Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a technique for using chains of magnetic nanoparticles to manipulate elastic polymers in three dimensions, which could be used to remotely control soft robots. The ability to control the motion of soft robots, coupled with their flexibility, gives …
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Moss Zombonitron 1600
Build a variety of robots quickly and easily with the MOSS Zombonitron 1600. This kit includes 16 MOSS blocks and 56 Carbon Steel Spheres. Attach the cubes together with the steel spheres to create ball joints and hinges. As long as the blocks are aligned the right …
Read More »Teaching robots the way we teach babies
Babies learn about the world by exploring how their bodies move in space, grabbing toys, pushing things off tables and by watching and imitating what adults are doing. But when roboticists want to teach a robot how to do a task, they typically either write code …
Read More »The Panavise Multi-Purpose Work Center (Model 350)
The MULTI-PURPOSE work holding tool for larger, heavier objects. It’s perfect for home repair or hobby needs! Self-centering, extra-wide opening jaws open a full 9” (228.6mm) and hold heavier objects by centering weight over base Parts Tray Base Mount adds stability [8.5” (215.9mm) diameter] and has …
Read More »Build Your Own Actobotics Dual Motor Controller
This tiny board can control two brushed DC motors. At 1.3″ x 3″ it also fits easily into an Actobotics channel or secures to the outside. Assembled, it weights only 0.60 oz. The has four operating modes: digital speed control (RC), analog speed control, split and servo. …
Read More »Robot will Help Folks Lost in the Airport
A robot will help passengers navigate the major Amsterdamn airport, Schiphol. The robot, which was built as part of a project called Spencer, map its surroundings. The project is funded by the European Commission and is a collaboration between researchers and businesses in five different countries. …
Read More »RobotGeek Arduino Experimenters Kits
Exploring how a component work, in detail, lays a great foundation for building a complete robot. RobotGeek supports this idea, with several Arduino-based kits designed to explore individual components. There’s a kit for linear actuators, one for touch sensors, and another for RFID. Want a more complete package? …
Read More »SPRK: The See-Through Sphero
If you like being able to see the inner workings of machines, you’ll love the Sphero 2.0 – SPRK Edition. The main difference with this version of Sphero is its clear, polycarbonate shell that lets you check out what’s going on inside the bot. This feature …
Read More »HEXBUG Battle Spider Dual Pack
Duke it out with the HEXBUG Battle Spider Dual Pack! The pack includes two remote-controlled, spider-like robots. Each has a futuristic voice and sound effects. The bots even recoil when hit with infrared beams. Sensors measure each strike until only one spider is left standing. Ideal …
Read More »Teaching robots to stay out of the way
Researchers have developed a robot that adjusts its movements in order to avoid colliding with the people and objects around it. This provides new opportunities for more friendly interaction between people and machines. Modern industrial robots commonly weigh several tonnes are therefore placed inside enclosures to …
Read More »Soft Robot Hand Handles Breakables
Researchers from MIT have created a robot hand that can handle your fine breakables. Daniela Rus of MIT’s Distributed Robotics Lab demonstrated the 3-D-printed robotic hand which was made out of silicone rubber. The three-fingered bot can handle items as delicate as an egg and as thin …
Read More »Developing New Standards of Drone Operations
At a recent meeting at NASA’s Ames Research Center, members of a special committee called the RTCA worked on minimum operational performance standards for large unmanned aircraft systems. The RTCA is a public-private partnership that provides the Federal Aviation Administration comprehensive, industry-vetted recommendations about critical aviation …
Read More »Move Your Muscle and Move Your Robot, Too!
Ever wanted to make a robot that could move along with you? A muscle sensor from Advancer Technologies will make the interface easy! The sensor tracks and amplifies the complex electric potential generated by muscle cells. It then converts it into a simple analog signal that can …
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