Creality’s new budget 3D scanner, the CR-Scan Lizard, is about to hit Kickstarter

Creality has lifted the veil over its latest 3D scanner. In an effort to further diversify its 3D cosmos, Creality, the well-known manufacturer of 3D printing-community-favorites such as the Ender 3, has announced its new and improved 3D scanner: the CR-Scan Lizard.

This entry-level 3D scanner for consumers follows the company’s CR-Scan 01 — which was released a fairly short time ago as an affordable option for users to digitalize objects. The new Lizard is smaller in size for better portability and feel but promises improved features such as accuracy up to 0.05 mm, and better handling of bright environments and dark objects. All that for less money than its predecessor, even.

With the Lizard, you can scan small or large objects with ease. The CR Studio software does the heavy lifting of optimizing models and even sends those files via the Creality Cloud directly to your 3D printer. The applications seem almost endless.

With some early bird specials, the CR-Scan Lizard has made a debut on Kickstarter on February 2022, and, unsurprisingly, smashed its campaign goal in next to no time.

We have gathered all the information revealed so far about this new consumer-grade 3D scanner to give you an overview of what the Lizard has in store. Creality has also already sent us a scanner to try for ourselves, so keep an eye out for our upcoming hands-on experience.

Image of Creality CR-Scan Lizard: Specs, Price, Release & Reviews: Features

Features

HIGH ACCURACY

With the CR-Scan Lizard, Creality wants to bring professional-grade accuracy to the budget market. According to its spec sheet, the scanner has an accuracy of up to 0.05 mm allowing it to capture small parts and intricate details with high precision. Thanks to the scanner’s binoculars and improved precision calibration, Creality says it can pick up rich detail from objects as small as 15 x 15 x 15 mm, or as large as objects like car doors, engines, rear bumpers, and so on.

SCAN MODES

The CR-Scan Lizard comes with three different scanning modes. You can either use it in turntable mode, handheld mode, or a mixture of the two to scan an object.

Turntable mode is suitable for 15 – 300 mm objects and will scan automatically. You can use the combination mode for larger objects up to 500 mm, where you put the object on the rotary table but hold the scanner in hand to scan. Lastly, its handheld mode is suitable for scanning large objects up to 2 meters in size, such as the car parts mentioned above.

Plus, thanks to its visual tracking, the Lizard doesn’t need markers to work. You can scan objects without having to pin a bunch of stickers to them first — its software’s tracking algorithm will take care of that for you.

LIGHT OR DARK

Besides its scan modes, the Lizard also offers some improved scanning functions that should make it easier for users to achieve good results with minimal effort.

For one, Creality states the Lizard can scan accurately in sunlight. 3D scanners typically struggle with too much direct light, forcing users to scan in a darkened room for best results. However, Creality claims the Lizard, thanks to its multi-spectral optical technology, maintains excellent performance even in bright sunlight — which would vastly improve its field of application. The scanner can also be powered by a portable charger, so, in theory, you could go out there and scan the woods to your heart desire.

What’s more, the CR-Scan Lizard promises better material adaptability when scanning black and dark objects. Sounds like it’s got it all.

COLOR MAPPING

Creality has stated that it is planning to release a fully automated color mapping texture suite in March 2022 that promises true color fidelity for your scanned objects, but its currently still in development. Once released, you can make use of the mapping process, where high-definition color pictures of the model taken with a phone or DSLR camera can automatically be mapped onto the 3D model, allowing you to create high-quality, vivid color scans.

CR STUDIO

The Lizard’s accompanying software, CR Studio, promises many features that should help to achieve clean scans. For example, the software features on-click model optimization and multi-positional auto alignment, auto noise removal, topology simplified, texture mapping, and much more.

You can also upload and share models via the Creality Cloud, allowing you to slice your scanned objects and even send them to a 3D printer — all with the click of a button.

Release Date & Availability

Creality has set up a limited pre-order via Kickstarter. The scanner is available for backing since February 10, 2022, alongside some early bird batch sales. According to the Kickstarter campaign, shipping will take place in April.

Over the past days and weeks, Creality has already released a couple of videos on its YouTube channel showing off the scanner’s features in greater detail. Be sure to check those out if the Lizard tickles your fancy.

Creality has also already sent All3DP a CR-Scan Lizard to try out, so we are looking forward to giving it a spin in the next few days. Stay tuned for a full review of our hands-on experience.

At the time of writing, the CR-Scan Lizard is available via Kickstarter with super early bird pledges, priced from $300 for the most basic Lizard package and reaching $400 for the luxury version that already comes with a color kit.

According to the campaign, the off-the-shelf price for the Lizard will be $599 for its base version. So, there are potentially some bucks to be saved if you get in early. However, it wouldn’t be the first time that prices given changed eventually.

Here are the technical specifications for the Creality CR-Scan Lizard 3D scanner:

GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS

  • Precision: 0.05 mm
  • Resolution ratio: 0.1 – 0.2 mm
  • Single capture range: 200 x 100 mm
  • Operating Distance: 150 – 400 mm
  • Scanning Speed: 10 fps
  • Tracking mode: Visual tracking
  • Light: LED+NIR (Near-infrared mode)
  • Splicing Mode: Fully automatic geometry and visual tracking (without marker)

OUTPUT

  • Output Format: STL, OBJ, PLY
  • Compatible System: Win 10 64bit (MacOS to be released in March 2022)

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS

  • Machine Size: 155 x 84 x 46 mm
  • Machine Weight: 370 g

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/3dprintmill/creality-cr-scan-lizard-capturing-fine-details-of-view

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.

LattePanda 3 Delta- the User-friendly and Cost-effective hackable Computer for your Mega Creativity

The LattePanda team launched its new generation of LattePanda 3 Delta on Kickstarter on November the 2nd 2021. The crowd funding campaign has already blasted past its required pledge goal raising over $200,989 thanks to over 731 backers with still 3 days remaining. Building on the company’s previous mini PC systems, the new LattePanda 3 Delta computer is powered by the latest Intel 11th generation N5105 mobile quad-core processor offering up to 2.9GHz burst frequency. The ultra-thin design measures just 16 mm in thickness, enabling you to use the small form factor mini PC for a wealth of different projects.

Hardware and Spec

The LattePanda 3 Delta is a 125 mm x 78 mm x 16mm Single Board Computer with CPU, memory, storage and Arduino components on the one side while up to 42 expandable interfaces for peripherals and GPIOs sit on the other. The added bonus of having a Gigabit Ethernet port onboard guarantees the device can connect to the Internet at extremely high speed.

Key Specification:

Processor: Intel N5105

            CPU: 4-Core, 4-Thread, 4MB L3 Cache, 2.00~2.90 GHz

            GPU: Intel UHD Graphics, 24 EUs, 450~800 MHz

Memory: 8GB LPDDR4 2933MHz RAM

Storage: 64GB eMMC

External Storage:

            M.2 M Key: PCIe3.0 x2, Support NVME SSD;

            M.2 B Key: SATA3, Support SATA SSD;

            TF Slot: Support TF Card

Connectivity:

            WiFi6(802.11ax): Intel AX201, up to 2.4Gbps

            Bluetooth 5.2;

            Gigabit Ethernet: Intel I211-AT, up to 1.0Gbps

Exteral Connectivity: M.2 B Key

            USB2.0 lane: Support 4G Module; 

            USB3.0 lane: Support 5G Module

Video Output:

            HDMI 2.0b;

            DP 1.4 (via USB Type C);

            eDP(with touch)

Audio I/O:

            3.5mm Audio Jack(with Mic);

            2.54mm Female Header

USB Port:

            1x USB 3.2 gen2 x1;

            2x USB 3.2 gen1 x1;

            1x USB Type C

OS Support:

             Windows 10;

             Windows 11;

             Linux Ubuntu

Co-processor: Atmel ATmega32U4

Power Input:  

            USB Type C PD;

            12V DC

GPIO Female Header:

       2x 50pin GPIOs: including Audio Output, USB2.0, RS232, RTC, Power Management, Status Indication, Arduino Pinout, 5V&3.3V Power Output, etc.

In Use

LattePanda 3 Delta has an Intel Celeron N5105, a Windows 10 processor that replaces the Celeron N4100. The Celeron N5105 features improved UHD Graphics and higher performance than the Celeron N4100. LattePanda 3 Delta offers 2x better processing performance and 3x faster graphics performance. With such excellent performance, you can use it to watch 4K HDR videos smoothly and even play some heavy games. 

LattePanda 3 Delta contains up to 8 GB of LPDDR4 RAM and 64 GB of eMMC 5.1 flash storage, which ensures that you can load a large number of web pages in Chrome, or run multiple virtual machines fastly and smoothly.

LattePanda 3 Delta uses Wi-Fi 6 whose transfer speed is 2.7 times faster than Wi-Fi 5. Besides, LattePanda 3 Delta has a Gigabit Ethernet port onboard. You can connect to the Internet at extremely high speed.

LattePanda 3 Delta is compatible with both Windows 10 and Linux OS. Windows 11 can also be run on LattePanda 3 Delta. You can select various OS freely based on your project. No matter what operating system you use, the blue screen or crash is inevitable. LattePanda 3 Delta designs a “Watchdog Timer”. When some problems occur, LattePanda 3 Delta will restart automatically and go back to work normally.

For those applications relying on battery, independent control of the power of all the USB ports and other power connectors are essential. LattePanda 3 Delta has made it possible. You can control the USB power and 5V power ON or OFF based on your project.

Being a hackable computer, the LattePanda 3 Delta is a perfect solution for home automation projects, robotics, in car entertainment systems, education and smart industrial systems. Below is a quick overview of all the available Kickstarter packages, components, operating systems, and pricing.

Pledges are still available from £169 or roughly $229 or CAD $284 and shipping is expected to take place during March 2022. Options are available to receive the computer with Windows 10 Pro operating system license for a little extra as well as being available with a UPS HAT for £206 or $279 or CAD $346 with shipping expected to be a month later during April 2022.For more information, full specifications and purchasing options jump over to the official Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign page by following the link below.

RevoRoulette: A Robot Shot Dispenser with Party Games

Now Seeking Community Support via Kickstarter, RevoRoulette Fills Shot Glasses & Offers 8 Exciting Party Games!

RevoRoulette is a sensational new robot shot dispenser that fills shot glasses and enables its players to choose from 8 exciting party games. It also has two modes for pouring shots along with six wells around the gadget tower. Moreover, it is compatible with standard shot cups and each well emits a colourful light. To introduce this project to the world, its creators at Miqo have recently launched a crowdfunding campaign on Kickstarter, and they are welcoming support and backing.

“We are proudly offering backers a discounted RevoRoulette starter kit on our campaign, and our best wishes to everyone who is planning to have fun at their parties with this amazing device,” said Josef Tregoat-Duncan, the Founder of Miqo, while introducing this project to the Kickstarter community. RevoRoulette is designed and assembled in the United Kingdom, and Miqo thrives on designing thoughtful and innovative products to make peoples’ lives easier.

The Kickstarter Campaign is located on the web at:

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/joseftd/revoroulette?ref=1aiwft and backers from around the world can become a part of this project by making pledges and donations. Moreover, the goal of this Kickstarter campaign is to raise £18,000 for RevoRoulette with shipping offered worldwide. More details are available on the Kickstarter campaign page.

About This Project

RevoRoulette is a robotic dispenser that fills shot glasses in a stylish new way. The device also includes 8 fun party games. Designed and assembled in the UK by Miqo Innovations Ltd., this one of a kind device is already creating a major buzz and the company is currently crowdfunding it on Kickstarter.

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

European Startup Launches STEM-based Autonomous Batmobile™

After three successful and delivered Kickstarter Campaigns, CircuitMess Launches Kickstarter  to Encourage Fans Age 7 and up to Create their own Autonomous Batmobile

Zagreb, Croatia – October 5, 2021 – Today, CircuitMess announced its licensing deal with Warner Brothers and its Kickstarter campaign for the CircuitMess Batmobile™, designed to teach children seven and up about engineering and autonomous driving.

“CircuitMess is truly inspiring,” says Francois Simonetta, Vice President at Warner Bros. Consumer Products EMEA Agents. “Turning toys into elaborate STEM kits that teach both electronics and coding is a great way to encourage kids to learn STEM by doing what is most natural to them: playing. We are excited that the CircuitMess Batmobile is their next and greatest STEM kit so far.”

In their efforts to become the world’s most inspiring STEM toys brand, CircuitMess has developed numerous educational products that encourage kids and adults to create rather than just consume. This includes MAKERbuino – a DIY game console, MAKERphone – a DIY mobile phone, and STEM Box – a STEM projects subscription.

 “We love the kits that we’ve been able to create for the crowdfunding community and want to continue to offer it to them first,” says Alber Gajšak, CEO of CircuitMess. “With three successful Kickstarters that have raised more than $850k in total, we have been able to get proven interest and traction for our special kits and deliver exciting projects to people all over the world.”

No previous experience or knowledge should be needed to become a true STEM Superhero. The kit is designed for anyone 7 and older with complete instructions.

The tasks include: learning how autonomous vehicles work, how to code a microcomputer, how computers track objects, and developing your own computer vision algorithm.

Since its start in 2017, CircuitMess has delivered more than 50.000 devices to customers all around the globe. Over the past 4 years in creating STEM kits, CircuitMess has put a focus on introducing these technologies in a fun, simple, easy-to-understand, and most importantly, hands-on way.

The CircuitMess Batmobile Kickstarter is available for pre-order now and will have a starting price of US $99. You can visit the Kickstarter page here. and the CircuitMess website to see all their other kits here.

Luwu Intelligence Technology Announces Launch of XGO-Mini: An Advanced Quadruped Robot With AI Modules

BEIJING, Aug. 3, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Luwu, a STEM education technology company, has announced the launch of XGO-Mini, a 12 DOF, omnidirectional quadruped robot that can interact with its surroundings using voice, image recognition, and tracking. This programmable, open-source robot is the perfect way to learn about robotics for new and advanced users. XGO-Mini is available now on Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/xgorobot/xgo-mini-an-advanced-quadruped-robot-with-ai-modules.

At first glance, XGO-Mini appears to be an incredible full-motion robotic dog. But it’s so much more than that. This desktop-sized AI quadruped robot with 12 degrees of freedom can achieve omnidirectional movement, six-dimensional posture and a variety of motions. As a quadruped robot, XGO-Mini can mimic the natural motion of a dog walking and is capable of movement on uneven terrain and extremely rough surfaces. It can even adapt to avoid obstacles by adjusting its height. With its unique bionic system, XGO Mini can perform any dynamic movement. Equipped with a 9-axis IMU, its joint position sensor and electric current sensor are able to reflect to its own posture and joint rotation angle and torque, which are used for algorithms verification and exploitation. The robot can be programmed for a variety of education, research, algorithm verification, and entertainment possibilities.

„As a technology company centered on robotics and STEM education, we understand the importance of robotics and AI education for youngsters. These technologies will be a key to the future. XGO Mini, a bionic quadruped robot dog for youth AI education, is the perfect platform for developing robotics and programming skills in a fun way. With 12 DOF, omnidirectional movement, and advanced-level AI, it is capable of virtually any movement or task and gives users unlimited programming possibilities that help users to explore, learn, and have fun,“ said Luwu Intelligence Technology Product Manager Pengfei Liu.

XGO-Mini is an incredibly versatile robot that can perform a variety of useful tasks and can be a very helpful assistant in daily life. It features fully functional AI modules that can facilitate both entry- and advanced-level AI applications. The Al modules feature visual recognition, voice recognition, and gesture recognition, giving XGO-Mini the ability to hear, recognize and reply to users like a real dog. It also can track multiple colors and recognize QR codes.

As an open-source robot with the Robot Operating System (ROS) and compatible with Python AI system, anyone can create their own functions for XGO-Mini. It can also be programmed by using common coding languages like Python and C++ that make it perfect for STEM education.

XGO-Mini Advanced Quadruped Robot with AI Modules is an incredible robotics platform for entertainment, STEM education, and exploring creativity. XGO-Mini is available now on Kickstarter with special pricing for early supporters. Learn more here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/xgorobot/xgo-mini-an-advanced-quadruped-robot-with-ai-modules.

Start-Up Auxivo AG Launches Educational Robotic Exoskeleton Kit on Kickstarter

The Swiss exoskeleton company Auxivo AG, a spin-off of ETH Zurich and a specialist in industrial exoskeletons has launched a Kickstarter campaign for a new educational exoskeleton kit called “EduExo Pro”.

The EduExo Pro aims to make exoskeleton technology available to students, makers, and hobbyists and make it easier for educators to integrate wearable exoskeleton technology into the classroom. The kit contains all the parts needed to assemble an arm exoskeleton. An accompanying handbook provides theoretical knowledge and guides the user step-by-step through the assembly and programming of the exoskeleton. On Kickstarter, the EduExo Pro is offered for CHF 890. For those who decide quickly, there is a limited number available for 790 CHF. Later, the retail price will be 1090 CHF.

What are exoskeletons?

Exoskeletons are wearable robotic systems that have become increasingly popular in medical and industrial applications in recent years. There they support specific movements and work to reduce the physical workload and prevent injuries. As the technology is still relatively young, there is hardly any possibility to access and learn about such systems outside of professional applications. Auxivo AG would like to close this gap by offering an educational kit to democratize the development of future exoskeletons.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/auxivo/eduexo-pro-a-robotic-exoskeleton-kit-for-stem-education