Here is a brainless soft robot that can escape mazes. Developed by researchers at NC State University, this robot doesn’t require a brain to get it done. It is made of liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs), which can shrink over 50% in response to heat and light. This robot can self turn when encountering a wall. The below video shows it in action:
Here is another STEM toy that you can rely on to learn about coding robots, games, and circuits. The BrainPad Pulse has a 128×64p display that you can use to show texts and sensor data. This kit is MakeCode ready. It comes with an accelerometer, temperature sensor, and buzzer. It has a connector for expansion.
This is the Trailer Valet RVR3: a robotic mover that saves you time and effort moving your trailer. This remote controlled electric mover can handle trailers up to 3500lbs in weight. The RVR3 has heavy duty treads to handle different surfaces. You can control it from any angle with the push of a button.
The RVR3 can move your trailer out of your garage and across the driveway in seconds. It has a brushed aluminum housing. The batteries last up to 30 minutes of continual towing time.
Here is a 6cm long swimmer/crawler robot that uses a wave motion to move around. It uses a single motor for actuation. Since the motor and battery were heavy, floats were needed for this robot. This SAW robot was made by Rotem Katz, Omer Guetta, Dan Shachaf, and David Zarrouk at the Bioinspired and Medical Robotics Lab at the Ben Gurion University of the Negev.
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Meet the Draganfly Commander 3 XL: a a hybrid drone that can accommodate a wide range of payloads. It has a liquid-cooled powertrain and can carry 4kg of load for up to 3 hours. This drone can operate in various environments and doesn’t require remote charging.
In the past few years, we have covered plenty of fascinating soft actuators. Hydrogel-based soft actuators can operate in sensitive environments but they have limits as far as water transport goes due to their poroelastic behavior. This video shows bioinspired soft actuators with based on thermoresponsive hydrogels with an integrated graphene network.
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Here is a tiny robot that can change its shape to squeeze through narrow gaps. CLARI, also known as Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect, is inspired by bugs. It can transform its shape from square to long and slender when in tight spaces. It has a modular design and 4 legs. The below video shows it in action:
This is the Tail STAR: a double joint tail sprawling robot that can overcome a variety of obstacles. It can cross over gaps and climb over stairs. This robot was developed by Matan Coronel and David Zarrouk. Its tail enables the robot to move its center of mass forwards or backwards and extend its length to achieve more surface contact points.
Meet the LightStrike+ UV Robot: a smart robot that helps keep healthcare facilities free of germs. This FDA authorized device uses high intensity light for fast microbial reduction. It is smart enough to detect motion and stop. It has customizable room types and positions.
The LightStrike+ robot reduces pathogens on non-porous, high-touch surfaces.
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This is the Ecoppia H4: an autonomous robotic cleaning solution for fixed tilt and single axis trackers. It moves horizontally but cleans vertically. The H4 is cloud based and can be remotely managed from anywhere. It features bidirectional cleaning. The below video shows what makes this solar cleaner special:
