Veranstaltungstipp fürs Wochenende: Maker Faire im FEZ-Berlin

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Die Wissenschaftsmesse mit Jahrmarktcharakter für die ganze Familie

Hannover, 24. Mai 2018 – Am 26. und 27. Mai öffnet die Maker Faire von 10 bis 18 Uhr wieder ihre Türen. Dann verwandelt sich das FEZ-Berlin in einen großen Do-it-Yourself-Kosmos und präsentiert zahlreiche kreative Ausstellungen, Erfindungen, Mitmachstationen und Experimente. Rund 900 Maker präsentieren ihre neuesten Selbermach-Projekte und laden Groß und Klein zum Mitmachen ein.

Gleich am Eingang des FEZ begrüßt das Feuer spuckende Schrottmonster D1zzy die Gäste. Sein Erbauer, der Künstler Dyle Doghead, hat dazu auch noch seine beeindruckende Skulptur Blastr mitgebracht.

Die Besucher können sich zudem auf ein hochkarätiges Vortragsprogramm freuen. Die Abenteurer Tom Morgan und Stephane Rousson erzählen von ihren spekta­kulä­ren Himmelserkundungen und die ESA berichtet von ihren Maker-Technologien bei ihren Reisen zum Mond. Als Ehrengast wird der Amerikaner Dale Dougherty, der „Vater der Maker-Bewegung“, über Maker-Projekte im Zeitalter von Künstlicher Intelligenz sprechen. Des Weiteren gibt es ein Panel zum Thema Assistive Technology, bei dem diskutiert wird, wie Menschen mit Behinderung Hilfsmittel selber entwickeln können.

„Die Maker Faire Berlin zeigt: Nahezu jeder ist in der Lage, ein Produkt zu erfinden oder weiterzuentwickeln“, schreibt Michael Müller, Regierender Bürgermeister von Berlin, in seinem Grußwort zur Maker Faire. Und genau das kann man an allen Ständen sehen: Maker erklären, wie man Windkraftanlagen, 3D-Prothesen, Lichtinstallationen, Scanner, Lasercutter oder Roboter baut. Sie präsentieren spannende Nachhaltigkeitsideen und coole Upcycling-Projekte, etwa Schmuck aus alten Leiterplatten oder Lego mit PET-Flaschen. Sie alle haben Spaß und Leidenschaft dabei, so dass der Funke der Begeisterung sofort überspringt.

Das umfangreiche Mitmachpro­gramm ist auch für Kinder geeignet: So können sie am Make-Stand Blink-Makeys löten, sich mit den fahrenden Droiden R2D2 unterhalten oder das Lego-Auto mit bunten Klötzchen bebauen. Sie können das Audio-Memory ausprobieren, mit Pappe basteln, Schlüsselan­hänger nähen oder Zahnputzroboter programmieren.

Auch große Kreative kommen bei der Maker Faire voll auf ihre Kosten. Sie erfahren hier, wie man Modellautos mit dem Smartphone steuert oder Musikinstrumente selbst fertigen kann. Es gibt Hacking extra für Frauen und die Besucherinnen und Besucher können in die Sterne schauen.

„Zudem gibt es zum ersten Mal auf der Maker Faire in Berlin eine Singer/Songwriter-Bühne: Elf Künstler sorgen für musikalische Untermalung und präsentieren Songs aus den Bereichen Rock, Pop, Soul und Country. Das unterstreicht den Festivalcharakter und trägt noch mehr zu der einzigartigen Atmosphäre unserer Community-getriebenen Veranstaltung bei“, freut sich Daniel Rohlfing, Senior-Produktmanager der Maker Faire.

An den Publikumstagen am Wochenende, 26. und 27. Mai, richtet sich die Maker Faire an die gesamte Familie. Die Öffnungszeiten sind jeweils von 10 bis 18 Uhr. Tickets gibt es im Shop auf der Webseite maker-faire.de oder an der Tageskasse. Die Tagestickets kosten 15 Euro, ermäßigt 10 Euro. Familientickets gibt es für 32 Euro, Kinder unter 6 Jahren sind frei.

Presseakkreditierungen: Unter folgendem Link können sich Pressevertreter (auch Blogger, YouTuber und Jugend- und Schülerpresse) anmelden.

Alle Maker Faires in D/A/CH werden vom deutschsprachigen Make Magazin präsentiert.
Die Maker Faire Berlin ist eine unabhängig organisierte Veranstaltung unter der Lizenz von Maker Media, Inc.

MIMIC educational robots introduces robots you can code

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Cincinnati-based Entrepreneur launches Kickstarter campaign to launch ‘mimicArm’, your own programmable A.I. robot arm

Cincinnati, OH (April 14, 2018) – mimicEducationalRobots (a division of Robomotive Laboratories LLC) is changing the way coding is taught with mimicArm. The Cincinnati-based small family business launched a new Kickstarter campaign (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/713401305/662798422?ref=455790&token=e4d4249c) on April 24th to help advance the development and production of the new technology.

mimicArm is a desktop sized robot arm that represents a new approach to teaching programming. mimicArm is a collaborative robot, or “cobot”, designed to interact with human users.  Unlike other educational robots mimicArm teaches children to program robots to work in tandem with humans. Using the mimicArm controller children as young as 5 are immediately able to interact with mimicArm.  When they’re ready, users can begin coding using mimicBlock, a graphical coding interface.  mimicArm is also programmable using actual C code and includes simple pre-written functions to allow the quick creation of complicated programs. The provided programming experiments start simple, but build to complex interactive artificial intelligence programs. Paired with the inputBox and other sensors the user can create a truly interactive artificial intelligence robot arm.

Brett Pipitone, the Founder of mimicEducationalRobots is no stranger to Kickstarter.  “After a successfully-funded Doorbell Phone campaign on Kickstarter, I began to indulge in my love of robotics and introduced the Cortex:Robot Arm controller,” said Pipitone. “We continued to develop the technology by adding joints, cameras and motion and soon realized that we had developed something truly unique: The mimic immersion robot was born.  While mimic’s Kickstarter campaign didn’t reach it’s goal, the technology developed allowed us to build mimicArm, which we think could really make a difference in the world.”

The key to bringing mimicArm to life is the mimic arm controller with patent-pending Posi-Feeltm grip controllers. The user grips a simple scissor control and moves his or her arm and hand in natural ways.  mimicArm will “mimic” these motions. A series of joints, pivots and sensors are built into the mimicArm Controller to make this possible.  When the user is ready, easy to use programming software and robust examples walk them through the process of learning to program their own robot.

This assemblage of new technologies allows the user to see immediate frustration-free results without the risk of outgrowing the robot in a short time.  The infinite expandability and endless programming possibilities will keep even expert programmers captivated.

mimicEducationalRobots realized early that a single package would not fit all users needs, so backers have a choice of three packages, each with a unique user in mind.

  • The mimicArm kit version includes the robot and manual controller. This version is great for those who want to ease into robotics coding, or those that already have sensors that they’re ready to integrate with the robot.  Perfect for beginners and experts, this package is the most affordable option.
  • The mimicArm Super Fun Kit is centered around manual mode, with a set of accessories to maximize the fun factor. Users can stack the stacking blocks (included), or program the robot to do it for them.  The Great Big Button is also included, and offers additional capabilities for those honing their coding skills (or for those with younger siblings that really want to touch something). “mimicArm Super Fun Kit is targeted towards younger users, but is also a great way for beginners to make coding interesting as well,” says Pipitone.
  • The mimicArm Deluxe Kit is the most complete kit offered. Including everything from the mimicArm Super Fun Kit, the mimicArm Deluxe Kit adds the input box and IR Distance Sensor for maximum interactive possibilities.  The inputBox incorporates buttons, a microphone and other sensors, and a microSD card.  “Programmable with both mimicBlock and Arduino, the Deluxe kit really expands the possibilities. With this kit the user can truly program their own interactive robot,” says Pipitone.

MimicArm is a great educational tool, and users can be a part of it now by backing mimic on Kickstarter. According to Pipitone, „We’re teaching those who will deliver the personal robot of the future. We’re still working on flying cars and jet packs.“

For more information, please visit: http://www.mimicrobots.com/.

Finally – never again step barefoot on a LEGO® brick in the night! Leguino is now on Kickstarter.

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BELFAST, UK – March 2018 –  Leguino launches on Kickstarter and creates the opportunity to anyone to invent. Leguino has built a Sweeper Bot which collects all the lost LEGO® bricks from your floor. The Leguino team made it possible by using the brick shaped Leguino electronics and designed the software for this unique robot with Leguino Visuino, the visual drag and drop software development environment.
By removing the barriers between the worlds of LEGO® and Arduino™, Raspberry Pi and the endless range of electronics – Leguino is a unique marriage to break barriers and overrides limitations: It opens the door for building your next level Lego® project. Leguino parts deliver the bridge. Finally!

Imagine the typical LEGO® projects: Most of them are locked in the LEGO® environment and the really hot and interesting electronic modules which are available for Arduino™ or Raspberry Pi and other compatible components cannot be integrated properly. They do not fit. By using Leguino parts these obstacles are removed: Revert to the endless Arduino™ solutions and add them to your new breathtaking LEGO® projects. Make your prototypes with LEGO® and integrate unique Leguino devices with crazy functions: Microphones, infrared data transfer, OLED displays, humidity sensors or why not try out a real webserver? Connect your LEGO® project to the Internet and override all limitations.

Inventing software with Leguino Visuino is as easy as connecting LEGO® bricks. For those people who are not skilled in writing software, developing programs has never been easier. Instead of writing hundreds of lines of programming code – Leguino Visuino, the visual drag and drop software development environment does all the hard work for you. Just focus on what you will build with bricks, wire them together and see it running in minutes!

The Leguino Vision

The Leguino Vision started with a very straight forward approach: Merging simple tools together to empower people to overcome obstacles while inventing. The Leguino belief is that by lowering barriers more and more people can develop their dream projects and follow their own ideas and inspirations. Ones‘ age or manual skills may not restrict anymore.

Leguino – you are the inventor!

Segway Robotics Defines the Future of Mobile Robots with Loomo

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San Francisco, California – March 6, 2018 – Segway Robotics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Segway-Ninebot Group, is proud to launch Loomo, a smart machine that toggles between a mini personal transporter and mobile robot sidekick. Loomo is now available for pre-order on Indiegogo today, with limited early bird pricing starting at $1299.

Loomo will launch with a core set of foundational features, with more capabilities unlocked over time through over-the-air (OTA) updates. Out of the box, you can ride Loomo as a mini transporter, let it follow you autonomously as a robot sidekick, or show off Loomo’s playful personality to your friends. Loomo also comes with a free Android-based SDK for professional developers and enthusiasts alike to build on top of our mobility + AI platform.

 

Loomo’s key features include:

 

  • Self-Balancing Transporter: Smooth ride experience across most terrain types, with speeds of up to 11 MPH, and the capacity to cover 22 miles in one charge; a voice-based tutorial allows anyone to learn how to ride Loomo in mere minutes
  • Auto-Follow Expert: With advanced computer vision, Loomo can follow you autonomously, shoot stabilized video, and more
  • Avatar: Use your smartphone as a remote control to access all of Loomo’s capabilities – see, speak, interact, and explore as if you are Loomo
  • Friendly & Expressive Personality: Powered by its emotion engine, Loomo’s lovable nature and lighthearted expressions will cheer you up and impress everyone around you
  • Multiple Control Methods: You can control Loomo via your smartphone app, voice command, gestures and touch sensors
  • New Skills Unlocked Over-the-Air (OTA): Loomo will continuously update its software and app OTA to include new features
  • Free Loomo Android SDK for developers: Directly access Loomo’s mobility and AI capabilities to build a range of playful features or practical solutions

 

“Segway-Ninebot has already put millions of wheels on the ground that cover 180 million kilometers each year. But what happens if you combine Segway’s proven mobility technology with cutting-edge AI? Well say hello to Loomo,” said Li Pu, President of Segway Robotics.  “For many, Loomo is a reflection of our movie fantasies growing up… it embodies our vision of how mobile personal robots can become a part of our everyday lives.”

The Loomo Indiegogo campaign launches March 6, 2018. Limited early bird pricing will be set at $1299. The basic pack includes 1 Loomo, 1 AC/DC adapter, 1 extended air tap, and 1 USB 3.0 Type-C cable. Loomo will begin shipping to backers in May 2018.

About Segway Robotics

Segway Robotics is a privately held company that focuses on developing and commercializing personal robots. Founded in 2015, it is fully owned by Segway-Ninebot Group, a Series C company. The company has notable backers including the likes of Sequoia Capital, Intel Capital and Xiaomi.

To find out more about Segway Robotics: http://www.segwayrobotics.com/

Leguino fills the gap between LEGO® and Arduino™ and Raspberry Pi – now presented on Kickstarter

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BELFAST, UK – March 2018 – Leguino is debuting on Kickstarter to fill the gap between two worlds of creation: LEGO® and Arduino™. The Leguino parts contain Arduino™ and Raspberry Pi compatible electronics and houses them into LEGO® compatible brick cases. Leguino delivers standard brick compatible cases for common Arduino and Raspberry Pi electronic components to enhance LEGO® projects and opens them to endless possibilities.

Imagine the typical LEGO® projects: Most of them are locked in the LEGO® environment and the really hot and interesting electronic modules which are available for Arduino™ or Raspberry Pi and other compatible components cannot be integrated properly. They do not fit. By using Leguino parts these obstacles are removed: Revert to the endless Arduino™ solutions and add them to your new breathtaking LEGO® projects. Make your prototypes with LEGO® and integrate unique Leguino devices with crazy functions: Microphones, infrared data transfer, OLED displays, humidity sensors or why not try out a real webserver? Connect your LEGO® project to the Internet and override all limitations.

Inventing software with Leguino Visuino is as easy as connecting LEGO® bricks. For those people who are not skilled in writing software, developing programs has never been easier. Instead of writing hundreds of lines of programming code – Leguino Visuino, the visual drag and drop software development environment does all the hard work for you. Just focus on what you will build with bricks, wire them together and see it running in minutes!

The Leguino Vision

The Leguino Vision started with a very straight forward approach: Merging simple tools together to empower people to overcome obstacles while inventing. The Leguino belief is that by lowering barriers more and more people can develop their dream projects and follow their own ideas and inspirations. Ones‘ age or manual skills may not restrict anymore.

Leguino – you are the inventor!

The Founder of Leguino

The Leguino founder Urs Markus Ernst Streidl has a demonstrated track record for successfully founding companys over 25 years. He has a degree in computer sciences and economics and has (co-)founded 8 tech companys. He is the winner of the German nation-wide Start-Up competition in 2006. He lives in Belfast, Northern Ireland where he cofounded one of his last ventures, BrainWaveBank LTD (one of the hottest Startups in Ireland). This venture has secured in excess of $1.5M in seed capital and R&D funding to date.
Leguino is the first project which integrates the knowledge of his own children (ages 7 and 9). They are the pros and enthusiasts at Leguino.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/leguinofan/leguino-merging-lego-with-arduinotm-you-are-the-in

Maker Faire Ruhr 2018

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iRobot Announces Stock Repurchase Program

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BEDFORD, Mass., Feb. 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ — iRobot Corp. (NASDAQ: IRBT), a
leader in consumer robots, today announced that its Board of Directors has
authorized a stock repurchase program. Under the program, iRobot may purchase
up to $50 million of its common stock beginning March 28, 2018 and ending
December 28, 2018.

Under the repurchase program, the Company is authorized to repurchase shares
through Rule 10b5-1 plans (which would permit the Company to repurchase shares
when the Company might otherwise be precluded from doing so under insider
trading laws), open market purchases, privately-negotiated transactions, block
purchases or otherwise in accordance with applicable federal securities laws,
including Rule 10b-18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The Company may
choose to suspend or discontinue the repurchase program at any time but cannot
carry over unused authorization amounts to future periods.

„The Board’s authorization of a share repurchase program reflects our
confidence in the health and long-term outlook of the company,“ said Colin
Angle, chairman and chief executive officer of iRobot. „With a strong balance
sheet and cash flows, we believe we can take advantage of volatile market
conditions to buy back our shares while maintaining the flexibility to make
strategic investments in our future.“

As of December 30, 2017, iRobot had 27,945,144 shares of common stock
outstanding.

About iRobot Corp.
iRobot, the leading global consumer robot company, designs and builds robots
that empower people to do more both inside and outside of the home. iRobot
created the home robot cleaning category with the introduction of its Roomba®
Vacuuming Robot in 2002. Today, iRobot is a global enterprise that has sold
more than 20 million robots worldwide. iRobot’s product line, including the
Roomba and the Braava® family of mopping robots, feature proprietary
technologies and advanced concepts in cleaning, mapping and navigation.
iRobot’s engineers are building an ecosystem of robots and data to enable the
smart home. For more information about iRobot, please visit www.irobot.com.

For iRobot Investors

Certain statements made in this press release that are not based on historical
information are forward-looking statements which are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
This press release contains express or implied forward-looking statements
relating to, among other things, iRobot Corporation’s expectations concerning
management’s plans for execution of a stock repurchase program, including the
maximum amount and duration of purchases of our common stock under our
authorized stock repurchase program.  These statements are neither promises
nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many
of which are beyond our control, which could cause actual results and actions
to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking
statements. Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place
undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the
date hereof. iRobot Corporation undertakes no obligation to update or revise
the information contained in this press release, whether as a result of new
information, future events or circumstances or otherwise. For additional
disclosure regarding these and other risks faced by iRobot Corporation, see
the disclosure contained in our public filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission including, without limitation, our most recent Annual
Report on Form 10-K.

Spring 2018: Berlin becomes Robot City!

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Robots&Girls – Techfashionlabel Startup in a new dimension.

The Berlin-based fashion label start-up company Robots&Girls GmbH establishes humanoid robots in the retail trade. Opening of the first workerbotkioskTM is scheduled for spring 2018 in the ‚BIKINI BERLIN‘ concept shopping mall. In order to finance this ambitious project, Robots&Girls has started a worldwide crowdfunding campaign on indiegogo.com on January 18th, 2018. (https://igg.me/at/robotsandgirls )


The robot Gisela in the Robot&Girls Kiosk

Encountering a humanoid robot is sometimes very difficult. A small kiosk in the middle of a concept shopping center in Berlin will very soon change this situation however. Robots&Girls GmbH will open the doors to the public of its first flagship store in the BIKINI BERLIN in Spring with a festive atmosphere and in the presence of the media and switch on the friendly huma- noid robot Gisela for it to start its work. The robot will then produce goods on its own in the unique shop and then hand over the final products to customers.

The TechFashion label company Robots&Girls will offer technical Gadgets such as wearab- les, TechJewelry and TechToys. The first product will be a small robot, that the robot Gisela assembles in front of her customers. Also ‘click and collect’ purchases are being considered. This involves customers being able to order goods in advance in Internet and then collect them at the workerbotkioskTM.

But Robots&Girls GmbH will however go much further. The newly established company also of- fers the kiosks for sale or rent and plans, following a successful start in Berlin, to bring worker- botkioskTM to the market as a franchise concept, or to grant individual licenses for use of the concept.

Robots&Girls GmbH operates as the worldwide first company to run, lease or grant licenses for kiosks as retail outlets run by humanoid robots.

RobotsandGirls.de

Meet your weird new robot friend! KD Interactive introduces My Loopy, a social robot that teaches early stem concepts

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February 16, 2018 – New York, NY – KD Interactive, maker of the best-selling line of kid-safe Kurio tablets and smartwatches, today introduces an innovative and fun new item for 2018: My Loopy, a social robot for kids as young as four.

“Teaching early STEM concepts through play is still an important focus in the toy industry and we saw a gap to fill for younger children in particular,” said Eric Levin, KD Group Strategic Director. “My Loopy is a fun and quirky robot companion that also introduces early coding skills for kids as young as four.”

KD Interactive’s new products for 2018 include:

My Loopy is a three-inch tall robot from the planet Loopitron with a big and quirky personality! Created by the scientists at LocoRobo, Loopy uses eight different sensors (light, tilt, motion, touch, temperature, proximity, gesture and sound) and artificial intelligence to engage kids as young as four through imaginative visual and auditory play. Loopy’s AI technology allows him to grow and create new play patterns as he interacts with his human buddy.

Loopy responds to his environment in real time: Turn off the lights and Loopy might go to sleep or say „Let’s partyyyyyyyyyyy!“ Make a loud noise to scare him. Watch Loopy shiver if the temperature gets cold or complain, „Ouch! I’m burning up!“ if it gets hot. With more than 150 jokes and quirky responses, you never know if he’ll greet you with „I missed you so much!“ or „What do ya want? I’m kinda busy here!“

Play eight different games with Loopy, including favorites like Hide-and-Seek and Simon Says. When paired with the My Loopy app (iOS/Android), kids can learn how to code their own Loopy responses, play games that test math and geography skills, and even create their own music for Loopy to dance to!

Loopy features multi-color animations and LED eyes that reflect his emotions and reactions, giving him a human-like personality! MSRP $79.99, Ages 4+, Rechargeable battery included, Available Fall 2018

About KD Interactive

KD Interactive is a division of KD Group, based in Lyon, France. The company has been making innovative kids electronic toys for more than 20 years, working with mass and specialty retailers in more than 20 countries around the world. The company’s in-house team of product engineers, scientists and educators is focused on creating products with huge play value that incorporate cutting-edge technologies into learning and childhood development. KD Interactive is well-known globally for its best-selling Kurio® line of kid-safe tablets and smart devices. For more information about KD Interactive, visit Group-KD.com.

Robby: A French evolutive robot enhancing curiosity

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Lille – France – February 14, 2018 – Robby, the first robot entirely hackable and adaptable, with Plug & Play extensions to awake your creativity, has now reached more than 55% of its goal on Kickstarter (http://kickstarter.mr-robotics.com). Robby is the spark of curiosity everyone need to learn and create. Our evolutive robot is simple enough for beginners to learn step-by-step programming & robotics and powerful in order for the most advanced ones to create, prototype and use it as an open-source working base.

How?

Curious innovators or students just have to follow the three easy steps below to create, learn and prototype:

choose the architecture: build the robot step-by-step starting by choosing its architecture according to its locomotion: holonomic (with three omni-directional wheels) or differential (with two classic wheels) training;
Add and remove Plug & Play extensions easily to the rhythm of your projects to achieve original constructions and more or less complex robots;
Program the robot with an intuitive Arduino library, lots of examples, tutorials, and a visual programming editor. For the most advanced one, you can participate to the open-source library and add your own functions.

For who?

Our goal is to stimulate the curiosity of everyone. We believe that learning complex disciplines can be achieved intuitively and with fun. Based on modularity and simple programming, our robots are designed to familiarize you with robotics, introduce you to programming and realize the most ambitious technological. But beginners aren’t the only one who will enjoy Robby. Based on an ARM Cortex-M4F 32 bit 120 MHz microcontroller, with a 12V extra long life Lipo 3S battery, DC-12V precise motors and incremental encoders, advanced ones will be able to program quickly a powerful platform that will be completed with DIY modules (breadboard sensors and extensions).

From the simple proximity sensor to the multi-articulated arm or the DIY sensor, several dozens of different configurations are possible and available to you! So don’t wait any longer to imagine and conceive! Robby can be used as a slaved robot, in order for everyone to discover, prototype, learn and create.

Mr. Robotics has worked for over one year to bring Robby to market. After dozens of prototypes and R&D testing, we have validated and tested our robot. The time has come to move forward with making Robby available to everyone, and that is why we launched a crowdfunding campaign. Find out more about the crowdfunding campaign at Kickstarter or on our website.

 

About Mr. Robotics:

We are three French students, who have launched the project one year ago. Olivier is currently doing an Engineer School at ENS Paris Saclay and working on the hardware and software. Guillaume, an alumni of Supmeca Engineer School, is currently focusing on the design and the production of the robot, in order to deliver everyone in time. Mathieu is at EDHEC Business School in Lille and manages the Marketing and Sales part.