Tag Archives: Robotic

Tron’s an AI-Powered Robotic Lawnmower with 360-Degree Vision and Auto-Mulching

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Imagine your lawn could gently communicate its needs to a friendly robotic grass cutter designed to dart around your yard, ensuring every blade of grass is cut to precision. This wonder is brought to life by Airseekers’ Tron and Tron Max, the advanced champions of backyard maintenance. These machines are far more than lifeless robots; think of them as devoted groundskeepers overflowing with a zest for meticulous care and an innate ability to navigate the sprawling green haven that is your lawn.

Designer: Airseekers

Click Here to Buy Now: $1299 $2499 ($1200 off). Hurry, only 125/200 left! Raised over $585,000.

Armed with cutting-edge features like the 5-camera Air Vision system for unparalleled navigation, the ability to tackle challenging 65% slopes, and the innovative Flowcut technology that lifts and finely chops grass for a pristine finish, Tron and Tron Max stand out. Their smart AI mapping does away with the need for perimeter wires, offering freedom and flexibility in lawn care. The edge-cutting mode ensures neat borders, and with the capability to adjust the cutting height from 1.2 to 3.5 inches, they cater to a variety of grass types and preferences. If these features sound amazing, continue reading and supporting this project.

The accompanying app enriches the experience further, allowing for detailed zone mapping, real-time yard monitoring, and even remote-control mowing. It puts the power of precision lawn care at your fingertips. Whether it’s pattern drawing for that custom look or smart path planning to maximize efficiency, Tron and Tron Max are equipped to transform lawn maintenance into a seamless and enjoyable task.

Much like Elon Musk’s Tesla vehicles harness the power of Autopilot, utilizing pure vision to navigate through complex urban landscapes and highways with remarkable precision, Tron adopts a similar cutting-edge approach for lawn care. Its Air Vision technology empowers it to seamlessly maneuver across smaller gardens, intelligently mapping and adapting to each yard’s unique contours and obstacles. Tron Max comes into its own when the terrain expands, akin to a Tesla transitioning from city streets to vast, open highways. Armed with additional tech capabilities, it ensures comprehensive coverage of larger landscapes, maintaining the meticulous attention to detail and adaptive responsiveness that Tesla’s Autopilot offers to drivers on the road.

Now, Tron Max doesn’t just rely on its eyesight; it has an additional feature called RTK. Imagine having a super precise GPS system that tells you your exact spot within a few centimeters. That’s RTK for you! It’s like having a high-tech compass that ensures Tron Max never loses its way, even when the lawn is just one big green canvas with hardly a landmark in sight.

But the real game-changer comes into play under the dense canopy of a majestic oak tree, or in my case, a small forest of thirty-three oaks. Where other mowers might falter or lose their bearings amidst the dappled shade, Tron Max remains unfazed. Its secret? A reliance not just on RTK, but on its visionary capabilities. Even as the RTK signal plays a game of hide and seek beneath the leafy boughs, Tron Max continues its diligent work. Guided by its advanced visual system, it glides across the lawn with elegance and precision, undeterred by the challenges above.

Setting up this tech wonder is straightforward, so don’t worry about losing your weekend to it! The RTK kit with Tron Max is super easy to use — basically plug-and-play. It’s designed to be hassle-free, meaning you won’t have to puzzle over complex instructions. Just a heads up, though, if you’re eyeing the RTK kit, it’s exclusively bundled with Tron Max for now and isn’t available as a separate accessory. And for those leaning towards a greener setup, it even supports a solar panel option to keep things eco-friendly. As for the best spot for the RTK base station, it’s all good! You can place it on your roof or in your yard, wherever suits you best. It operates independently, so connecting it to any other device is unnecessary.

When it comes to braving the elements, both Tron and Tron Max are like outdoor warriors. They’re made to tackle everything from glaring sun to sudden showers easily. Thanks to their IPX6 rating, rain is merely a minor inconvenience, and their smart systems keep them cool even in the heat of summer. Plus, they’ve got the smarts to hold off on mowing when the weather turns foul, looking out for their wellbeing and the health of your lawn.

It’s worth noting, though, that mowing wet grass is a no-go, a rule Tron and Tron Max strictly follow for good reason. When grass blades are wet, they become more susceptible to damage — they can be torn rather than neatly snipped, leading to a less healthy lawn. Wet grass can also clump together, interfering with even cutting and potentially clogging the mower. Moreover, mowing wet lawns can compact the soil, restricting airflow and harming root growth. So, Tron and Tron Max are designed with the understanding to wait for drier conditions, ensuring your lawn stays in peak condition.

The ease of handling stood out prominently during a visit to Shenzhen to experience Tron firsthand. As endurance athletes of the robotic mowing world, both Tron and its larger counterpart, Max, have the capability to maintain your lawn’s beauty for a solid 3 hours on a single charge. Should your expansive greenery require extended care, I discovered that pulling out the battery and replacing it was remarkably easy, ensuring the mowers can continue their diligent work without pause.

Navigating your yard with the grace of a dancer, Tron deftly avoids obstacles like lawn chairs and toys. I even tested its agility by tossing my shoe in its path, and it did a fantastic job swerving around, barely missing a beat. But Tron’s work extends beyond simple grass cutting. It’s about creating a perfectly manicured outdoor area. Each grass blade is cut precisely, and all clippings and leaves are finely mulched, ensuring your lawn looks like a well-crafted masterpiece.

While Tron and Tron Max are busy keeping your lawn in shape, they’re also shaking things up compared to the usual gang of robotic mowers. They’re not about just following a wire or needing constant check-ins. They’re autonomous, smart, and designed to treat every part of your lawn with the care it deserves, turning obstacles into mere stepping stones in their graceful ballet of lawn care.

Woo, the inventor of Tron, expressed his understanding that everyone has their unique perspective on the ideal robotic mower. He welcomes constructive feedback, aiming to gather insights and experiences to improve Tron and Tron Max. His goal is to make them as user-friendly as possible, especially considering Tron does not require an RTK sidekick for navigation.

So, there you have it. Tron and Tron Max are your yard’s new best friends, ready to roll up their sleeves (if they had sleeves, that is) and keep your lawn looking lush, neat, and utterly enviable.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1299 $2499 ($1200 off). Hurry, only 125/200 left! Raised over $585,000.

The post Tron’s an AI-Powered Robotic Lawnmower with 360-Degree Vision and Auto-Mulching first appeared on Yanko Design.

Effortlessly Mow Your Lawn with The Ultimate Remote-Controlled Mowing Experience

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For those who value a well-maintained lawn but dislike manual labor in the hot summer sun, a solution is in sight. The Mowrator S1 is not just an average mower. This powerful, remote-controlled lawn mower does most of the work for you. It features a full-size blade for efficient cutting, a long-lasting battery, and built-in safety mechanisms to stay cool even in high temperatures. It also has smart sensors for easy navigation. When Autumn arrives with its inevitable blanket of fallen leaves, the Mowrator S1 shines again. An optional attachment transforms it into a powerful leaf vacuum, simplifying what could otherwise be a tedious cleanup task. Let’s explore how this innovative, battery-powered, remote-controlled mower, capable of handling slopes, can be the go-to solution for maintaining the neat look of your residential or commercial outdoor spaces.

Designer: Mowrator.com

Click Here to Buy Now: $1799 $2999 (40% off). Hurry, only 220/250 left! Raised over $395,000.

The Mowrator S1 features a robust 21-inch blade, ideal for efficiently covering large areas and tackling dense, tall grass like St. Augustine, which can grow over 7 inches. The use of a standard-sized blade, similar to traditional mowers, ensures efficiency and reliability. Unlike many robotic mowers that struggle with tougher grass and even thick bushes of weeds due to smaller blades, the Mowrator S1 maintains consistent, high-quality performance across a range of lawn conditions.

Impressively, the company has tested this mower in some of the most demanding conditions, particularly on dense St. Augustine grass. This demonstrates that the Mowrator S1 can effortlessly manage what other robotic mowers can’t. It’s not just about cutting the usual lawn; even the tallest, driest grass doesn’t stand a chance. That said, the Mowrator S1 is also designed to conquer challenging terrains. From steep inclines to uneven fields dotted with ditches, its four-wheel drive system ensures smooth navigation and conquest – so powerful that it’s capable of pulling a car. No longer will you deal with the frustration of a mower that stumbles on uneven ground.

For anyone who’s ever struggled with the daunting hills and steep slopes of their property, the Mowrator S1 feels like a trusted landscaper, capable of tackling inclines that would make most mowers balk. The real charm lies in its remote control feature, offering a safer, more comfortable alternative to the precarious perches of riding mowers without any compromise on performance. And for someone like me, who battles fierce reactions to dust, pollen, or exhaust fumes, the ability to guide this mower from afar is nothing short of a breath of fresh air, making lawn care a breeze rather than a burden.

While not entirely self-operating, this lawn mower introduces an effortless approach to managing vast expanses of green. A simple button press activates seamless cruise control, propelling the device forward without constant guidance. Embedded within is a sophisticated IMU, ensuring it maintains a straight trajectory across uneven terrains. Another button press effortlessly makes a U-turn, easily laying down those professional-grade lawn stripes. It’s these intuitive, almost human-like touches that make the Mowrator S1 feel like more than just a machine; it’s a reliable tool that you can trust to get the job done right.

On top of everything the Mowrator S1 is capable of, from meticulously manicuring your lawn to bravely battling steep slopes, the real icing on the cake is its transformation into a formidable leaf vacuum. With just an optional add-on, this versatile mower becomes your garden’s guardian, wielding a specialized vacuum blade and a clever windshield design to summon suction power that rivals traditional gas-powered vacuums.

 

This upgrade enhances its utility and extends its reach to the nooks and crannies of your garden with an extendable vacuum hose, ensuring no leaf is left behind, even in the most delicate flower beds and around bushy areas. And the cherry on top? The Mowrator S1 simplifies your life with its one-button dumping system, allowing you to clear out collected debris effortlessly. This feature makes cleaning your lawn as relaxed as spending an afternoon in the comfort of your backyard.

Wrapping it all up, if tackling your weekend lawn care feels like going into battle with your yard, the Mowrator S1 is equipped and ready, from the front lines to the final retreat in the backyard. At its core lies a rechargeable 18Ah LiFePO4 battery, your secret weapon ensuring every inch of your terrain is covered on a single charge. This battery is built for the long campaign, with a lifespan of up to 1500 cycles, potentially serving you for a decade of weekly three-acre engagements. Its built-in cooling system and protective casing ensure it remains durable and reliable through every season.

The company is seeking TUV safety certification for the Mowrator S1 for enhanced safety. If granted, it will be the first RC Mower with this certification, further solidifying its reputation for innovation and reliability. Winning the lawn battle isn’t only about power. The Mowrator S1 uses advanced ultrasonic sensors to proactively detect obstacles, pets, or family members, temporarily stopping its blades to avoid accidents. And for those moments of unexpected encounters or curiosity, the mower features a quick-stop mechanism that immediately halts the blades if the grass discharge area is accessed, ensuring every surprise is safely managed.

Click Here to Buy Now: $1799 $2999 (40% off). Hurry, only 220/250 left! Raised over $395,000.

The post Effortlessly Mow Your Lawn with The Ultimate Remote-Controlled Mowing Experience first appeared on Yanko Design.

Move aside Boston Dynamics, this robotic dog can run “on its own” once you get it started

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When strolling through a park or a mall, you see a lot of fur parents proudly showing off their pets. You also see a lot of people fawning over cute puppies and dogs and sometimes even running around with them. But would you be willing to run around with a robotic dog that seems to be running on its own without a human controlling it? My first instinct would probably be to run away from it or to think that our robot overlords will actually be canines. But for those who are interested in robotics, this would be something worth checking out.

Designer: Mickaël Achkar at CREATE Lab

A robotics student from the EPFL research insitute in Switzerland has been able to create a robotic dog that doesn’t require control motors and can actually run on its own once you get it started. The bilaterally symmetric robot dog actually uses motion-capture data from real dogs to be able to have a more realistic albeit mechanical motion. This data was usde to guide the design as well.

The robot dog uses various materials like metal rods for its bones, thin steel cables to represent the tendons, and 3D-printed polymer pulleys for its joints. Each of its for legs have three joints that are mechanically coordinated with each other, based on what real dogs’ joints have which lets it run like an actual dog goes. There’s also a pendulum-like counterweight that actually keeps the dog running once you get it started.

For other actions like jumping and stepping over objects, and other broader motions, it still has to use its control motors. The goal of this prototype is to basically modify the passive properties that most robotic designs have so that only simple control systems will be needed. Still, I would probably run away from robotic dogs for now, especially one that seems to be running on its own. But studies and inventions like this can be useful in creating other robotic body parts that are more bio-based.

The post Move aside Boston Dynamics, this robotic dog can run “on its own” once you get it started first appeared on Yanko Design.

This Transforming Robotic Furniture Going From Bed To living room setup Is The 2021 Investment We Need!

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This past year has seen some pretty innovative work from home office solutions. But working from home is not all about work! In fact, the majority of our time oscillates between procrastination and clearing up home space to resemble that Instagram influencer’s tidy organized home setup. Fluffing cushions, folding throws, and making the bed is the first step that, if skipped, causes a residual tension you feel every time you walk past that untidy space and one thing’s for sure, you don’t need that!

Meet Ori’s latest bed that drops any time you want to drop! We love furniture design that saves space because space/building efficiency is key to climate change. Ori, an MIT-based startup has been a key factor in helping us look at designs a new way, Ori’s Cloud Bed, Sofa edition is giving us our Instagram goals, without the folding up you don’t want to do! Accurately called Cloud Bed because it drops from the ‘skies’ when you wish to sleep, this innovative piece can be a game-changer for tiny homes, urban apartments, and more. Logic dictates that for any person, only one product will be in use at a time – either their bed or the couch. Keeping this in mind, Ori’s bed hides in the ceiling when not in use during the day and reveals a complete living room setup underneath it – a couch as well as a matching coffee table. No more making the bed needed!

Brooklyn-based brand, Ori, adds this ceiling bed to complete its range of expandable closets and offices which are all created around the notion of minimizing space while maximizing functionality and never compromising on the aesthetics! Taking inspiration from the Japanese art of Origami, Ori is the need of the hour and finally gives you an easy way to Netflix, chill, and sleep without cramping on your tiny couch!

Designer: Ori

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Robotic assistant designs that prove these smart products can improve our quality of life!

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When it comes to robots, there is a sense of wonder and fear that enters our minds. Given the job losses happening in the world and the speed at which technology is evolving, the only way we can progress is if we embrace technology and its advancement and make them our sidekicks! The designs showcased here today are great examples of the advancement in robotic technology and how they play pivotal roles in our lives – from being a faithful pet to you to repairing your luxury cars, these are assistant’s designed to improve your life!

Meet the Bittle by Rongzhong Li, and if it looks vaguely familiar, it’s because it most certainly is. Modeled on the design of the popular Boston Dynamics robot dog, Spot, the Bittle features a similar design + color scheme, and crushes the notion that an old dog can’t learn new tricks because Bittle runs entirely on Arduino, and can be quite literally programmed to do all sorts of things! You can either look at Bittle as a STEM project for your child, or a really interesting toy for adults to play and tinker with. The robot comes with a plastic body that doesn’t take long to assemble and features a modular body, which means you can either build the Bittle without a head or tail (sort of like Boston Dynamics’ Spot) or add them on for good measure and make your toy look more playful and less creepy.

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Carlo Ratti’s Scribit is a small printer with big ambitions and the ability to take on the biggest canvases possible. Scribit is a robot that allows users to draw on walls, whiteboards, pieces of glass, or plastered drywall. Suspending itself from the uppermost corners, the Scribit can pretty accurately track coordinates (like a delta 3D printer, but without the Z-axis) and create artworks on massive walls using the CMYK markers within its design. Using whiteboard markers to create complex artworks, the artworks can also be erased and replaced with new ones from time to time, allowing massive walls to turn into dynamic canvases for art, information, or advertisement.

Mohamed Halawany’s Microsoft Azure Robot design was recently recognized by Behance for its intricate render and friendly, futuristic personality. Depending on what each situation needs, Azure, will compute real-time in the robot in order to deliver help with speed and without any latency. Azure is run by Artificial Intelligence that provides users with a customizable space to work, save, share, and connect through multi-functional, serverless software. Halawany’s robot renders for Microsoft Middle East, mimics the physical disposition of a human being, but operates through AI on a serverless, scalable platform. The main screen on Halawany’s rendering of a robot is the classic homepage for Microsoft users: a grid, lined with applications and software analytics, that organizes all a user might need in order to put the functions of an autonomous robot to use.

Dog bots will probably be a hybrid of a smart pet and a household assistant, I imagine features like security cameras for the eyes while still being sweet enough to bring you your newspaper and waking you up in the morning. Samsung’s dog bot concept by Gaetano De Cicco may have the benefit of being low maintenance, they won’t require mandatory walks on days when you’re sick or make you panic if you forget leaving their food out during emergencies. And as you can guess, they definitely won’t be troublesome during bath time. So for the future, it actually sounds like a practical option because AI will be able to mimic a dog’s behavior closely but what about our conditioned behavior towards dogs? This conceptual Samsung dog bot replaces the dog’s features with a screen, so instead of a confused head tilt the face aka screen of the robot will show you a question mark.

An airport in Lyon, France is debuting a robot designed by Stanley Robotics, which will latch onto your car and park it for you as you rush to board your flight. Given that parking your car on a tight schedule can often result in a loss of precious minutes, the Lyon Airport is relying on an army of car-parking bots that gently carry your car to the nearest vacant spot. The parking system is entirely powered by A.I. and requires no human assistance. It also means you save precious minutes instead of circling the parking lot looking for an empty space. Parking your car at the airport is relatively simple. Drive right into the parking bay and input your flight (and return) details into the kiosk beside the parking bay.

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The Crafty Robot democratizes this technology and helping everyone have access to the tools to build robots that perform tasks as complex as detect objects and follow them, or as simple and pleasant as deliver your cup of tea to you. The $40 robot comes in three types. An A.I. Bot that you can assemble using the cardboard net provided, and mount your smartphone onto. The A.I. Bot taps into your smartphone’s camera, using it to detect moving objects in its vicinity and follow or chase them around (I imagine this would be great to try on tiny pets). A Teabot (yes that’s literally what it’s called) comes with a tray that can carry anything from cups of tea to glasses of mimosas around your house, using your smartphone as a remote control. A third variant, the Unicorn bot, exists only because unicorns and robots as a combination seem like it’s destined for greatness!

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Rolls-Royce has designed tiny robots called SWARM that gets deployed within their jet engines to run reconnaissance and inspections. A part of RR’s IntelligentEngine program, the SWARM gets deployed into intricate parts of the engine, giving engineers real-time feedback on performance, wear-tear, etc. The visual data collected by these tiny robots would be used “alongside the millions of data points already generated by today’s engines as part of their Engine Health Monitoring systems.” They’ll work alongside snake-shaped INSPECT robots, providing inspection services, while remote boreblending robots will take on maintenance activities.

The Stanford Pupper Quadriped Robot requires a fair bit of technical expertise, though, and can take anywhere from 4-10 hours to build. The cost of building the robot depends partly on whether you have a few key elements. If you’ve got a Raspberry Pi 4 and a PS4 controller handy, things should be a breeze (resources and code can be found on links available on the Stanford Student Robotics website). You’ll also need a few elements for the frame, like a carbon fiber plate and a few 3D printed PLA parts, although the guys at Stanford make it easy by letting you buy the pre-fab parts from a website.

Every so often a product pops up that we can’t quite believe exists… and the incredible Hexbot is one of them! Hexbot is an all-in-one robot arm that is fit for anyone’s desktop. This interchangeable device can assist makers and designers in bringing their creations to life… and with insane precision! The modules satisfyingly clip onto the end of the arm, each offering a unique and usable function; from laser engraving, which allows for the creations of mesmerizing pieces of art or personalized gifts, right through to 3D printing, allowing your creations to come to life!

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As far as robotics and 3D animation are concerned, the eyes are an extremely complex part only because they’re so expressive, that it’s a challenge to make them look believable, but the SEER (Simulative Emotional Expression Robot) seems to have cracked the surface of the problem. The humanoid robot Sophia may look like a human, but the minute she begins looking around or talking, you immediately notice that something’s off. Sophia’s eyes and eyebrows don’t move as naturally as ours do, but the SEER robot’s eyes are so damn expressive, you tend to forget you’re looking at mechanics and you instantly tend to lower your guard around it. SEER’s eyes look human, and more importantly, feel innocent, and real.

Neato’s robotic D10 vacuum uses LIDAR-based navigation

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Neato’s newest robotic vacuum, the Neato D10, uses LIDAR-based technology and a HEPA filter that captures virtually 100 percent of allergens, the company says. It offers a runtime of 150 minutes, the widest brush and largest dirt bin on the market, s...

South Korean cafe uses robotic baristas to comply with social distancing

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With its COVID-19 outbreak seemingly contained, South Korea may offer the rest of the world a glimpse of what society could look like after the pandemic ends -- and it may include robotic baristas. According to Reuters, a cafe in Daejeon, South Korea...

A mind-controlled exoskeleton helped a paralyzed man walk again

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A paralyzed man regained the ability to walk with the help of a robotic exoskeleton that he controlled with his mind. Unlike other, more invasive mind-controlled robotics, this one used electrodes implanted above the brain's outer membrane, not in th...

MIT’s thread-like robot can slip through blood vessels in your brain

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MIT engineers created a thread-like robot that can glide through the brain's blood vessels and could deliver clot-reducing drugs to treat strokes or aneurysms. The robotic thread could offer an alternative to open brain surgery, and it could be contr...