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Archive: Robotics
May 9, 2008
Combat robots, warring battleships @ Maker Faire
Combat robots, warring battleships @ Maker Faire with Boing Boing TV.
Boing Boing tv's embedded robo-combat reporter Xeni Jardin witnesses warfare inside Robogames and Combots at Bay Area Maker Faire 2008, where robots battle until death -- or at least 'til one competitor busts a sprocket.Next, BB-gun wielding battleships go BOOM!, with the Western Warship Combat Club. Participants painstakingly re-create historic battleships on small scale, and outfit each warboat with actual artillery. He who sinks last wins. The cameraman took a pellet or two in the pants, but the goofy safety goggles kept all eyes intact.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
May 9, 2008 10:00 AM
Maker Faire, Robotics |
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David Bowen: Growth Rendering Device
This is an amazing robot created by David Bowen. Here is how he explains his Growth Rendering Device:
This system provides light and food in the form of hydroponic solution for the plant. The plant reacts to the device by growing. The device in-turn reacts to the plant by producing a rasterized inkjet drawing of the plant every twenty-four hours. After a new drawing is produced the system scrolls the roll of paper approximately four inches so a new drawing can be produced during the next cycle. This system is allowed two run indefinitely and the final outcome is not predetermined.
Read more about the Growth rendering device - via ComputerLove
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
May 9, 2008 03:00 AM
Arts, Robotics |
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May 8, 2008
Chief Cook Robot learns by doing
It's always nice to see 'darn cute' & 'genuinely interesting' join forces - especially when it demonstrates autonomous extraction of task constraints (to the Benny Hill theme) -
The Chief Cook Robot learning to cook an omelet by whipping eggs, cutting ham and grating cheese.This method makes AI development look uncommonly simple and familiar, endearing even.Through the use of a probabilistic model using Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) and Gaussian Mixture Regression (GMR), the robot progressively learns to generalize the skill to various situations. It is then possible to reproduce the skill by being robust to dynamic perturbations (e.g. by moving the bowl while the robot whip the eggs). This video is part of the Cogniron project.
Exercise your learning algorithm by ingesting more relevant data here - Research on robot learning by imitation
Posted by Collin Cunningham |
May 8, 2008 01:00 PM
Robotics |
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The iDeal: Robotic poker dealer
This robotic card dealer was made for a school project. Although it is a bit slow, it has a really nice natural "flick" to the cards. I am sure it could deal the cards faster with some tweaks.
Introducing the "iDeal". It's the worlds best automatic poker dealer! Perfect for your home poker games and fits on the edge of a table. Features include:
- PIC microprocessor coded in C
- Preprogrammable games such as texas holdem (shown in video), bridge, gin, omaha, etc
- IR player position sensing using bicycle reflectors as indicators
- Ultrasonic player distance sensing which determines how far to shoot the cards
Related:
Make your own poker table
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
May 8, 2008 02:00 AM
Robotics |
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May 6, 2008
Looping Musical Robot
This musical robot analyzes the incoming audio and tries to mimic it using a series of servos and solenoids attached to different objects. In this example it is trying to reproduce a clip from Citizen Kane.
Simple automatic instruments are constructed from local materials and objects on site. The system learns the sounds it can make by trying out its instruments, and then uses its range of sounds to try to reproduce the rhythmic and melodic qualities of sounds such as the voices of visitors. It then loops and alters these imitative sequences into improvised compositions
via - digg - The Looping Musical Robot
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
May 6, 2008 07:20 AM
Music, Robotics |
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May 5, 2008
Jazz Trash Robot
"AEE" sent in this interesting musical robot made from recycled and scavenged parts. There is a lot more information on the web site. Be sure to read the "statement" & "background" links to learn more about "Artificial stupidity".
Jazz trash robot is an experimental sound-producing entity made from recycled electro-mechanical components. It is a collection of mechanical sequencers and timers, that can be connected together with various experimental instruments we have made or altered.
Read more about the Jazz Trash Robot
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
May 5, 2008 01:00 AM
Electronics, Robotics |
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May 2, 2008
The art of the junkbot
These are some of the coolest junkbot sculptures I've seen. Really clever use of computer mice parts, windshield wiper pieces, vacuum cleaner parts, and misc. plastic trash. While most of them are merely decorative, some function as desk lamps.
Mouser [Make: Flickr Pool]
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
May 2, 2008 10:00 AM
Arts, Green, Robotics |
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April 30, 2008
Shape-Shifting Robots
The University of Pennsylvania created these modular robots that are able to recognize each other and assemble themselves into 1 larger robot. Once assembled, the larger robot is able to walk...theoretically. I just like the part where the guy kicks it!
Via - Engadget - Shape Shifting Robots
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 30, 2008 01:00 AM
Robotics |
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April 29, 2008
Mesmerizing floating robo-critter: AirJelly
This "AirJelly" floating mechanical creature is a joy to watch:
AirJelly houses two lithium-ion polymer accumulator batteries rated at 8 V and 400 mA, which can be completely charged in half an hour and are AirJelly's sole source of power. A connected central electric drive unit transmits the force to a bevel gear wheel and then to eight spur gears in sequence. These gears power eight shafts, each of which activates a crank; these in turn move the jellyfish's eight tentacles. Each tentacle is designed as a structure with Fin Ray Effect®- a construction derived from the functional anatomy of a fish's fin. The actual structure consists of two alternating tension and pressure flanks movably connected by ribs. If a flank is subjected to pressure, the geometrical structure automatically bendsin the direction of the applied force. Together, the tentacles produce a peristaltic forward motion similar to that of their biological model.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 29, 2008 08:00 PM
Robotics |
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Yet another whiteboard robot
And you thought boardroom meeting where tedious and dull before. This one takes input from the InterWeb.
Sprites mods: Online whiteboard [via]
Related:
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 29, 2008 06:55 PM
Robotics |
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The Pylofon
Moritz sent in his latest project called the "Pylofon". It's a wireless robotic xylophone that can be controlled via the Internet, a cell phone, or a Wiimote.
We build it in two nights at Easter 2008, using 2 Graupner Servos, a 99c-xylophone, a cardboard-box, an Asus WL500gP-wlan-router with OpenWRT Kamikaze and Python 2.5, SSH, a Pololu Serial 8-Servo Controller, an USB to Serial-Adapter, a Bluetooth-Stick and a USB-Memory-Stick.
More about the Pylofon
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 29, 2008 01:00 AM
Arts, Computers, Electronics, Robotics |
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April 28, 2008
ArtBots deadline approaching - apply!
Don't forget to submit your projects to ArtBots, the deadline is May 1!
ArtBots is pleased to announce that the fifth international ArtBots exhibition for robotic art and art-making robots will take place at the Trinity College Science Gallery in Dublin, Ireland on September 19-21, 2008. Creators of talented robots are invited to submit their work for possible inclusion in the show.
We have no fixed idea of what qualifies as robotic art; if you think it's a robot and you think it's art, we encourage you to submit your work. Regardless of whether it's hi-tech, low-tech, or neg-tech, we're interested in the ideas you're working with, not just the gear. Proposals for workshops, performances, and other kinds of participation are also welcome.
Each ArtBots is a bit different; the location changes and we invite new humans to co-curate the show with us. We hope that by changing the specifics of the show each year we can keep it accessible to a diverse range of people, works, and ideas.
Related:
Art Bots 2008 on HACKS
Posted by Becky Stern |
Apr 28, 2008 07:00 PM
Arts, Events, Robotics |
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Guitar Hero "Slashbot" shreds meatbot players
A Guitar Hero-playing robot, with the awesome moniker "Slashbot," created by four Texas A&M University undergrads.
Slashbot: The Guitar Hero Robot [via]
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 28, 2008 11:00 AM
Gaming, Robotics |
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April 25, 2008
Crabfu's SwashBot2
It's been a while since we've heard from our old pal I-Wei Huang, a.k.a. Crabfu. Behold the tripodal charms of SwashBot2!
Related:
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 25, 2008 02:00 PM
Robotics |
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Attention Capital Makers!
Wow, all of a sudden, it feels like Washington, DC is a happenin' place for DIY-minded techies and tinkerers. Check out this schedule of upcoming events:
Saturday, April 26: RobotFest, Linthicum, MD
Make: DC will be there doing Solarbotics BEAM workshops for kids!
Sunday, April 27: HacDC Pre-Grand Opening Parts Party
And:
Tuesday April, 29:
Dorkbot DC
7 PM - 9 PM (ET)
ALWAYS FREE!
Smith Hall of Art, Room 114
George Washington University
801 22nd St NW
Washington, DC 20037
Steve Hernandez : Machine to Machine (M2M) Communication Utilizing GSM Cellular Networks M2M communication is the process of allowing two or more machines to communicate with each other to exchange data and can encompass both voice and data communications. Steve's going to discuss using the GM862 Cellular Quad Band Module, manufactured by Telit, and available from SparkFun Electronics, in your projects.
Steve Hernandez is an engineer working in areas of telecom that he'd rather not discuss with you, but only because he doesn't like the hassle of having to dispose of your body afterwards.
Jay Swift : Bringing Up Rex In our second presentation on the RepRap project's plan for world domination and the good people that are making that possible, Jay--a member of the Baltimore/Washington RepRap Users' Group--will have us oohing and ahhing as he shows us his neonatal Darwin 1.0 (dubbed Rex by his GF) and tells us where RepRaps come from.
Jay Swift is a high school Junior who got interested in RepRap about six months ago, mainly because he wanted to do something that was more worth his time than K'NEX.
If you--or someone you know--has an interesting announcement or something to share (5 minutes or less), we'll make time to fit you in.
Afterdork
After the presentations, the exchange continues over food and drink at a nearby eatery.
Posted by Gareth Branwyn |
Apr 25, 2008 01:00 PM
Announcements, Events, Robotics, Science |
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April 23, 2008
Robot from the past plays 80s keyboards
The WABOT-2, developed by Waseda University in back in the 1980s was a humanoid robotic keyboard player that was actually considered the most advanced robot of its time. It could listen to accompanying singers and change its tempo while carrying on a conversation. Check out the video for some of its keyboard-playing prowess.
Humanoid History - WABOT, [via]
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Apr 23, 2008 07:00 AM
Robotics |
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April 21, 2008
Robot avoids walls, needs to cut the caffeine
This project was a challenge to create a wall avoiding rolling robot called "Walbot". The bot uses an Arduino and is very effective at avoiding obstacles, almost giving it a neurotic personality. Check out the video for details and follow the how-to link below.
Posted by Jonah Brucker-Cohen |
Apr 21, 2008 07:00 AM
Arduino, DIY Projects, Robotics |
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April 19, 2008
Robot Village in NYC
Continuing on our tour of things to do, make and see for makers is a store in NYC 100% devoted to robots, Robot Village. I've had Robot Village on my list to visit for awhile but my recent outing to Central Park for a -first day of warm weather ride- on the bike I restored just happen to dump me out a couple blocks away. I guess I saw ROBOT in my peripheral vision off the main street, before I knew it - robot heaven.
The have one of the largest assortments of robot kits, assembled robots and robot-odds and ends in one place. They said their top sellers with some of the smaller robot kits and recently the Pleo. They offer kid robot building parties as well as events & robot building workshops.
You can tell they owner is a robot fan, right down to the copies of Servo and MAKE in the newsstand. If you're in NYC and like robots (or fear them and want to size up the competition) Robot Village is a great stop and it's right next to the park, museums and everything else in the world.
Here's a bit about them... and more photos.
Robot Village is the place where consumers and robots meet! Since 2004, we have been providing robot products and services to fit the needs of consumers and educational organizations. We carry a wide range of educational robot kits, programmable robots, robot parts, robot books/magazines and robot accessories.
Our in-store product demos provide an interactive experience for both kids and adults. For a unique, hands-on experience, Robot Village has created Bot-Building StationsTM where you can build your own robot. Our robot products and services have been used in collaboration with companies and organizations including; The Sony Wonder Technology Lab, The F.I.R.S.T Lego League, Robocup Jr., Wired Magazine, The National Science Foundation and a host of other businesses supporting robot related products and services.
Editor's note: This is part of the "mobile post" series which will appear on MAKE - sponsored by Windows Mobile. Only the links and voice that appear in the mobile post box (below) are part of the campaign on MAKE - pt.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Apr 19, 2008 05:00 AM
MAKE Playlist, Robotics |
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April 18, 2008
The Orb Swarm
These orbs were made for the Burning Man festival. Check out the website for more information, and to find out why there was a rover in the video.
The SWARM of autonomous beings by their very nature will have emergent and complex behavior. They will flock, flirt, dance and interact, and their actions will surprise and astonish even us, their creators. They are simple, but together they will behave in ways more complex than we can predict. A lot like LIFE.
More about The Orb Swarm
Posted by Marc de Vinck |
Apr 18, 2008 01:00 AM
Electronics, Robotics |
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April 17, 2008
Say hello to the Swashbot
CrabFu writes in -
Here is a simple 3 legged (4 micro servos) robot, made from spare r/c parts I had laying around. The principle of the movement and control is based on r/c helicopter's swash plate, using a eccpm helicopter transmitter.
Posted by Phillip Torrone |
Apr 17, 2008 09:00 PM
Arts, Robotics |
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| Comments (5)
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Phillip Torrone
Senior Editor
Tel: 707-827-7311
Gareth Branwyn
Robot Maker
Kip Kay
Video Maker
Jonah Brucker-Cohen
Researcher
Natalie Zee Drieu
Senior Editor
CRAFT
Becky Stern
Culture jammer
Collin Cunningham
Sound Maker
Marc de Vinck
CNC Maker
Current Podcast
The Best of Maker Faire 2008
Check out all the fun and excitement at this year's Maker Faire in San Mateo, California. People from all over the world came to experience this amazing event. Take a look at some of the highlights and make plans...
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