This is the second part of three in our series "Why Do We Need Robots?". The goal is to highlight the major reasons why robotics will be part of our future, and an essential one, by looking a bit further. While the democratization of robots is rendering them more and more present in our daily l
This first part of our series "Why Do We Need Robots?" is looking at why the current demography trends makes a future full of robots essential for mankind.
Most of you, by now, are likely aware of the RPLIDAR 360° Laser Scanner. This amazing product gave hobbyists everywhere the chance to get started on SLAM-based projects at an affordable cost and with a piece of equipment of good quality. Of course, improvements to this product were possible and Rob…
Can past technological accomplishments help predict future disruptive technology and innovations or should we try to think outside the box? Science fiction books, TV shows and movies provides a great source for inspiration, but what will robots really be like in the next 25, 50 or 100 years?
We live in a world where technology is moving fast. In order to manage these rapid changes and to stay up to date with the world around us, we need to develop our understanding of how technology works and develop skills and capabilities, that will help us adapt to the evolution of technology. Lea
Have you heard of augmented reality or virtual reality? As wikipedia puts it, augmented reality (AR) is a live, direct or indirect, view of a physical, real-world environment whose elements are augmented by computer-generated sensory input such as sound, video, graphics or GPS data. There is a l…
Leap Motion Gesture Controller RobotShop recently received samples of the new Leap Motion gesture input device and see incredible potential for use with manipulating virtual objects as well as for control or physical robots. When you first see the Leap Motion device on its own, it's almost impo…
What has a pair of seven degree of freedom robotic arms, 360 degree sonar and inherited a bunch of robust features from its industrial "father"? Why, the Baxter Research Robot of course! This next generation educational / research tool combines features normally found only on expensive industrial r…
The Hokuyo scanning sensors are great 2D obstacle scanners. They can be used in fixed locations to detect if an object enters its scan area, and can be used on mobile platforms that need to do obstacle detection and avoidance as they move. There are two categories of sensors: outdoor sensors th…
Hovis Genie Specifications Dongbu Robotics released the Hovis Genie, a new humanoid robot. This platform is built on the Hovis Eco biped platform but the legs have been replaced by a holonomic omniwheel drive system and an additional smart device holder in the chest. The resulting…
It has been a few years since RobotShop released the original DFRobotShop Rover, and we continue to be amazed and delighted with what people are using them to do. Recently German researchers used the DFRobotShop Rover as well as additional parts (light sensor, camera, software) to mimic the simple …
As we reported before, DARPA issued its latest challenge where they will require a humanoid robot to complete a series of tasks (worthy of an action movie) which include driving a car, breaking down a wall, and using tools - all with the goal of "saving the day" during a mock…
The Human Brain Project The human brain is arguably the most intriguing and complex part of our bodies and the way it works has puzzled scientists for most of human history. Enter The Human Brain Project; a European commission charged with the task of recreating a human brain inside a super
Pinokio Face Tracking Lamp Students from Victoria University (Toronto, Canada) created a real-life version of the Disney Pixar lamp and called it "Pinokio". This playful robot can detect and track faces and also express emotions using its movements and reactions. It uses servo motors to actuate …
CIROS Robot Cuts Cucumber The Korean Institute of Science and Technology had the very good (read "terrible") idea of giving a very sharp kitchen knife to a robot and teaching it how to use it. Fortunately until now, CIROR, the knife-wielding humanoid robot, can only cut cucumbers with its new too
Heartland Robotics, founded by Rodney Brooks as reported before, changed its identity to Rethink Robotics. And rethinking robotics they do as they recently released Baxter, a robot with common sense as they brand it. Baxter overview Baxter redefines industrial robots since it allows small an
