robots

In the new episode of Robots Podcast we talk to Subramanian Ramamoorthy from the University of Edinburgh about the recent progress in walking robotics. We then speak with Felipe Brandão Cavalcanti, an Electrical Engineering student working on bipedal walking at the LARA lab at the University of Brasilia with Professor Geovany Borges. Ramamoorthy tells us about the recent advances in humanoid bipedal walking illustrated by Petman and the latest version of Asimo. In particular, we look at the history of the field with work from Mark Raibert, Russ Tedrake andDaniel Koditschek and how different areas, such as machine leaning and motion capture, come together to accelerate progress. Felipe Brandão Cavalcanti's project focuses on the study and implementation of gait generation and stabilization algorithms for small humanoid robots. He tells us how they hacked a humanoid toy to improve its balance and the importance of math in his work.To learn more about walking robotics read on or tune in!

About Gears EDS

The GEARS-IDS Invention and Design System gives teachers the industrial strength tools they need to create world class engineering and robotics challenges for their students in the comfort and convenience of their own classrooms. The GEARS-IDS Invention and Design System is offered as the world’s first engineering education construction system utilizing industry engineered components. GEARS LLC manufactures Mike’s Invention and Design System and provides teacher support and educational materials mapped to national curriculum frameworks. From Trebuchets to Autonomous Robots, The GEARS-IDS Invention and Design System lets your students participate in the science and history of technological achievement! Students and teachers who use the GEARS Invention and Design System share in the creative excitement of inventing their own engineering games and designing the modules, mechanisms and machines to play them.

The GEARS-EDS system is a great way to learn about…

 

• How to apply basic math and physics concepts to the solution of a challenging problem.
• The process of engineering and designing modules, mechanisms and machines.
• How to work as a member of an engineering team and participate in the engineering project lifecycle
• How to use 3D solid models to communicate ideas and create and analyze design iterations
• The fundamentals of mechanics, electronics and pneumatics
• And much more……

Software

Software and programming are at the discretion of the teacher and the students. The basic GEARS system is meant to complement third part electronics including R/C systems, microcontrollers and embedded PCs. If you are looking to have your students program using the GEARS EDS system, select a microcontroller and appropriate motor controllers.

Project Ideas

Mobile Chassis

Use the GEARS-IDS Invention and Design System to create Radio Controlled Game Playing Machines (designed and built by students). Students and teachers can create exciting engineering challenges similar to those played at major engineering colleges and on TV! Students and teachers who participate in these 4 activities learn the necessary math, science and principals of engineering they need to create competitive machines.

Newton’s Cart

Use The GEARS-IDS Invention and Design System to create Apparatuses that help teach the Fundamentals of Physics. Students and teachers can create and use project based physics demonstrations that help students learn concepts through personal experiences. Students and teachers who participate in these 4 activities learn the necessary math, science and principals of engineering they need to create competitive machines.    

Dynamometer

  Use The GEARS-IDS? Invention and Design System to build a dynamometer and analyze the performance of a fixed magnet direct current electric motor. DC electric motors are found in many of the products we use daily. Some of these include; CD players, tape players, computer printers and scanners, cell phones and pagers, computer drives and countless other applications.  

Curriculum

Gears EDS was designed specifically for the classroom, and as such, the company has a significant amount of educational material to go along with their kits. The Gears curriculum covers Pneumatics, Physics, Geometry, Magnets and more while describing the curriculum objectives. A 6-week comprehensive CAD curriculum resource is also available separately. Gears makes all of its CAD files available by special request. Furthermore, Gears has developed the “Gears-EDS Program – Engineering Construction and Design”. Using the GEARS-EDS materials and components, students and teachers combine basic physical science principals with creative thought process to construct a remote controlled machine capable of playing a game designed by the students and/or the teacher. The GEARS-EDS Educational System products can be used to create a comprehensive program of study in which students and teachers participate in the engineering design and manufacturing process.

Competitions

There are currently no competitions specifically using Gears EDS, though the company has also created competitions in which their robots can be used:  

Pit Boss

  Pit Boss is an action packed robotic competition played on a 4 x 8’ plywood field. This engineering challenge requires students to design and build robotic mechanisms capable of manipulating and delivering 3 different objects up an incline and into a 10 inch diameter “Scoring Pit”.  

Hi-Lo BattleBall

  This is a game that challenges you to use the GEARS-IDS Invention and Design System kits, and some extra stuff commonly found around the house, to create a competitive machine capable of scoring either the highest, or the lowest score in the game of Hi-Lo BattleBall. It’s a game of engineering smarts and driving skill that will test your mechanical aptitude and manual dexterity.  

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for GEARS EDS kits and products. The Gears IDS package offers versatility and customization.     Gears EDS

Inspriational video from iamFIRST.com. (Via Nikolaus Correll)

Professional Development Platforms

  Professional development platforms are ideally suited to higher level education and research institutions. Increasingly, educational and research institutions are looking past the hardware to focus solely on robot intelligence. Professional platforms are essentially mobile computers, and have most of the components you would find in a standard PC (including video output, keyboard and mouse connections and more). These features allow you to focus entirely on programming the robot without the constraints of a low-cost microcontroller.

WhiteBox WhiteBox robots are capable of doing everything a PC does, and even have monitor, keyboard and mouse adapters if you want to use them as standard PCs. They house the same plug-and-play hardware as a PC, accept the same peripherals and drive bay options, run the same operating systems that a PC runs – but – they are mobile and autonomous. White Box robots house enough horsepower out-of-the-box to process video, AI applications, advanced algorithms, SLAM applications and more.
Coroware CoroBot was created to minimize the complexity of robot development. By combining a powerful PC-class platform with a robust, object-oriented software development system, the CoroBot empowers you to rapidly deploy and develop robotics solutions. The CoroBot also assists the hardware developer with additional physical mounting space, ports, sensors and communication devices.
Aldebaran Nao is the first step of the personal robot revolution. Self-contained, packed full of cognitive skills and high-end motions, Nao is an entirely programmable 60cm high robot. The 25 degree of freedom NAO includes a complete CPU loaded with Linux, WiFi, voice recognition and synthsis, emotions and more. Unlike most other humanoids, the NAO has functional hands.

Software

  Unlike non-professional robots, the White Box and CoroWare robots use standard operating systems such as Windows XP and Linux, allowing them to do everything your PC does and more. To get you started, most platforms come with a standard O/S setup with custom software application(s). Certain professional platforms like the White Box 914 PC-BOT (no CPU) allow you to add your own mini-itx motherboard and electronics.   Professional Development platforms allow you to install or develop your own software applications. Certain CoroWare models use Microsoft Robotics Studio, which allows you run multiple services simultaneously. Examples using the CoroWare robot have been included with Microsoft Robotics Development Studio and allow you to program and test the robot in a 3D virtual environment.  

White Box

 

914 Extreme PC-BOT Windows .NET version

There are five PC-BOT components for Visual Studio 2005. Drive, Messages, Sensors, M3, and ToolBar. A Visual Studio Developer can drag and drop these components in to any Windows forms project. The developer may write their code in any of the .NET supported languages (Visual Basic, C#, J#, C++).  

914 PC-BOT Linux Player/Stage

Player is a network server for robot control. Installed on your robot, Player provides an elegant and simple interface to the robot’s sensors and actuators over IP networks. The Player server software provides an abstract interface to multiple robotic devices, including mobile robot bases, sensors, etc as well as your 914 PC-BOT.  

3rd Party Applications

There are also additional applications that can be found on the PC-BOT community site such as B.R.A.I.N. (Beginners Robot Application Interface & Network).  

Coroware

 

Microsoft Robotics Developers’ Studio (MRDS)

CoroWare were involved with MRDS development from its early inception and are located right across the street from the Microsoft facilities in Redmond, WA providing direct access to the MSRS team. The Microsoft Robotics Studio team is in fact using CoroBot as a tool in assisting its development program. Test the Corobot FREE with Microsoft Robotics Developers’ Studio  

CoroWare Classpack

CoroWare ClassPack for Microsoft Robotics Studio is a simulation software package for the CoroBot development platform. The simulation CoroBot is physics based and supports the features of the real CoroBot model CB-WA. It has nearly identical functionality to the real CoroBot. ClassPack allows educators to put a virtual robot in the hands of every student while maintaining their department’s budget.  

Aldebaran

 

Choregraphe

The Aldebran NAO is supplied with Embedded Linux (32bit x86 ELF). Choregraph Wholly designed and developed by Aldebaran Robotics, Choregraphe is the programming software that lets Nao users create and edit movements and interactive behaviours with complete simplicity. The intuitive graphic interface, the library of behaviours delivered as a standard feature and the advanced programming functions satisfy the needs of novices and experts. Everyone can compose their own behaviours by a simple drag/copy from the library or else create their own boxes and save them in their personal library.  

Project Ideas

These platforms are ideal for higher level applications including image processing, autonomous navigation, interacting with the local environment and more. As with standard PCs, these computers can be accessed and controlled remotely via the internet (WiFi), and most professional platforms come with a webcam already installed.  

Networked Mobile Sensor Platform

  The PC-BOT is already a networked mobile sensor platform as part of its navigational array. You can integrate additional multiple sensors including RFID readers, hazmat detectors, access management devices and environmental sensors.    

Remote Telepresence

With the widespread deployment of 3G networks, broadband and wireless connectivity, it is now feasible to establish remote control of the PC-BOT via a wireless device or a second PC over a public telecommunications network. This enables customer control over on-robot integrated cameras, microphones, audio channels as well as autonomous patrolling of premises to detect intrusions, fire, water leaks and so on.  

Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio Platform

  MRDS developers have worked closely with Coroware and there is a significant amount of material available for developing MRDS applications using the CoroBot robots. You can already program a virtual version of the Coroware robot to navigate and interact with a 3D virtual environment within MRDS.   Additionally, professional development platforms can be used to develop solutions for a wide range of applications including:  

• Interactive teaching for children
• In-home security and remote telepresence
• Digital Home hub/server or control station
• Eldercare and elder companionship applications
• Assistive support services
• Entertainment and gaming
• RFID asset management, supply chain management and inventory management
• On-robot sensor integration – on-robot sensor array design and test
• Security & safety monitoring
• Alternate battery and power-supply research
• Pathfinder application development and test

 

Curriculum

 

EDUCATORS

Educators can implement an affordable and flexible method for teaching robotics by purchasing the Coroware ClassPack licenses for all the students in the class and several actual CoroBots for the lab. Instead of forcing students to share time on only a few Coro-Bots, ClassPack enables each student to participate and learn as if each had their own robot. ClassPack eliminates the constraints of a lab environment.   With the White Box PC-BOT, teachers can use the same platform for introductory robotics courses right through to advanced robotics research. The White Box PC-BOT open architecture provides a common baseline for review and comparison, code-sharing and enables international peer groups to use a common lexicon. Development in either Windows or Linux is equally possible. The PC-BOT can make significant contributions to research through applied autonomy and collaboration as well as research into human-robot interaction.  

STUDENTS

Students have the flexibility and freedom to learn at their pace and schedule without the constraints of sharing a CoroBot or learning only when the lab is available. By using the ClassPack simulator, the students can write code for the CoroBot that will run both in simulation and on a real robot. Projects and experiments can be completed outside of the class and lab setting. Using ClassPack, students can create objects and environments to test their theories.   With tight budgets, an educator will immediately appreciate the White Box 914′s relatively low price and high reliability. Instead of buying a single expensive platform you can now purchase several robots per class resulting in less time-sharing. The PC-BOT is also an ideal baseline platform for a new category of robot competitions.  

RESEARCHERS

Researchers can affordably create and test the Coroware Robots in the Microsoft Robotics simulation environment. Completing research in the simulation environment enables researchers to lower project costs without effecting the long-term results.   It is now easier than ever to build exciting new robots leveraging the well known and documented “white box” architecture. Thousands of inexpensive, off-the-shelf parts can be integrated using industry standard interfaces (USB, Serial, Firewire) and modular, readily accessible 5 ¼” bays. By adding mobility to the PC, the 914 opens a whole new world of possibilities to a global community of robotics and PC enthusiasts.

Competitions

Professional development platforms are used mainly in competitions where programming (“intelligence”) differentiates the competitors and determines the winners. Take a look at a complete list of robot competitions.

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for professional development platforms.

While this won't matter to most readers of Robots.Net until a version with English subtitles becomes available for download, SVT's Akta Manniskor starts tomorrow, January 22nd. A ten hour series following the stories of a handful of "hubots" - human-like robots we might prefer to call androids - and the humans into whose lives they become entwined, the release of this Swedish production has been preceded by a bit of guerrilla marketing, and there is a making-of video available, also in Swedish of course.

Shermine of Universal Robots, a Danish company, writes to tell us about a light-weight robot arm and matching touch-screen controller they've just completed. We also got word of a new robotics and AI blog called NooTriX, check it out. For our LEGO fans, Simon tells us about WorldBricks, a website where you can download LEGO instructions and catalogs dating back to the 1950s. Guy Cefalu sent a link to the Element microcontroller for .NET developers. No specs on memory or CPU type yet but looks like a PIC. (bonus points to the first reader who posts instructions for using an open source compiler like SDCC with this one!) The Swirling Brain spotted an instructable for a tiny robot called the Roule_Robot, just 14g and 39x22mm. Finally, Colin Adamson wrote to tell us about the Kickstarter campaign for his OCULUS Surveillance and Telepresence Netbook Robot (which looks a bit like the old Evolution ER1). Know any other robot news, gossip, or amazing facts we should report? Send 'em our way please. And don't forget to follow us on twitter.

About Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The microcontroller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software on running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP). There are many different Arduino variations on the market, from small boards like the Arduino mini to large boards like the Arduino MEGA. All have certain features in common:

• Digital input/output pins (some double as PWM pins)
• Analog input/output pins
• Serial communication pins
• In-system programming pins (ISP)
• Compatibility with Arduino software
• more…

Shields

Several boards are also “shield” compatible. “Shields” are electronic boards which can be mounted directly on top of certain Arduino boards (and connect to the Arduino pins via pin headers) and are intended to extend the functionality of Arduino to control different devices, acquire data, etc. The location of the headers on Arduino boards is very specific, so only shields can be easily stacked. The Arduino Uno in the image below clearly shows the headers. The XBee shield shown only uses some of the pins, though the placement on the board corresponds to the placement of the pins on the Arduino.

There are many different shields available on the market, and new ones are released on a regular basis from third party manufacturers. These shields can be used for a wide range of applications and their main “raison d’etre” is to facilitate design, assembly and integration and reduce the time required to create a functional project and/or prototype. Below are just a few such shields:

Ethernet Shield The Ethernet shield allows you to connect the Arduino to the internet and includes a microSD card slot, multiple status LEDsand stacking headers, so you can add even more shields. RoHS compliant and comes assembled.
Adafruit GPS Logger Shield Connect a GPS module to your Arduino! Track and log GPS and other data to an SD card or help your robot navigate the world. Soldering and assembly is required, and the GPS module itself is sold separately.
Adafruit Motor Shield Drive two DC motors at up to 0.6A each as well as 2 servo motors with a dedicated timer, or drives up to two low power stepper motor. Soldering and assembly is required. Stacking headers are not included.
Color LCD Shield Connect the Nokia 6100LCD to your Arduino using this shield display anything you want on its 128 x 128 pixel color LCD. Stacking headers are not needed since it should be the last shield in the stack. RoHS compliant and comes assembled.
Arduino XBee Shield Transmit data up to 100m (~300′) away at up to 115.2Kbps transfer rate (operating on 2.4Ghz frequency) using the Xbee Series 2 wireless module (included). Be aware that the Xbee module is not compatible with Series 1, and you will need a second XBee series 2 module to send/receive data. The shield comes assembled and ready to use.
DFRobot Joystick Input Shield Use the onboard dual axis mini joystick and two colored push buttons to control your robot. At the rear of the board there is mounting for DFrobot Bluetooth or RF Modules. Comes assembled.

Software

Arduino boards are made to be directly compatible with the software which bears the same name. Arduino (software) is also open-source, making it easy to write code and upload it to the i/o board. The software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The environment is written in Java and based on Processing, avr-gcc, and other open source software. You can download the latest version of the Arduino software for free at any time. Previous versions are also made available. The first screen you will see when you load the software is the following: The software is text based (as opposed to graphical) and was designed to give easy access to all the features of Atmel chips, as well as including pre-written functions and routines. Just as with many other programming languages, reserved words are recognized and change color, and there is a “verify” button which allows you to compile the code (to see if there is anything wrong or missing) before uploading it to the microcontroller. There are many pre-written code examples which come included in the software and range from blinking an LED to working with IMUs, and the user community has created and shared even more.

Project Ideas

	RobotShop Rover Mobile Rover There are many possible ways to build a mobile Rover using Arduino. The RobotShop Rover is a programmable mobile platform which features a normal Arduino USB board, a dual motor controller, tank tracks, a pan and tilt and much more.
	Arduino Tutorials Tutorials There are many tutorials presented on the Arduino website which start off simple (essential code) and become more and more complex and comprehensive (creating a server, displaying interactive images on an LCD and more).
	Online Search Many people have put their success stories online to share with others. They often include their setup, parts list and an idea of how to go about reproducing their project.

Curriculum

There are many books, articles and online tutorials explaining how best to learn / program / create using / hack / teach Arduino.

Getting Started with Arduino Detailed introduction to the open-source electronics prototyping platform Learn about interaction design and physical computing Contains lots of ideas and helps you get going on them Author: Massimo Banzi
Arduino Learning Arduino – Learning Contains a Style Guide to help you with writing examples and is intended for beginners.
Arduino 5 Minute Tutorials RobotShop has created simple tutorials which take about 5 miutes each to help you get started using common parts, useful for most projects.
Robotics Magazines Robotics magazines hold a ton of information and you do not necessarily need the most current issue to find useful and reletant content and project ideas. Popular magazines include SERVO, Nuts & Volts, ROBOT, MAKE and more

Competitions

Although there are currently no major competitions specifically around Arduino (or specifically requiring the use of an Arduino), Arduino is often used as the main processing unit inside many robots. The website Instructables occasionally holds open contests where many of the contestants use Arduino.

What to Buy

There are several categories on the RobotShop website based on Arduino and related products:

Arduino and Compatible Microcontrollers

This category contains all Arduino-based microcontrollers and variations from individual ATmega chips to large boards like the Arduino MEGA. When choosing a board consider the specifications and features (some may need an external USB to serial converter for programming). Keep in mind that all controllers here are compatible with the Arduino software.

Arduino Shields

This category contains most production shields available on the market. Instead of creating external circuits, shields have all the necessary component needed for a specific function and stack on top of many Arduino microcontrollers. Shields can range from motor controllers to LCD displays, GPS units, relays and more.  

Arduino Kits

This category contains starter kits intended to get you playing with Arduino immediately, and saves you the time of checking for compatibility with third party products. Kits can include sensors, actuators, USB cable, prototyping boards and more. Other kits can be more specific, allowing you to build, for example, a mobile robot.    

Arduino Accessories

This category contains all products which are useful accessories to Arduino products and include USB cables, power adapters, interfaces, a number of cables and more. Note that Arduino is compatible with almost all robotic products on the market, so this category only contains a short list of the most popular accessories which are not application specific.  

DFRobotShop Rover Kits

The DFRobotShop Rover incorporates a full Arduino USB microcontroller into the top PCB, which also serves as the top of the frame. Also incorporated into the PCB is a dual motor controller, voltage regulator, shield-compatible pin headers and more! The DFRobotShop Rover platform is one of the lowest priced programmable mobile platforms based on Arduino available on the market today.    

About Lynxmotion

Think of the Lynxmotion series of servo brackets as a variety of different modular parts for servos that essentially allows you to build your own custom robot. Lynxmotion is known best for its modular metal brackets that are used to make the frames of a variety of different robots.

These components are extremely versatile, making virtually any mechanical arrangement possible. The brackets are available in black anodized or brushed finish and easily connect to several standard servo motors (note that not all servos will fit the brackets). The ball bearings that come with specific components provide for precise low friction movement. The tubing, hubs and hub connectors are precision fit and really expand what is possible to build. They are made in the USA from high quality aluminum alloy. Lynxmotion also haa a series of laser cut Lexan chassis, torso, and electronics carriers that truly complete the set.

Lynxmotion has developed their own electronics, but also uses other off the shelf components to make the robots work. Unlike many custom kits where the user must purchase parts only from that manufacturer, Lynxmotion electronics such as the popular SSC-32 servo controller can be interfaced with almost any other electronics components such as microcontrollers, motor controllers and sensors.

Software

Lynxterm

GoRobotics Blog Change LynxTerm is a free downloadable utility. LynxTerm makes it easy to quickly test all functionality of the SSC-32 Servo Controller.

Lynxmotion RIOS SSC-32

RIOS (Robotic arm Interactive Operating System) is a Windows 95/98SE/2000/XP/Vista program for controlling the L5 and L6 Robotic Arms with the SSC-32. With RIOS, your robot can be taught sequences of motion via the mouse or joystick. This extremely powerful program uses external inputs to affect the robot’s motion for closed loop projects. External outputs can also be controlled. 3D image capture is possible with a GP2D12.

Lynxmotion Powerpod

PowerPod is a free downloadable utility. PowerPod makes it easy to quickly create custom Basic Atom programs for your H3/H3-R robot. The control options are: autonomous, PS2 remote control, and TTL serial control from a PC, PDA, or any other microcontroller. Many other control parameters can easily be modified with this utility.

Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32

Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer is a Windows 95/98SE/2000/XP/Vista program for controlling anything you build using up to 32 servos using the SSC-32. The main screen allows you to add servo control boxes, and position them on a grid. This visual representation of the robot makes it easier to position the servos for each sequence. Lots of other features. The program will even generate Basic Atom and Basic Stamp 2 code as well.

Project Ideas

If you can read a pictorial schematic and follow step by step instructions, you shouldn’t have trouble. High school students do well with Lynxmotion kits. These are just some of the many sample Lynxmotion projects. Lynxmotion provides several dozen examples of custom robots on their website for items ranging from robot legs and balancing two wheeled vehicles to hands and humanoids.

How do you make it?

The basic components behind this custom robotic arm are the Lynxmotion MAB-01 Metal Arm Base (RB-Lyn-140), the Mini Gripper, the SSC-32 controller, and a variety of servo brackets and tube connectors. Additional degrees of freedom can be added easily but be sure to use the robot arm torque calculator to ensure the servos can provide enough power.

How do you program it?

The Lynxmotion RIOS SSC-32 software is the best choice for programming a multi degree of freedom robotic arm. Advantages to making a custom robotic arm include choosing your own servos, link lengths and gripper.

How do you make it?

The Lynxmotion hexapod is made up primarily of a laser-cut hexapod base coupled to an aluminum chassis. Main components include Lynxmotion C-channels, tubing and tubing connectors, as well as 6 leg kits. The SSC-32 provides more than enough connections, so you need not worry about modifying the design by adding additional servos.

How do you program it?

There are two programs that can be used to control 18 degrees of freedom: Lynxmotion PowerPOD, and the Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32.

How do you make it?

This humanoid has the look, feel and walk of a sumo wrestler. A humanoid is one of the more complex robots to create because of their dynamic stability. Lynxmotion provides assembly instructions on how to make a variety of humanoid models using the Erector Set. Instead of aesthetic hands, Lynxmotion provides a choice of two functional grippers.

How do you program it?

The Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32 is the best software choice for bringing this humanoid to life. Combined with the SSC-32 servo controller, building and programming a complex humanoid with the Lynxmotion Erector set is fun and easy.

Curriculum

There are many user-submitted projects available on the Lynxmotion website including some programs and assembly guides. Lynxmotion also provides a sample project for high school students using their L5 and L6 arms.

Competitions

The Lynxmotion Erector Set can be used create many competition-ready robots. View a complete list of robot competitions.

 

What to Buy

In order to determine what to order, you need to have an idea what it is you wish to build. For example, you may want to build a multi degree of freedom robotic arm that looks something like the image below:

Before purchasing parts, it is best to make a list of all the components you will need to make your robot. Below is an example as to how you might go about making the custom robotic arm shown above. The arm can be split up into the following components:

1x RB-Lyn-48: Lynxmotion Mini-Grip with servos – Two servos included 2x RB-Lyn-81: Lynxmotion Multi-bracket – Two per pack 2x RB-Lyn-82: Lynxmotion large C-Channel –  Two per pack 1x RB-Lyn-83: Lynxmotion L-Bracket –  Two per pack 1x RB-Lyn-84: Rivets – 25 per pack, 16 used 2x RB-Hit-29: Hitec 645MG high torque servo – Shoulder and elbow joints 1x RB-Hit-27: Hitec HS422 standard servo – Wrist joint In addition to these components, you may also want to have the base rotate: 1x RB-Lyn-211 : Lynxmotion base – (does not include a servo) 1x RB-Hit-27 : Hitec HS422 standard servo To control the arm, you would need the following electrical components: 1x RB-Lyn-100: Lynxmotion SSC-32 Controller (any 6+ servo controller can be used) 1x RB-Lyn-157: 2″ servo cable 3x RB-Lyn-158: 24″ servo cable 1x RB-Inx-05: Serial to USB adapter (for ease of use) 1x RB-Phi-36: 6′ USB cable To power the arm, you would need a 6V power supply or battery (capable of supplying 4A+) to power the servo motors, as well as a separate 9-12V power supply for the SSC-32 controller (a 9V battery is recommended). You can use black electrical tape or tie wraps to neatly arrange the cables (making sure they can still follow the full range of motion). Note that just because the image shows large C-channels, you are not restricted to these components. Instead, you might have used the Lynxmotion offset servo brackets (RB-Lyn-103) to give it a different look and ability. Another option would be to use two servos at the base instead of one, to give it more lifting capability. This would be done using the Lynxmotion Dual Servo Bracket (RB-Lyn-182). This procedure can help you make legs and arms, chassis and more. Chassis and AccessoriesIn this category you will find all of the Lynxmotion custom bodies, as well as legs, grippers, feet and other more specific items. Sensor, Wheel and Motor Mounts Looking to mount a motor or servo? Many of the hubs and connectors are Lynxmotion erector set compliant, using standard servo horn connections. Servo Brackets You will find most of the erector set in this category. These parts connect to each other and to servos. These parts are ideally suited to making joints of all types joints     Tubing and Connectors Tubing and connectors can be used a variety of ways, and are perfect for making the skeleton of your robot (including one idea of using them to make fingers on a multi-degree of freedom robot hand).     Hardware Many Lynxmotion parts come with applicable hardware (nuts, bolts, screws), though these parts can be purchased separately as well. One part that is indispensable is the plastic rivet which allows you to easily connect the servos to the servo brackets.   Hitec Servos Not all servos are the same size, so not all will work with the erector set. The two most popular servos are the Hitec “standard” HS-422 and the Hitec 645MG (metal gears and highest torque for its size).

It appears Justin Bieber got around at CES. So did the GeekBeat.tv crew, including to the XYBOTYX booth, where they recorded the XYBOT rolling around on a wooden platform.

In Robots Podcast episode #95 David Lane, Professor of Autonomous Systems Engineering and affiliated with the Heriot-Watt University Ocean Systems Laboratory (Edinburgh), talks with interviewer Per Sjoborg about his journey from research to business and back. He tells about how he got started first in offshore work then in robotics research, developing control software for autonomous underwater vehicles. He also tells how frustration with the lack of utilization of his work led he and his associates to start the company SeeByte, to commercialize it, and how having the U.S. Navy as their first customer proved very helpful towards the company's success. (Dr. Lane has much to say about the value of customer funding and customer focus for a startup.) Finally, he tells about his return to academia after finding the right person to take over the day-to-day details of running SeeByte, and how his experience in industry finds its way into his academic work. Read On or Tune In

CES is nearly over, but we have a few more items to share. The Inventist SoloWheel, shown above, was panned by The Verge as having zero chance of making it to the mainstream. As may be, pending further development, but the company provides an assortment of videos on its website. Without having tried it myself, I doubt it requires more skill than rollerblades. NEC showed its Communication Robot PaPeRo, a research prototype, not yet for sale, along with an Android app that allows users to control the robot remotely. There were Dancing Cats and Baby Seals, and a robotic vacuum cleaner that entertains while it works, and is itself cleaned out each time it docks. And last, but far from least, TechCrunch interviewed Bre Pettis of Makerbot about their new Replicator model, and the future of 3D printing.

About INEX Robotics

IN novative EX periment Co. Ltd.” is an educational robotics manufacturer with its headquarters in Bangkok, Thailand. INEX reaches many countries all over the world in different countries and states. INEX focuses on the following areas of robotics business in:

• Research & Development
• Manufacturing
• Engineering & Technical Support
• Local and International Sales & Support
• International Exports
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INEX strives to excel in both development and to provide unique and innovative educational robotic products and curriculum for users of all ages and academic levels. In educational robotics, INEX has developed a product line of desktop based educational microcontroller boards as well as mobile robotic kits to teach students different aspects of electronics and robotics. INEX products are easy to understand and use with full product documentation and software to support. Customers can also learn how to upgrade, modify and improve INEX products. INEX mechanical components include custom plastic and metal components, as well as common nuts and screws. The bases and custom components are designed to allow flexibility in design.

INEX electrical components all connect to the main controller which functions are the “brain” of the robot. Each kit comes with a selection of sensors, though a variety of additional sensors are available and easy to incorporate into your designs.

Software

LOGO Blocks

Programming Robo-BOX 3.0 is very easy. Beginners can start with the graphical based iconic software called LOGO BLOCKS or use Text based programming in Cricket Logo. Cricket LOGO is a simplified programming interface that eliminates many of the nuances of higher level programming languages.

Interactive C

Interactive C was written by Randy Sargent of the KISS Institute for Practical Robotics. Randy was assisted by Mark Sherman. Portions of the code and the libraries are based on the public distribution of Interactive C 2.8 written by Randy Sargent, Anne Wright and Fred Martin. INEX provides a step by step guide as to how to program in interactive C

WinAVR

WinAVR is a set of tools for the C compiler, these tools include avrgcc (the command line compiler), avr-libc (the compiler library that is essential for avrgcc), avr-as (the assembler), avrdude (the programming interface), avarice (JTAG ICE interface), avr-gdb (the de-bugger), programmers notepad (editor) and a few others. These tools are all compiled for Microsoft Windows and put together with a nice installer program and are free to download . You will also need to download AVR Studio.

Project Ideas

INEX has included all the material relevant to creating each robot in their respective user manuals. Each manual details how to install the software, build the robot, program it and debug it. Assembly is done with pictures and sample code is always available to get you started. Your students will quickly learn how to use the modular parts and can set about building their first autonomous robots:

Interactive C Robot: What can it do?

The Inex Interactive C Robot Kit V2.0 includes the AX-11, a 68HC11 based microcontroller board, an assortment of great sensors, 2 DC gearboxes and mechanical parts for building and modifying 8 sample robot projects. The Inex Interactive C Robot Kit is programmed in C. The Interactive C environment consists of a compiler (with interactive command-line compilation and debugging) and a run-time machine language module. It has many functions and libraries to directly support robot programming.  

MicroCamp Robot: What can it do?

The Inex Microcamp-MEGA8 V2.0 Robot Kit is a microcontroller activity kit for learning about microcontroller and how to interface with external components in real word applications. MicroCamp is programmed via WinAVR and AVR Studio. These programs allow you to program, compile, debug and upload your program to the robot. The program is based in C so if you are already familiar with programming, you can jump right in. 

Robo-BOX Robot: What can it do?

This kit is suitable for everyone who wants to learn robotics. The Inex ROBOBOX 3.0 Standard Kit includes a compact-size programmable microcontroller board and includes instructions on how to build six different robots. Beginners can start with the graphical based iconic software called LOGO BLOCKS or use Text based programming in Cricket Logo.   

Curriculum

There is no curriculum material available at this time.

Competitions

There are no competitions at this time. Take a look at all Robot Competitions.

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for INEX kits and products. The INEX POP-Bot is the ideal starting point for beginners. The INEX MicroCamp robot is ideally suited for intermediate level and the Interactive C Robot is best suited to those with some programming background. Looking to add functionality to your robot? There are many additional sensors and parts available.

INEX

About Fischertechnik

Fischertechnik computing kits come in all shapes and sizes, each allowing the exploration of modern systems controlled by computer logic and makes it easy to build a robot yourself, even walking robots! Leading educators across the United States, Canada and the world have adopted Fischertechnik as their recommended robotics construction system after careful comparison and investigation.

Project Lead the Way (PLTW) has chosen Fischertechnik as the exclusive model construction system to teach control automation. PLTW is a non-profit organization that seeks to form partnerships between public schools, universities and industry to promote engineering education and its national program is now in 26 of the 50 U.S. states. Fischertechnik is also popular for utilization in home school curriculum, giving children a modern and proven competitive-advantage in technology education.

Software

ROBO Pro – Programming

Robo Pro is the officially supported software offered by Fischertechnik to control your robot kit; however, a variety of third-party solutions are offered for alternative control methods. With Robo Pro, you can build your own robot and control it without learning a complex programming language Robo Pro is a new programmer’s application for Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP (Linux in development) for programming Fischertechnik robots. RoboPro is easy for beginners to use, thanks to proven flowchart programming utility consisting of various software modules. Data can be interchanged between software modules and subroutines using not only variables but also graphical connections. It is easy for students to understand how the program operates. Subroutines are stored in a library and can now be used without having to understand the internal workings in the subroutine. Beginners will find it easy to grasp even complex programs. The graphical programming language ROBO Pro provides all the key elements of a modern programming language, such as arrays, functions, recursion, objects, asynchronous events and quasi-parallel processing, making it a useful tool even for professional programmers. Programs are translated directly into machine language for efficient execution of even the most complex programs. Even advanced programmers will find that ROBO Pro knows no limits. With ROBO Pro, it’s easy to write teach-in programs or exchange data with other Windows software. In “Online” mode, it is possible to control multiple ROBO Pro interfaces in parallel – for large-scale models – and to make custom control panels which include switches, controllers and display elements.

Software Designer – CAD

The perfect software for planning, developing and implementing fischertechnik models. Operating the software is child’s play and the scope of functions is gigantic. Ideal for school and training, this software allows the visualization of technical processes. Purchased separately, the program includes over 500 components from all areas including pneumatics, motor and gear unit, aluminium profiles and even stickers. There is even animation of the models in real-time including camera movements and zoom.

Project Ideas

Fischertechnik is a modular design system that allows you to creat almost any kind of robot including wheeled mobile robots, a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm and even walking robots. Fischertechnik provides detailed visual instructions as to how to build a variety of different robots. These are step by step graphical instructions to guide you through the building process.

Your students will quickly learn how to use the modular parts and can set about building their first autonomous robots:

Robo Mobile Set: Obstacle Avoidance

What the robot can do:The Robo Mobile Set includes instructions on how to build 7 different robots, one of which is the obstacle avoiding robot. This robot uses two drive motors for locomotion and uses sensors located around the robot to detect collision with an object.

Robo Mobile Set: Walking Robot

The Robo Mobile Set includes instructions on how to build 7 different robots, one of which is the walking robot. This robot uses two drive motors to actuate its six legs. The robot is capable of moving forward, backward, left and right. Extra parts allow your students to give the robot a customized look and feel.

Industry Robots 2

What the robot can do: The Industry Robots 2 add-on kit allows you to build a number of different robots including this multi-degree of freedom computer controlled arm. Your students will be amazed that they build and programmed a robot capable of picking up and moving objects.      

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for Fischertechnik kits and products. The Fischertechnik ROBO Mobile Set is the ideal starter kit for getting started with Fischertechnik products. The ROBO Mobile set includes the ROBO Pro interface and ROBO Pro software. Additional kits include the ROBO Mobile Kit, Industry Robots 2 and more!

FISCHERTECHNIK

You've probably already heard about the event wherein Justin Bieber was enlisted to introduce TOSY's new mRobo at CES, but you may not have learned much about the device itself or the company that makes it. mRobo is a combination music player and dancing robot. It can store 2 gigabytes worth of music in its own memory, or stream it via bluetooth, or simply listen. In any case, when there's music playing, it sprouts a head, arms, and legs and begins to dance in time to the beat. The price is set at $199, and you won't be able to get one until later this year.

The video above shows iRobot's Ava telepresence platform paying a visit to the crew of The Verge, in their trailer at CES. Other exhibitors of interest include Parrot, showing their AR.Drone 2.0, and Sphero, with their iPhone-controlled ball. More to come.

About VEX Robotics

VEX Educational Robotics is a robotic building system which allows you to design, build, control, then disassemble and rebuild remote-controlled, autonomous or semi-autonomous robots. There is also a VEX Pro series which allow you to make even larger and more powerful robots. VEX consists of several key building blocks:

Motion

VEX motion is composed of motors, gears, wheels, bearings and other related components. VEX motion components make your robot move. To give you an idea of the range of motion products, not only does VEX have normal rubber wheels, they also have omniwheels in different sizes, wheel legs, off-road wheels and more.

Power

VEX power gives your robot the energy it needs to run all the motors and electronics. VEX uses two different batteries; one for the microcontroller (including all the motors and sensors) and another for the hand-held transmitter. VEX uses rechargeable battery packs, but also gives you the option of using AA batteries.

Structure

VEX structure is made of metal parts and is used to make the frame of your robot. VEX standard spacing and hardware makes it easy to make larger sized robots.

Sensors

VEX is introducing more and more sensors. The current selection of VEX sensors already includes touch, infrared, ultrasonic, potentiometers, switches, encoders and more.

Control

The VEX remote control system currently uses a standard RF 6 channel remote and receiver, and a newer WiFi based gaming joystick (for use with the Cortex microcontroller) . There is an RF crystal in both the RF transmitter and receiver that can be changed to increase the number of robots operating in the same area. Currently up to 9 robots can be used simultaneously using the RF system, and an almost infinite number using the WiFi system. If you use the Cortex microcontroller with a WiFi dongle, you can also control your robot from the computer.

Equipment

VEX has you covered with protective eye-wear, standard wrench sizes and more.

Software

VEX has you covered with three different programming packages. Note that VEX has two main microcontrollers; PIC based (first generation) and CORTEX (second generation). Be sure to choose the right version of the software for your microcontroller.

easyC

easyC makes advanced robotic programming easier than ever. In addition to all of the features offered by easyC offers greater control and flexibility with user defined functions. You can now create custom functions with the ease of a mouse-drag, and you can share your user-defined functions between projects and users with the same ease. Download (activation license required)

ROBOTC

ROBOTC is a complete solution for programming with VEX. It includes an operating system for the VEX Controller and a Windows-based environment for developing and debugging programs. ROBOTC rocks the world of robotics competitions with a bold new feature set designed to take your team to the finals and beyond. Designed from the ground up to program robots, ROBOTC provides a formidable advantage for VEX enthusiasts. It includes a high level of support for teachers, and is ideal for students new to programming. Try RobotC free for 30 days.

MPLAB

Program like the pro’s do using the MPLAB IDE with the MPLAB C18 compiler. The MPLAB IDE is a text-based Integrated Development Environment for writing ‘C’ programs using the ANSI ‘C’ programming language. The IDE allows you o directly write ‘C’ programs to control your VEX robot, without any sort of overlay. At the heart of the MPLAB IDE, is the MPLAB Mcc18 ‘C’ compiler. The Compiler translates the written ‘C’ code into the machine language code which is used by the VEX Micro Processor. Try the DEMO and download the USER GUIDE.

Autodesk 3D Curriculum

The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum is designed to help students master the fundamentals of robotics and the engineering design process while learning to use industry-leading Autodesk Inventor design software and the leading classroom robotics solution, the VEX Classroom Lab Kit. The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum is included for FREE in the VEX Classroom Lab Kit, which is designed to bring VEX Robotics into the classroom while making your budget go farther.

Project Ideas

VEX Robotics is a modular design system that allows you to creat almost any kind of stationary or mobile robot. VEX provides detailed instructions as to how to build a couple of different robots and takes you through the procedure step by step. However, few students have felt the need to build a third robot and immediately go about inventing and building their own designs.

Your students will quickly learn how to use the modular parts and can set about building their first autonomous robots:

Tumbler Robot

What the robot can do: The tumbler is a robust differentially driven robot that operates right-side-up and up-side-down. The large off-road wheels help the robot climb steep angles, and then flip over if the angle is too high. Instructions The Tumbler assembly instructions are simple and clearly explained with images. The robot need not be programmed and connects directly to the VEX microcontroller and uses the pre-installed code.

Protobot Robot

What this robot can do: The Protobot is design to pick up tennis balls and place them into bins. The Protobot uses a pivoting arm and a spinning gripper to pick up the balls, and travels on four differentially driven wheels. The robot uses the VEX microcontroller and is remote-controlled. Instructions The Protobot assembly instructions are simple and clearly explained with images. The robot need not be programmed and connects directly to the VEX microcontroller and uses the pre-installed code

Tomahawk Robot

What this robot can do: The VEX Tomahawk was inspired by the Dodge Tomahawk which is a Concept Vehicle powered by a Dodge Viper V-10 Engine. The VEX Tomahawk demonstrates how a very complex robot can be created with the VEX Robotics Kit. The unique feature of the Tomahawk is the way it is able to steer. This is achieved by simultaneously varying the camber of all four wheels. Two Servos independently control each side of the Tomahawk. This allows the Tomahawk to achieve a 30 degree lean angle. Additionally power is reduced to the inside rear wheel during a turn improve steering performance. There are no instructions as to how to build or program this robot.

Curriculum

Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum

The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum combines industry-leading Autodesk® Inventor® design tools with the premier educational robotics platform for middle and high schools, the VEX Robotics Design System. You can even download all the VEX parts for FREE.

Course Materials

Course proposals & outlines, STEM Activities & Assessments, Robotics & Related Standards, Rubrics, and more, all for free! There are 8 sections and the list is always growing.

Games & Challenges

Generate excitement for learning though robotics competitions in the classroom. There are four challenges including: Wiffle War, Robot maze Challenge, IED Clean-Up and the Ordnance Disposal Design Challenge.

VEX Machinations

VEX Machinations is a step by step guide to building VEX robots beyond the Square Bot. (by Justin Petersen and Yolande Petersen)

Competitions

There are now many VEX competitions taking place worldwide, from North America to Tokyo. A VisualEdge Game-in-a-Box provides a unique opportunity to introduce robotics into the classroom. Each game is designed to stimulate student learning and engages participants to solve a variety of math, science and engineering problems.

Games are designed for various levels of experience and can be adapted for use with any educational robotics system that you may be currently using. Everything you need to play the game is in the box. Components typically include scoring goals, scoring components, fasteners, rules, field construction plans, and scoring software. All you have to do is add your own robots.

Involution Challenge

Involution Challenge is a battle-tested intermediate-level robotics game that offers fast-paced action and is a true test of efficient robot design, control and skill. A combination of a unique scoring goal and a limited number of scoring components adds the element of strategy and quick thinking into the problem-solving equation. Rookie and veteran robot builders can be competitive at the same time and will both find this game a serious test of their abilities. Along with the game components, Involution comes with a CD full of everything you will need to run a full-scale, robotics competition of you very own.

Cone Zone

Cone Zone is a entry-level robotics game that is action-packed and full of excitement. The unique scoring device, the Conic, provides a challenge that, on the surface, appears simple, but presents many design obstacles in order to score quickly and effectively. The scoring components, a regulation set of pool balls, provide many different scoring possibilities and thought-provoking design problems due to their size, weight, texture and inertial qualities.

Elevation Challenge

Local VEX Robotics competitions are being held in many different cities, states and countries. Teams can register for the VEX Robotics Competition to get their official VEX Team Identification Number and Team Welcome Kit. Once teams have registered, they can come back here and sign up for events they would like to participate in (listed below). More events are being added every week. Check back to see if new events have been announced in your area. Top teams from around the world participating in local, regional and national VEX Robotics Competitions listed here will qualify for the VEX Robotics Championship of the Americas.

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for VEX Robotics kits and products. The VEX Classroom kit is ideally suited to teams of 2-3 students.

 

The video above is an informal (always with Cali Lewis), very upbeat interview with Gary Shapiro, CEO of the CEA, sponsors of CES. Besides Cali and crew, The Verge and Engadget are also prowling the floor at CES 2012, and IEEE Spectrum is also covering the event. All four sometimes talk about robots, and we know there are robots there, so we're hoping for decent coverage, the best of which we'll be passing along.

Robots figure more prominently at this year's CES than ever before. Among the many presenters are Modular Robotics, whose Cubelets are shown above, and XYBOTYX, developers of the XYBOT, a small two-wheeled balancing device that turns an iPhone into a telepresence robot.

This video shows observations of a lizard jumping, followed by application of the techniques for use of a tail for stabilization to robots. (Via Automaton)

The mailbox has been filling up with interesting stories lately, like a pair of conflicting papers from the Current Directions in Psychological Science journal. One claims that Darwin was wrong to suggest that facial expressions have innate connections to particular emotions, while the other supports the idea that facial expressions evolved to communicate emotional states, playing a crucial role in survival. There's also new evidence that chimps have a theory of mind, which has implications for the development of language. If all this talk of mind and emotion is too boring, Hank Pellissier over at IEET, wrote a piece Sexbots for Women, pondering why only males are assumed likely to desire sex with androids. The Swirling Brain noticed a Huffington Post story on Google's cloud robotics initiative. Know any other robot news, gossip, or amazing facts we should report? Send 'em our way please. And don't forget to follow us on twitter.