Android controlled PLEN robot
Time again for another Android controlled robot demo. This time it’s the venerable PLEN. Watch as the the diminutive 9-inch bot is put through it’s paces as the demonstrator deftly navigates the touchscreen controls.
Robotics
Making a robot can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s the perfect combination of creativity, engineering and problem solving. However, if you’re just getting started in robotics, it can also be overwhelming. To make things easier for those who are just starting out, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help makers bring robots to life! From the basics of assembling your robot to software implementation, these pointers will give you everything you need to get started on your robotic adventure!
Dancing automaton powered by falling sand
Although the “look” of this dancing-girl automaton by English toymaker Ron Fuller is not personally to my taste, I could not resist the fact that it is powered by a stream of falling sand, which is a trick I’ve never seen before. Thanks to YouTuber greninmotion for the video. [via The Automata / Automaton Blog]
Awesome robot uprising agitprop
I should probably just go ahead and apologize to San Francisco animator and artist Sarah Dugan for posting these images of her awesome robot-uprising-themed prints without giving her a chance to restock her Etsy shop with same. Hopefully she’ll be amenable to direct inquiries from interested buyers. Like me. Because I definitely need one of each of these. [via BotJunkie]
Clever arm for iRobot Create
My friend Chad Jenkins turned me on to this very nifty and very functional robot arm for the iRobot Create. It’s elegant in its simplicity, and would be a great weekend robotics project.
Geneva wheels on Thingiverse
Apparently I’m not the only one charmed by the simple elegance of the Geneva wheel movement (Wikipedia). Thingiverse users PrintTo3D and raumfahrtagentur have created printable and laser-cut-able versions, respectively, of the classic mechanism. PrintTo3D has also posted a YouTube video showing the final printing, assembly, and action of his model.
NASA Lunabotics Mining Competition
Want to design robots that excavate on the moon? I thought so. NASA is running a competition called Lunabotics for undergrad and grad students. The deadline for team registration is February 28, 2010. There are cash prizes and VIP Kennedy launch tickets up for grabs! [Thanks, Rachel!] More: Handmade telescope First computer on the moon […]
Weekend Project: Beetlebot
Simple robot from your parts bin that avoids obstacles. Get the PDF for this project here: http://blog.makezine.com/archive/2009/11/weekend_project_beetlebot.html. More great projects at http://www.makezine.com
