Get your own Rick and Morty Butter Bot!

https://circuitmess.com/pages/butter-bot-teaser

Argo – Your AI Smart Companion Robot

Guess what? There’s a new robot in town: Argo, the AI Smart Companion Robot for your home! „How is it possible that in 2024 we still don’t have personal robots in our homes?“ 

This very question sparked the creation of Argo. And who better to tackle this challenge than three innovators who have built driverless cars, drones, rockets, and space robotic arms? Their vision: to create the smart personal home robot we’ve been waiting for! 

Argo excels in three main areas: 

INTELLIGENCE: ChatGPT-level conversational abilities, smart home integration (domotics) and autonomous navigation to move and follow you around your home.

SECURITY: 24/7 video surveillance, autonomous patrolling to check every room, motion detection for intruders, and even gas leak monitoring. 

ENTERTAINMENT: From playing your favorite music to autonomously delivering drinks, Argo makes everyday life more enjoyable, with fun features like the morning alarm or the ed-tech games for your kids. 

But that’s just the start. To explore all of Argo’s features, visit their website: argorobot.it

The intuition behind Argo is that today we still have basic vocal assistants, static boxes used just to set timers, play music. In some years, we will have humanoid robots doing laundry and cooking for us. Will we switch overnight from Alexa to fully humanoid robots? Probably not. Argo is that essential step in between, and it will keep evolving day by day. 

So Argo isn’t just „Alexa on wheels.“ With its mobility, interactive animations and true conversational AI, Argo delivers an entirely different user experience: one that feels more alive and engaging than simply talking to a static device. 

As the famous roboticist Tomotaka Takahashi once said: „Having people talk to a brick doesn’t work, which is why Siri hasn’t succeeded.“ 

So Argo is an interactive companion, your AI chatty buddy and your infinite source of knowledge! 

Sure, we’ve seen other unfortunate attempts in home robots before, like Kuri or Jibo, which were true pioneers. However, the technology back then wasn’t quite there. AI, LLMs and autonomous navigation systems were still in their infancy. Today, we have the tools to push the boundaries even further and at a fraction of the cost. 

When you compare Argo to other robots on the market like Vector or Loona, while impressive, they tend to lean more toward toy-like design and functionality. And then there’s Amazon Astro, a high-tech marvel, but at $1,600 its price tag doesn’t align with the value it offers. Argo strikes the perfect balance: it’s more sophisticated, less of a toy and significantly more affordable, targeting a $499 price point. 

We’re seeing tech giants like Amazon and Apple (project J595) getting serious about this space, and it’s clear that smarter home robots are coming. Argo is here to be part of that revolution!

Do you want to share your ideas about home robots? Fill this quick survey to help Argo guys to craft the best home robot for you: https://forms.gle/MmNLc15wH5invino9 

KT2 Kungfu Turtle: Promoting STEM-Based Learning with the Release of a Cutting-Edge Pocket-Sized Desktop Robot

Seattle, WA – Crafted for portability, KT2 promotes physical activity through intuitive prompts and interactive games, making it a perfect companion for home and professional settings.

Designed by Seattle based tech company, Wair Living, the In-house robot innovation team KameRobotics have developed a mini-robot that enhances productivity at home, acts as a thoughtful companion, and is a diligent STEM teacher.

„Our KT2 robot prioritizes user privacy and minimalist with its design, featuring no integrated cameras or screen.“ said Qian Li, Founder of Wair and KameRobotics.  „We want to ensure a secure interaction environment and more intuitive play via robot action and lighting interaction“.

KT2 Kungfu Turtle is not just a toy but a multifunctional companion for gaming, productivity, and learning. It features acrobatics, physical sparring, and autonomous return functions, supported by a powerful operating system and programmable chipset.

Beyond entertainment, KT2 enhances productivity in home and office environments. It includes a Pomodoro timer for focused work intervals and movement prompts to combat sedentary lifestyles. The modular design allows customization with accessories, transforming KT2 into a unique desk ornament and interactive companion.

KT2 Kungfu Turtle is looking to raise $10,000 by 23rd August 2024.  Early Bird rewards include a KT2 robot, access to 99 pre-installed games for $89, a significant discount from the $159 retail price.  Shipping will be worldwide.

New Robot Companion Unveiled on Kickstarter

Adelaide, Australia – September, 2023 – The new Ortomi Generation 4 has been released on  Kickstarter, and they’re simple, comforting and interactive little friends, designed to make people smile. They’re a creation from Ortomi, a small Australian start-up on a mission to capture the joy and  comforting presence of real pets. 

An Ortomi has a simple face that changes with different expressions and moods – both randomly and  interactively. They respond to gestures such as being petted, prodded and picked-up; and respond differently based on their mood – such as when they are happy, sad, asleep, angry or bored. As well  as now making cute beeps and boops (with a silent mode), the new Generation 4 has a larger screen,  more expressions, moods & interactions, and a smooth injection moulded shell – benefitting both  aesthetics and manufacturability. 

The Kickstarter launched on August 29th, and met its goal of AU$23,000 in under 10 hours. It  currently sits at AU$46,000, as people continue to rally behind project and help fund subsequent  stretch goals: 

1. AU$50,000 Custom Expression Creator: 

Users will be able to draw, share and browse custom expressions that they can teach  their Ortomi. 

2. AU$70,000 Silicone Cases: 

Squishy, silicone, key-ring cases will be developed and produced, improving the  portability and personalisation options of Ortomi, as well as adding a satisfying tactile feel. 

3. AU$100,000 Interactions between Ortomi: 

Wireless capability will be developed for Ortomi to interact with each other, enabling everything from cute reactions to complex relationships. 

As well as being completely portable with a 20hr battery life, Ortomi are set apart from other robots  on the market by their personalisation. Like dogs, or goldfish – Ortomi are a whole species, and each  one is meant to be unique. They come in many different colours, with different accessories, have  different personalities, and are usually even given their own name by their owner. 

The Ortomi 4 is set to ship in November 2023, and is set to mark a new chapter for the young  Australian company in terms of scale and impact. 

More details on the Ortomi Generation 4, including the launch video, can be found here:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ortomi-robotics/ortomi-an-adorable-robot-companion

Tiertime Announces Launch of Cetus2: Revolutionary 3D Printer with On-the-Fly Material Switching

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.

Kickstarter Campaign for QBii the Multi-Function Robot

Supporters will be able to help donate robot kits to schools to support STEM education

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Nov 2021 – Quantum Robotic Systems Inc. (QRS) announced the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for QBii, an affordable, multi-functional and expandable service robot. 

QBii (pronounced “cue + bee”) is about the size of a shoebox and weighs only 9 lbs. While most other service robots are limited to only one function, QBii performs a host of useful tasks in the home and in the workplace, including 

  • Carrying heavy items like grocery bins or boxes (up to 50 lbs)
  • Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming floors
  • Towing carts with payloads (up to 200 lbs)

QBii is also programmable and customizable. “People have the option of purchasing QBii as a kit, which makes it a powerful resource for STEM educators,” says QRS president, Dr. Frank Naccarato. “In fact, supporters of our Kickstarter can contribute towards the donation of QBii Kits to schools.”

QBii’s Kickstarter campaign starts today and runs until December 5th. The campaign page may be found here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qrsrobotics/qbiithemultifunctionservicerobot  

Founded in 2016 by Dr. Frank Naccarato, Quantum Robotic Systems Inc. (QRS) is a Toronto-based company that makes unique mobile autonomous robots. QRS has developed and patented a novel stairclimbing technology that allows users to carry heavy, bulky loads up and down stairs in an easier, faster and safer way. The company has incorporated this technology into its Robotic Stairclimbing Assistant (ROSA), a service robot that can carry things while climbing up and down stairs, and Doll-E, a stairclimbing moving cart capable of lifting 500 lbs. 

Revopoint POP 2 3D Scanner Launched on Kickstarter

The upgraded and even more feature-rich version of Kickstarter’s Most Funded 3D Scanner Ever was launched today

Shenzhen—Following its successful Kickstarter story with the platform’s most funded 3D scanner ever, Revopoint is launching today the second generation of the device, offering a new version that supports more functions and an enhanced 3D scanning performance. Catering to the requirements of 3D printing creators, VR/AR model makers, reverse design creators, and high-tech enthusiasts in general, Revopoint POP 2 3D Scanner has been launched at <https://bit.ly/30tcYiJ>.

POP 2 adopts a Binocular and Micro-Structured Light formula for an exceptionally high precision and texture scanning performance. The device uses a proprietary micro projecting chip to ensure that the fast acquired 3D point cloud data is captured with a high accuracy of 10 frame rates, achieving a 0.1mm single-frame accuracy. 

POP 2 has a built-in high-performance 3D calculation chip that supports fast 3D scanning. Its embedded 6Dof Gyroscope also enhances a fluent shape, marker point and color feature point cloud stitching. „And the user can enjoy these amazing features with any ordinary smartphone, tablet, or laptop due to POP 2’s intelligent algorithms, which ensure speed and accuracy for the scanner regardless of the computer you use it with,“ Miss. Vivian, the co-founder of Revopoint, added.

The 3D scanner launched today allows users to explore expanded scanning possibilities, including using it as a handheld scanner for big statues and other big figures outdoors, or to mark points to scan large or featureless objects. POP 2 also innovates by using an invisible eye-friendly infrared light source to project and scan. This makes it possible for users to scan human and animal faces and body parts without producing any discomfort to the scanned subject.

„This is a professional-grade 3D scanner with a wealth of high-end features offered at a consumer-grade price. Everyone can buy it and use it,“ said Vivian. The versatile device supports high-precision handheld and turntable scanning, featuring impressive accuracy combined with a simplified one-button operation.

Designed for professionals and demanding hobbyists, POP 2 is a compact 3D scanner that can be carried and used anywhere. Its single cable can be used to charge and connect to the user’s smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

The scanner’s software is also simplified and user-friendly, allowing for the operation to be displayed on its interface. „If there’s an error, you can simply roll back, correct it, and keep moving forward with no worries,“ Vivian assured. The software works with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, unlike conventional 3D scanner software, which only supports Windows.

The company representative further clarified that the device is especially designed for 3D printing, human body scanning, large-scale sculpture scanning, a plethora of cultural and creative design applications, reverse modeling, different medical applications, and advanced VR/AR and 3D modeling applications.

The Revopoint POP 2 3D Scanner campaign on Kickstarter at <https://bit.ly/30tcYiJ> is seeking to raise $9,975 to fund the large-scale production of the scanner. Backers who support the campaign gain early and discounted access to the device.

About Our Company 

Revopoint focuses on the research and development of cutting-edge structured light and 3D imaging core hardware technology. The company’s core technical team leverages many years of experience in 3D imaging and artificial intelligence technology research and development, having developed different devices in the field, from chips to complete machines, focusing on 3D cameras and 3D scanner products.

UDOO KEY hits the $10,000 Kickstarter goal in 90 minutes

UDOO KEY, the world’s most flexible AI platform, is a brand-new AI-first solution based on Raspberry Pi RP2040 and ESP32. It enables machine learning applications in the most popular programming languages and libraries, including TinyML, TensorFlow Lite, MicroPython, C, C++ etc. The board, designed for Edge AI projects, marks the fifth crowdfunding campaign by UDOO, which already raised more than 2 million dollars in previous Kickstarter campaigns.

Link to the campaign: key.udoo.org

UDOO KEY combines Raspberry Pi RP2040 and a fully programmable ESP32 into a single powerful piece of hardware. The board comes in two versions: UDOO KEY and UDOO KEY PRO. Both feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and BLE; UDOO KEY PRO also features a 9-axis IMU and a digital microphone. The board is fully compatible, both hardware and software-wise, with Raspberry Pi Pico and ESP32.

UDOO KEY also grants access to Clea, the upcoming AI as a service platform by SECO Mind, SECO’s daughter company. Clea is an extensible AI & IoT platform for professional developers, startups, R&D departments and hobbyists. . It allows users to quickly build, monitor and deploy Artificial Intelligence models and apps over a fleet of remote-controlled devices. It comes with a set of pre-built AI models and apps called Clea Apps, all developed by SECO. Last but not least, it’s natively compatible with UDOO KEY, Raspberry Pi as well as Arm and x86 processors. 

Maurizio Caporali, Co-CEO of SECO Mind, said, „Today, AI is very misunderstood. Many AI use cases don’t require a powerful processing unit, and that’s where UDOO KEY comes in. For the first time ever in the world of Edge AI, the user has the option to build an AI project on their terms, using either Raspberry Pi RP2040, ESP32, or both. Several companies we are in touch with find it difficult to take advantage of the AI revolution. UDOO KEY and Clea make this as easy as it gets.”

Shipping will start in January 2022. The Early Bird UDOO KEY is available at $4, while the Early Bird UDOO KEY PRO is available at $9. Both are limited to 1,000 units. 

UDOO has also made available two special kits, built in collaboration with two equally special companies: Arducam and Seeed Studio. 

The first kit, in collaboration with Arducam, is named „Early Bird UDOO KEY PRO Cam Kit + Clea “ and includes 1x UDOO KEY PRO, a 2MB SPI Camera and access to Clea.

The second kit, in collaboration with SeeedStudio, is named “Early Bird UDOO KEY PRO Grove Kit + Clea” and includes 1x UDOO KEY PRO, access to Clea and 14 handpicked Grove Modules, including 5 sensors/ 5 actuators/ 2LED/ 1 LCD display/ 1 Grove shield.

More details on UDOO KEY

The Raspberry Pi Pico-compatible part of UDOO KEY is built upon a Raspberry PI RP2040 dual Arm Cortex-M0, featuring a QSPI 8MB flash memory, 133 MHZ clock, and 264KB of on-chip SRAM.  The ESP32 is based on a dual-core Xtensa 32-bit LX6, with 16 MB flash memory, 8MB PSRAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy. The two microcontrollers can talk to each other via serial port and SWD.

The user can program the two microcontrollers in an easy way via a USB-C connector and decide whether to talk with RP2040 or ESP32 via jumper. The UDOO KEY provides many more interfaces: three fully programmable LEDs, and the same pinout of Raspberry Pi Pico, making it 100% compatible with it, both hardware and software-wise. Last but not least, the UEXT connector is accessible from the ESP32, which exposes the I2C, UART and SPI interfaces.

The UDOO KEY also mounts two powerful sensors: a 9-axis IMU and a digital microphone, plus a standard UEXT connector to easily add sensors and other interfaces. Thanks to the on-board ESP32 microcontroller, the UDOO KEY features full Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n connectivity, Bluetooth and BLE v4.2.  

Link to the Campaign: key.udoo.org

Quantum Integration Launches Its Complete IoT Platform on Kickstarter

The Quantum platform gives electronic enthusiasts, educators and developers total control of their IoT network. Built for novices and experts alike, anyone can control anything from a remote temperature sensor to an automated home and even robots with ease.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 28, 2020 (Newswire.com) – Quantum Integration is announcing the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for the Quantum platform, beginning Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Built from the ground up with a complete set of hardware and software, the Quantum platform allows anyone to build custom plug-and-play IoT devices that easily communicate with each other any way the user desires. With a graphical user interface for creating custom firmware for IoT devices and the applications that control them, programming is not required.​

“We’re incredibly excited to open up this kind of technology to the mainstream,” says Michael Barnick, CEO and founder of Quantum Integration. “Hobby electronics and the IoT space in general can be intimidating for some, and platforms require a degree of programming knowledge. Our platform’s features like the drag-and-drop App Builder and automated Firmware Generator make developing complex projects simple, and users easily create and take on their own projects in record time.”

With a goal of $25,000, the Kickstarter campaign will run from July 28, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2020. Products will be ready to ship in September 2020.

Backers can choose from a variety of pledges, which are:

  • The Q-Server Central Core – The heart and power of the IoT platform which provides complete control of the entire IoT network.
  • Q-Client Builder Base – The easiest way for users to build their own custom IoT devices; can add virtually any sensor or device to the network.
  • Starter Kit – A wide variety of electronic components ready for immediate use on the Quantum IoT platform​.

Limited quantities at an incredible discount are available for early backers. For more information and to become a backer, visit the Quantum Kickstarter campaign.

About Quantum Integration Inc.​​

The Quantum IoT platform enables electronics hobbyists to create wireless devices from a simple button to complete home automation and robots, and control it with custom apps and firmware without coding, all through a central server. The power of making!​​

For more information, visit www.quantumintegrate.com.

ROYBI to become a game changer for children learning languages

Interactive robot designed to teach new languages to young children to be produced after its successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com

November 6, 2019ROYBI today unveiled its plans to make its AI-powered robot—that teaches languages and skills to children—available to the general public, as well as put it into mass production.

All parents want a bright future for their children. However, with the growing requirements of the modern age, kindergartens and schools do not always succeed in this mission of giving them the specific skills needed in an uncertain future. 

The current education system treats all children the same way, often failing to take into account the abilities, skills and interests of an individual child. Children don’t always have the opportunity to practice the knowledge they learn at school. And when parents are busy, children often become addicted to screens to overcome their boredom. ROYBI has been designed with all these issues in mind. 

“As we prepare children to become leaders in a future far different from our own, we at ROYBI feel it is necessary to revise our current educational practices to meet children’s changing needs better,” says Elnaz Sarraf, CEO of ROYBI.

The robot uses over 70,000 words and 500 topics to teach children different languages at their own pace. Thanks to this personalized approach, the robot can also be used by children with speech delay to develop their speaking and give them plenty of practice. 

Besides language teaching, ROYBI also introduces children to STEM and primary skills. The AI-powered robot easily adjusts its interactive lessons, games, stories, songs and the rest of its engaging content to a child’s abilities, needs and interests. To make learning even more fun, ROYBI uses a tiny screen on its belly to visualize the taught content and give feedback.  

In addition, ROYBI is equipped with facial recognition, which means that it starts socializing with the child once it notices them around and offers them emotional support when needed. 

The intuitive app on iOS and Android allows parents to not only customize lessons for their children, but also track their progress.

The robot is powered by a huge digital library of educational materials, which can be constantly updated

With its long list of unique features, ROYBI is a game changer. It is indeed the next evolutionary step in the field of language learning and education. 
The robot can be pre-ordered on the campaign’s Indiegogo page with 40% off.

All the information on ROYBI can be found on the campaign page:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/roybi-world-s-1st-smart-toy-to-teach-7-languages#/