award 2022
Der Roboter Crawler ist ein Beispiel für einen Einsatz von Energieketten, der sich durch wirtschaftliche Effizienz und Mut zur Kreativität auszeichnet. Vergleichbare Anwendungen sucht igus für den vector award 2022, ein Wettbewerb, der einzigartige Energieführungslösungen prämiert. Eine Expertenjury – bestehend aus Vertretern der Wissenschaft, Industrie und Fachmedien – bestimmt die Gewinner zur Hannover Messe 2022. Das Preisgeld beträgt für den goldenen vector award beträgt 5.000 Euro. Einsendeschluss ist der 11. Februar 2022.
The Ameca humanoid robot combines AI with AB (Artificial Body) for relatable natural human gestures and upgradable modular mechanics via cloud-managed API development tool kit
LAS VEGAS—December 3rd, 2021—CES 2022 — Engineered Arts, a UK company that creates the most memorable interactive character experiences, today announced its latest humanoid robot named Ameca (pron. Am-ek-uh). Through 20 years of increasing robotics innovation, the Ameca series features ground-breaking advancements in movement and natural gestures, intelligent interaction, and a future-proof software system designed to embrace artificial intelligence and computer vision with adaptive learning—giving users an API customization pathway never before available.
Engineered Arts’ Ameca humanoid robot will take center stage at CES 2022 in Las Vegas at the Great Britain and Northern Ireland Pavilion in Tech West Hall G—lower level of the Venetian Expo Center, at Booth 62502 & 62524 from January 5th- 8th.
“A humanoid robot will always instil an image of what the future may hold. Ameca represents a perfect platform to explore how our machines can live with, collaborate, and enrich our lives in tomorrow’s sustainable communities,” said Morgan Roe, Director of Operations at Engineered Arts. “Ameca integrates both AI with AB (artificial body) for advanced, iterative technologies that deliver superior motion and gestures, all housed in a human form and robotic visage for a non-threatening, gender-neutral integration into an inclusive society,” added Roe.
The Engineered Arts team can create any robot figure in as little as four months. All Engineered Arts Ameca, Mesmer series and RoboThespian robot creations are available for ownership or through an integrated end-to-end rental program for special limited engagements and showcases across the world. To learn more about the humanoid robots from Engineered Arts visit: https://www.engineeredarts.co.uk/
About Engineered Arts
Engineered Arts, Ltd. integrates a talented team of engineers and creatives, working together to produce technology that lives and breathes engagement, imagination, and entertainment. At the heart of its robotic humanoids is the Tritium operating system, a cloud-based operating system that drives robot animation, interaction, maintenance links and content distribution. For more information visit: https://www.engineeredarts.co.uk/
