Robots can do many things for us already. That includes applying chocolate decoration. Stäubli Robotics shows how a robotic 3D printer an be used to complete sophisticated decorations with melted chocolate from 1.3mm to 30cm thick.
Meet the StockBot: a robot that lets businesses automate the inventory process using RFID or vision tech. The robot measures 0.5 m x 0.5 m x 1.9 m. It creates a map of each area and can move around without supervision. It can also detect and avoid obstacles.
These videos show what you can do with a StockBot. As Pal Robotics explains, the robot offers automatic in-store item localization, misplacement detection, and inventory management optimization.
[Source]
Programming robots is easier when you have an interactive interface like CAD-2-PATH around. This robot programming tool allows you to control your robot by simply drawing a 3D model. As the developers explain:
With CAD-2-PATH it is quick and easy to program surface-true paths on complex object surfaces. The trajectories drawn are projected onto the surface from the CAD model and can then be executed by industrial and service robots of all kinds.
With force-torque sensors, robots will be able to dynamically adapt to the surface, so inaccuracies in your virtual 3D model won’t be a big issue.
[HT]
Festo’s robots are quite amazing. But how would one learn how to make a bionic fish or chameleon gripper? Festo’s Bionics Kit can teach kids between 14 to 18 years old how to get started in bionics. The kit comes with servos, electronics components, and everything users need to get started.
Here is another cool Festo robot inspired by nature. The BionicFlyingFox can perform agile flying maneuvers and fly in a defined space semi-autonomously thanks to a motion-tracking system. This artificial flying fox has a wingspan of 228cm and body length of 87cm.
Here is a motorized RC platform that lets you move your trailer without having to break a sweat. The Trailer Valet RVR can be operated from up to 40 feet away. It has treads to go over difficult terrains. The RVR is available in 3 models ranging from 3,500 lbs, 5,500 lbs, and up to 9,000 lbs.
Here is another awesome bio-inspired robot from Festo: the BionicWheelBot is a walking robot with many properties of the flic-flac spider. It can roll on the ground and overcome inclines of up to 5%. The robot bends its 3 legs each on the left and right of its body to make a wheel. It uses its other two folded up legs to pus the rolled-up robot of the ground.
AeroVironmen’s Puma 3 UAS is finally here. It is a small unmanned aircraft that can perform in tough environments and supports advanced 3rd party payloads. According to the company, Puma 3 is ready for challenging electronic warfare environments.
Here is another robotic pool cleaner that can get rid of debris in your pool without you having to break a sweat. The Dolphin Wave 200 XL delivers wall to wall cleaning and gets the job done one path at a time. It has an active dual-direction brush system and is smart enough to get around obstacles.
Advanced bionic limbs make life easier for amputees but they are not affordable and accessible to everyone. Students at the University of Manchester have designed and built a 3D printed robotic hand for just £307, which is much cheaper than almost any prosthetic limb available on the market.
