This is the mCLARI: a shape changing insect inspired robot capable of omnidirectional movement in confined spaces. This micro bot has a 20mm body, weighing 0.97g. It has 4 independently actuated leg modules with 2 degrees of freedom, driven by piezoelectric actuators.
In the past few years, we have covered plenty of fancy laser welding robots here. This Busbar laser welding cell by Laserax is also worth a look. It uses FANUC SR-6iA SCARA robots to “eliminate gaps between busbars and cells for battery modules and packs.”
Folding robots are a growing field that are changing the way we design robots. Origami robots are thinner, lighter, and more flexible. NSF researchers have taken it to the next level by eliminating the rigid computer chips needed to enable advanced capabilities. Their origami robots are fully foldable and can perform various complex tasks. The below video shows these robots in action:
This is the Dingo 1.5: a lightweight indoor mobile designed for research and education. It is ready for autonomous navigation, mobile manipulation, and mapping. Dingo has a modular design and can be used with various sensors, including LiDARs, manipulators, and more.
Here is a private AI solution that you can use to ask questions and learn more about conversational AI. It is based on open source models like Whisper and Llama2. AI in a Box is powered by a RockChip 3588S SoC with NPU with 8GB RAM. It also has a built-in display, speakers, and microphone.
Here is another educational robot that can take your coding to the next level. The myAGV 2023 comes with 360-degree LiDAR and 5kg capacity. It runs a customized Ubuntu Mate 20.04 version. This robot is ready for 3D mapping, ROS simulation, and visual programming. It uses a set of powerful planetary brushless DC motors.
This is the Robosen Grimlock: a cool transformer robot that converts from a dino to a bipedal robot. It has 4 programming modes and app/voice control. It has 34 high-torque servomotors to convert smoothly. It also has 6-axis IMU sensors.
Drones are going to deliver things for us in the future. Plenty of companies are working on perfecting the technology. Manna Drone Delivery is using drones to deliver candy to families, allowing kids to stay dry in wet weather ocnditions.
As you can see in the above GIF, orders can be placed through an app. A drone then flies to the location and lowers the package. You can find out more here.
In the past few years, we have covered plenty of nature inspired soft robots. The Trimmed Helicoid is also worth a look. It is a soft robot arm that can perform intricate tasks safely. It can adapt to different shapes and surfaces. The design is inspired by elephant trunks and octopus tentacles. The below video shows EPFL’s CREATE lab’s robot in action:
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Here is an educational robot made for more advanced students. The ABB IRB 1090 robot has a reach of 580mm and 3.5kg payload. It combines with the OmniCore E10 ultra slim controller for motion control, external guided motion, and more. This robot arm has 3.5kg payload capacity.
