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

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


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

 

A HANDS-­FREE CAMERA THAT FOLLOWS YOUR MOVEMENTS

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

KEEPS YOU INFORMED

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

ALL YOUR SERVICES AND DEVICES IN ONE PLACE

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

CUSTOMIZE TO YOUR LIFE -­ FROM MORNING TO NIGHT

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

Specs:

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

About PLENGoer Robotics Inc.

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

Kuri – A First-of-Its-Kind Home Robot Announced at 2017 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)

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Designed with personality, awareness, and mobility, Kuri enhances life at home and helps people connect

Mayfield Robotics , a Bosch startup out of Redwood City, CA, at CES proudly unveiled Kuri, an intelligent robot for the home. Kuri is designed with personality, awareness, and mobility, and adds a spark of life to any home. Priced at $699, Kuri is available for pre-order in the U.S. with a $100 deposit starting today at heykuri.com.

Kuri is built to connect with you and helps bring technology to life. Kuri can understand context and surroundings,recognize specific people, and respond to questions with facial expressions, head movements, and his unique lovable sounds. Like many adored robots in popular culture, his personality and ability to connect are his greatest attributes.

“For generations, people have dreamed of having their own personal robot in the home, and we’ve been focused on making that dream more of a reality,” said Sarah Osentoski, COO and co-founder of Mayfield Robotics. “We’re proud to introduce Kuri to the world and can’t wait to see how he touches the lives of everyone, ranging from parents and children to early technology adopters.”

Behind his clean design, Kuri is powered by serious hardware & capabilities:

  • A built-in 1080p camera so you can check-in on the house or pets while you’re away;
  • A 4-Microphone array, powerful dual speakers, and wifi + Bluetooth connectivity, so he can play music, read the kids a bedtime story, or follow you around playing podcasts while you’re getting ready for work;
  • Various sensors for mapping and detecting edges and objects so he knows where he is, and so you don’t have to worry about him bumping into that chair you forgot to put away, or driving down stairs;
  • Easily programmable tasks and IFTTT capabilities to connect within modern smart homes
  • Hours of battery life, and when it’s time to refuel, he simply returns himself to his charging dock for a quick charging nap.

“While insanely cute on the outside, Kuri contains serious technologies on the inside that represent the latest developments in smartphones, gaming, and robotics,” said Kaijen Hsiao, CTO and co-founder of Mayfield Robotics. “We hope Kuri introduces people — especially kids — to the power of technology and can inspire a new world of possibilities for their future.”

“I’m excited to finally share the work we’ve done,” said Mike Beebe, Mayfield Robotics’ CEO and co-founder. “We have an incredible team that’s focused on a single dream: home robots done right.”

Kuri is 20” tall, weighs about 14 lbs, and includes an app for iOS and Android for setup and controlcapabilities. Mayfield Robotics plans to ship the first Kuri robots for Holiday 2017.

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About Mayfield Robotics

Mayfield Robotics is the maker of Kuri, a new kind of intelligent home robot. Born out of the Bosch Startup Platform, the company is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch North America Corporation. Founded in 2015 by Sarah Osentoski, Kaijen Hsiao and Mike Beebe, the company is based out of Redwood City, California. For more information, visit www.mayfieldrobotics.com, and to pre-order Kuri, visit www.heykuri.com.

Panasonic Demonstrates Desktop „Companion“ Robot

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Panasonic announced it has developed a desktop „companion“ robot with human-like movements and communication skills. The robot, developed as a proof of concept, debuts at the Panasonic booth (#12908) at CES 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. during Jan 5-8.

„This test project builds on Panasonic’s innovations in robotics including battery and power solutions, vision and sensing, navigation solutions and motion control in a new appealing design. This is Panasonic’s latest effort in demonstrating network services in a friendly package, and we are showing this robot at CES as a way of obtaining feedback on its features and functions,“ said Takahiro Iijima, Director, Panasonic Design Strategy Office in North America.

The robot is equipped with a Wi-Fi network function that accesses artificial intelligence-based natural language processing technology. This enables it to communicate in a clear, friendly way. The robot is able to access and use cloud data, and commute with those in other locations. Thanks to its embedded projector, the robot can be used for distance learning and other purposes. The robot is about the size of a standard kitchen countertop blender.

Panasonic has submitted patent or design registration applications in the U.S. and other parts of the world.

Specifications (Based on test model; subject to change)

Product name Desktop companion robot
Dimensions Diameter: Up to 290 mm (9.5 inches)
Height: Up to 485 mm (1.5 feet)
Weight 3.7 kg (8.1 lbs)
Movement speed Max. 3.5 km/h (2.1 mph)
Battery Lithium ion battery
Capacity: 11.1 V 6600 mAh
Operable hours: Approx. 6 hours
Sensors 8 M pixel CMOS camera × 1, infrared sensors × 5
Motors Wheels: Pulse width modulation controlled DC motor × 4
Neck: Feedback controlled servo motor × 3
Projector WVGA+ (854 × 480 dots), 50 lumens
Language English
Processor & OS 1.2 GHz 64/32-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, UNIX OS
Wireless connectivity Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Bluetooth: Version 5

The robot has a cover that looks like an egg shell, which the robot can open to reveal a built-in projector. The robot also moves back and forward, and up and down. Its features and dexterity–designed to mimic human movements–inspires people to interact with it and are made possible with Panasonic-developed servo control technology. The robot’s child-like voice adds to the realism. Its voice and embedded projector work together to deliver natural communication that builds a sense of attachment with its human owner.

WiSoccero, The Soccer Player Robot

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WiSoccero is designed to take advantage of the exciting art of robotics by removing all the struggles involved and also adding a little more fun. It makes entering the world of Robotics as easy as possible. It begins by just playing with friends and travels to incredible areas like learning about robots and even developing amazing robotic projects.

WiSoccero is agile and versatile. Unlike traditional RC Cars, it can move in any direction without any hesitation. It employs a special wheel arrangement and omnidirectional wheels which gives it more freedom in maneuvering.In order to take advantage of this flexibility, the pack includes a customized DIY joystick kit that gives complete control of all its various features and capabilities over WiFi.

This soccer player robot is capable of kicking and passing the ball. It utilizes an electromechanical part (solenoid) and the necessary electrical drivers. This system is capable of kicking the ball with different level of force that can be controlled effortlessly.

WiSoccero needs to be powered by 3 Li-ion 18650 cylindrical rechargeable batteries (at least 2200 mAh in capacity) that under normal condition lasts for about 2 hours.

WiSoccero is based on ATmega2560 core and it has all standard Arduino Mega Headers. Also it’s equipped with WiLoader for WiFi programming and communication.

It also comes with a lot of great components for hobbyist and developers like three DC motor drivers, Gyroscope (for orientation setting), DIP switch, buzzer, two LED Strings, two configurable buttons, power and protection circuit, two rocker switches for turning circuit and motors on/off separately, isolated voltage booster circuit and power transistors  for kicker mechanism.

WiSoccero is truly developer friendly. Thanks to its Arduino compatible headers and component placement, its possible to use any Arduino Mega shield such as distance sensor shield for obstacle avoidance, camera shields for autonomous operations and much more. Also you can use all these amazing shields while playing soccer. It’s truly fun!

WiSoccero Kickstarter campaign starts on February 8 for a period of 30 days by PetuniaTech. It offers special discount for the first day only. The final products will be available on June 2017. Click here to view more on WiSoccero Kickstarter campaign.

MeArm Pi by Mime Industries now on Kickstarter

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Mime Industries launched their latest product on Kickstarter; a Raspberry Pi powered robot arm kit that’s simple enough for kids to build.

Ben Pirt from Mime Industries said “we believe in helping children to have fun whilst learning about technology and the MeArm Pi is completely designed around that goal”. Based on the original MeArm, which was launched on Kickstarter in 2014, this version has seen a complete re-working in order to make it much simpler for children to build.

The kit integrates smoothly with the Raspberry Pi, the ubiquitous educational computing platform, using a HAT (a plug-on board that fits on the computer) with on-board joysticks for control. Because of the large ecosystem of programming language support for the Raspberry Pi it is also possible to program the movements of the arm using a wide range of popular programming languages.

Mime Industries enables people to learn through play and exploration of technology. Their groundbreaking build-it-yourself kits have inspired children and adults to break through their own barriers and learn to build and code whilst having fun. Their products are simple to build and can be easily understood. Meaning you can use them to learn whilst playing, adding your own imagination to make something great.

Link to the Kickstarter Page

International MOONBOTS Competition Launches, Challenging Next Generation of Space Explorers

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LOS ANGELES–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Today, Google Lunar XPRIZE announced the final MOONBOTS Challenge, an international competition that inspires the next generation of space explorers and innovators and is also known as the “Google Lunar XPRIZE for Kids.” The MOONBOTS Challenge, which invites kids ages 8 to 17 to create a video of what they would leave behind on the Moon as a legacy and design and program their own lunar rover, will for the first time provide an opportunity for finalists to send personalized video messages to the Moon, as part of the Google Lunar XPRIZE teams’ missions.

The MOONBOTS Challenge is inspired by the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, a global incentivized competition that was launched to challenge and inspire engineers and entrepreneurs from around the world to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration and ignite a new era of space exploration. The Google Lunar XPRIZE is in its final phase with five privately funded teams preparing to initiate their launch to the Moon by December 31, 2017. The sixth and final MOONBOTS Challenge will also provide an opportunity for one grand prize winner to go on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to meet with a finalist Google Lunar XPRIZE team.

“As we embark on the final leg of the MOONBOTS Challenge, the next generation of space travelers will get an opportunity to tell us what is most important to them, and actually leave that legacy behind on the Moon,” said Chanda Gonzales-Mowrer, senior director, Google Lunar XPRIZE. “We really want to get kids excited about space exploration and the associated STEM disciplines, and we welcome newcomers from all countries and communities to join the competition and help inspire kids all over the world.”

In order to enter the competition, teams, comprised of two to four members and one team captain that is 18+ years old, are asked to submit a two-minute video about what they would leave behind on the Moon as a legacy. Registration for the MOONBOTS Challenge is officially open through March 15, 2017 and there is no charge to enter.

A panel of judges from the International Space University will select 12 teams by April 2017 to qualify and those teams will be provided one of three robotics platforms (LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3, VEX IQ, MECCANO™ Meccanoid 2.0) to build and program a unique simulated robotic mission, based on the legacy in the video they submitted. Additionally, they are asked to provide a demonstration to the judges via live webcast and contribute to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education by sharing their innovation with children and adults in their community. The announcement of the grand prize winner will be made in July 2017.

Since 2010, MOONBOTS has had hundreds of teams sign-up and has challenged thousands of young people from all around the world. In addition to the Google Lunar XPRIZE, competition partners include FIRST® LEGO® League, VEX Robotics Inc., LEGO Education, Parentesis.com, MECCANO™, GeekDad, GeekMom, Robomatter, Inc. and Dexter Industries.

More information about the competition can be found at moonbots.org.

About the Google Lunar XPRIZE

The $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE is an unprecedented competition to challenge and inspire engineers and entrepreneurs from around the world to develop low-cost methods of robotic space exploration. To win the Google Lunar XPRIZE, a privately funded team must successfully place a robot on the Moon’s surface that explores at least 500 meters and transmits high-definition video and images back to Earth. Visit http://lunar.xprize.org/ or @GLXP for more information.

About XPRIZE

XPRIZE, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the global leader in designing and implementing innovative competition models to solve the world’s grandest challenges. Active competitions include the $30M Google Lunar XPRIZE, the $20M NRG COSIA Carbon XPRIZE, the $15M Global Learning XPRIZE, the $10M Qualcomm Tricorder XPRIZE, the $7M Shell Ocean Discovery XPRIZE, the $7M Barbara Bush Foundation Adult Literacy XPRIZE, the $5M IBM Watson AI XPRIZE, the $1.75M Water Abundance XPRIZE and the $1M Anu & Naveen Jain Women’s Safety XPRIZE. For more information, visit http://www.xprize.org/.

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

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

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

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

Augmented Reality, Real Robots

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

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

Mechanized Warriors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enlist in the MekAcademy

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

To purchase MekaMon today, go to: MekaMon.com

About Reach Robotics

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

SmartGurlz launches the World’s First Mini-Robot for Girls

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Dolls, Robots and Dreams: the aim is to engage more girls in Science & Tech by connecting their tablets and smartphones to their dolls via a robot

January 31st, 2017, Spielwarenmesse, Nuremberg, Germany

While millions of robots and mini-drones have been sold this year, few have ended up in the hands of women or even girls reflecting a deepening gender gap in the world of technology.

Many girls’ toys lag behind in the development of spatial skills, hands-on problem solving skills, and confidence with technology.

These are exactly the skills that SmartGurlz aims to develop.

SmartGurlz has a unique offering of stylish scooter robots, dolls and books with digital elements such as an e-learning platform that teaches basic coding. The idea is to encourage girls from being consumers of technology into creators and code writers.

‘We at SmartGurlz believe that kids learn by playing and childhood is a time for setting the foundation for further educational pursuits,’ said CEO and Co-Founder, Sharmi Albrechtsen, ‘we wanted to modernize doll playing to reflect changing times. The end result are really amazing mini-drones shaped like fashionable Italian scooters and Segway-like vehicles that are self-balancing, driven by App and can be coded using our own coding platform SugarCoded TM.’

The self-balancing aspect is unique since the robot can maneuver in small rooms, on carpet, inside and outside. SmartGurlz’s CTO, Thomas Kølbæk Jespersen has been working with Aalborg University and DTU’s robotics departments to finalise this unique feature.

Launched this 2016 Christmas in Denmark, Switzerland and UK, SmartGurlz charms geeks and toy masters but most importantly impresses girls and their parents with the amount of creative fun coding can give.

Designed by tech toy start-up company, SmartGurlz Aps, girls playing with SmartGurlz gain three major learnings:

1. SPATIAL REASONING. Girls learn how to direct/orient their robots in new environments and interpret maps.

2. COMPUTER PROGRAMMING. Girls learn to program their robots using our specially made kids coding software App called Sugar CodedTM*.

3. STORYTELLING & PROBLEM SOLVING.Girls learn to story tell and solve missions via coding.
*SugarCoded was inspired by open-sourced Scratch, the Lifelong Kindergarten Group at the MIT Media Lab and uses elements from Blockly, created by Google.

 

SMARTGURLZ NEW YORK STORY: CHARACTERS & BOOKS

SmartGurlz first product line is SmartGurlz New York ™ which focuses on the everyday adventures of 4 young talented women studying at the fictional New York Institute of Technology – N.I.T.

A collaboration with the Kurhn Doll Company allows us to offer high quality fashion/action dolls that represent the ideals of SmartGurlz New York TM.

SmartGurlz New York dolls are naturalistic and smartly dressed with simple elegance that you may find in a real-life, young woman touring around a college campus in the ‘Big Apple’, New York City. The multi-cultural dolls represent various education backgrounds including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and our books highlight each girl’s corresponding story line.

SmartGurlz New York products are available Christmas 2016.

Siggy: Robot, Doll and Apps • Ages 6+  

Digital Products:

SugarCoded App • Free
a strategic game-like interface that teaches coding and allows for self-build coding projects available at both App Store and Google Play

ABOUT SMARTGURLZ, A/S.
SmartGurlz is a fun, tech toy to engage girls in design, robotics and computer programming using their mobile phones and tablets. It’s created for girls who want to take playing with fashion dolls to the next level, and the name of our little company. (We’re brand new!)

Meccanoid XL 2.0

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

 

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

Einsteigerset für Robotik Fans

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

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

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

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

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

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