A new app, called the Lego Mindstorms EV3 Programmer App, will let builders create programs for Mindstorms robots directly from iOS and Android tablet devices. Featuring a streamlined selection of the most-used commands, the EV3 Programmer App allows for more interaction away from the desktop or laptop …
Read More »Monthly Archives: September 2015
Your Robot’s Manners Matter
Robots are increasingly considered for use in highly tense civilian encounters to minimize person-to-person contact and danger to peacekeeping personnel. Trust, along with physical qualities and cultural considerations, is an essential factor in the effectiveness of these robotic peacekeepers. New research that will be presented at …
Read More »Robots Designed to Assist Seniors Get New Apartment
Bristol Robotics Laboratory (BRL) recently launched a new facility to help robotics researchers develop and test technologies for assisting the elderly at home. The facility is modeled after a studio apartment, but far more high-tech. It is equipped with wireless sensors and cameras on a variety …
Read More »Investigate Light and Sound with Buzz the Pixel Pal
Soldering Sunday has launched a new Pixel Pal! Named Buzz, this STEAM project is perfect for those who want to learn how to soldering an program — but don’t have a ton of time. Buzz’s cute factor makes soldering far less intimidating. Even novices can solder …
Read More »BARE Conductive’s Robot Parade
Looking for an engaging STEAM experience for middle schoolers? The BARE Conductive’s Robot Parade comes with everything you for up to 30 students. Each participant will paint their own circuit, using the black, puffy electric paint that made BARE Conductive famous. The activity introduces students to …
Read More »Designing Electronics for the Harsh Environment of Venus
Researchers from KTH Royal Institute of Technology are working on electronics able to handle the extremely high temperatures of Venus. The electronics are based on silicon carbide, a semiconductor that can withstand the extremely harsh climate of the second planet from the sun. “There are some places …
Read More »Drones Build Rope Bridge Capable of Supporting A Man
Drones are capable of far more than fancy photography. A team of researchers from ETH Zurich are using drones to build functional structures. A new video uploaded by the team shows a small team of quadcopters building a rope bridge that the men then walk across …
Read More »The Mantis Off-Road Chassis
The latest chassis from ServoCity is designed for off-roading. Called The Mantis, this chassis features a long-travel suspension design that makes it ideal for traversing uneven, rocky terrain. It’s so flexible you can practically squish it flat to the ground! The suspension incorporates 4.62-inch aluminum beams and …
Read More »Marine Robots Create 3D map of Submarine Canyon
Marine robots helped capture the first truly three-dimensional pictures of submarine canyon habitats. The new maps include a 200 km canyon but also include details as fine as individual cold-water coral polyps. They will be used to help manage only English Marine Conservation Zone in deep …
Read More »The EZ-Robot Adventure Bot
EZ-Robot Inc. has produced a number of exciting kits in the last few years, but they tend to be pricey. If you’re looking for the styling and easy-assembly of an EZ-Robot at a lower price, you might want to consider the Adventure Bot. The company keeps …
Read More »Indium-Plastic Film Could Lead to Stretchier Skin for Robots
A novel film designed for flexible electronics can stretch to twice to size without breaking. Created by Rahul Panat and Indranath Dutta of Washington State University, the indium-plastic film could significantly advance robotic skins, bendable batteries, wearable monitoring devices and sensors, and connected fabrics. The tiny …
Read More »Nao Learns from Humans, Passes on Knowledge
A team of French researchers from The National Center for Scientific Research has developed an autobiographical memory for the robot Nao, which enables it to pass on knowledge learned from people to other, less knowledgeable people. This technological progress could notably be used for operations on …
Read More »Self-Driving Golf Carts Successfully Ferry 500 Tourists
Self-driving golf carts were successfully used to drive some 500 tourists around a garden in Singapore. The six-day experiment tested the carts skills when dealing with pedestrians and bicyclists, and involved an online booking system for scheduling pickups and drop-offs at 10 stations located around the …
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