Robotics
MekaMon: a game-changing robot
UK-based company Reach Robotics has developed MekaMon, a gaming robot that weights only 2.2 pounds and can be played in the real world or in AR mode. MekaMon is a multi-functional, connected battle-bot with AR gameplay, which conjoins the virtual and real world. The robot has been in development for the last four years. As a result, it utilises AR for single-player campaigns, as well as streamlined communication for intense two-player c...
Robotic mapping and navigation using TI's mmWave sensor
This video from Texas Instruments demonstrates how developers can use a TI mmWave evaluation module and the Robot OS to map and navigate various settings.
How to launch a drone capability in just three months
With its new solution, Sky-Futures aims to enable enterprise to be up and running quickly with a drone-based inspection capability supporting their specific market sector needs. The Sky-Futures solution provides all the tools to get started as well on-going support as organisations scale up their drone operations.
Smart robot detects changes in atmospheric pressure
With the Internet of Things (IoT) becoming a big part of people's lives, network-connected embedded systems are becoming more important than ever. STMicroelectronics showcased its latest solutions for embedded systems, including a robot demo composed of a range of ST products, at Embedded Technology 2017 (ET2017).
A house isn't a home without a robot dog
Despite being sold off by Alphabet, Boston Dynamics will continue with its development of quadrupedal robots. A preview of its upgraded SpotMini robot has been released, showing a robust chassis and sensor housing with a black and yellow colour scheme. In the video, the SpotMini's agile movement is visible, with its angular legs letting the robot jump around and perform a fast turn around a wall.
All I want for Christmas is a £26,000 drone
Struggling to think of a gift idea for a friend or family member who just has it all? It’s time to think again. Christmas shopping no longer needs to drone on as Drone Major comes to the rescue. The online drone portal company has compiled a Christmas list of what it believes to be some of the best drones on the market at different price points.
Boldly going where no man can
The 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster was the most costly nuclear related incident since Chernobyl 25 years earlier. It was caused by a tsunami following the Tohoku earthquake, which disabled the emergency generators that were employed to cool the reactors. This insufficient cooling led to three nuclear meltdowns, hydrogen-air explosions and the release of radioactive materials.
Point cloud visualisation for robotics using TI's mmWave sensor
This demonstration from Texas Instruments shows developers can create a point cloud visualisation using TI's mmWave sensor evaluation module and RVIZ in Robot OS.
Win a drone with Electronic Specifier at productronica 2017
If you’re attending this year’s productronica, make sure to stop by Electronic Specifier’s stand in hall A1, booth 531. At the stand you can enter a prize draw to win a Parallax ELEV-8 V3 Quadcopter Drone Kit. With a RRP of $500, it’s certainly worth the trip.
Berkeley startup to train robots like puppets
Pieter Abbeel, professor of electrical engineering and computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, and his students, Peter Chen, Rocky Duan and Tianhao Zhang, have launched a startup, Embodied Intelligence Inc., to use the latest techniques of deep reinforcement learning and artificial intelligence to make industrial robots easily teachable.