KUKAprc: Parametric Robot Control for Visual Programming Language Grasshopper

The International Association for Robots in Architecture has released an update to it's Grasshopper plugin: KUKA:prc. Grasshopper is visual programming language built on top of the Rhino3D modeler. Grasshopper can be used to generate complex 3d structures procedurally by chaining together operations using its node-based IDE. KUKA:prc enables you to program industrial robots directly out of the parametric modeling environment, including a full kinematic simulation of the robot. The generated files can be executed at the KUKA robot, without requiring any additional software. The new release includes several preset profiles existing KUKA robots and is free (at least for the time being) to download and test here.

Automated Pallet Tracking in Food & Beverage Logistics

Without proper pallet tracking, manufacturers run the risk of costly product recalls, as well as negative impact on brand image. Often entire batches of affected product must be recalled due to insufficient pallet identification, even when errors exist for only a portion of a given shipment.

Robots in the Deep

The oceans are unfathomable, dark and dangerous; yet researchers are building undersea robots that can find their way in the mysterious deep. Scientists now have a variety of research and work vehicles to explore where no man has gone before.

Robotmaster software and Kuka Robots make a significant impact at Automatica 2012

Concerns of robots maintaining tolerances and producing finish quality parts were put to rest by the live machining done at both booths.

Pantomation

An old video recently surfaced demonstrating Pantomation, a tracking system built in 1977. The system was built with some variation of the PDP and could track body movement by isolating objects held by performers and was used to drive music or live performances. Cool early stuff.

Cannes Light Show Performed By KMel Robotics

A troupe of 16 quadrotors (flying robots) dance to and manipulate sound and light at the Saatchi & Saatchi New Directors' Showcase 2012.

The Complete ROSCon 2012 Presentation Videos

Willow Garage posted these videos of all the presentations at this years ROSCon and we thought we'd compile ths list for you here. 11+ hours of great content.

MPU-9150 Nine-axis MotionTracking device

The MPU-9150 is a System in Package (SiP) that combines two chips: the MPU-6050, which contains a 3-axis gyroscope, 3-axis accelerometer, and an onboard Digital Motion Processor™ (DMP™) capable of processing complex 9-axis MotionFusion algorithms; and the AK8975, a 3-axis digital compass. The part’s integrated 9-axis MotionFusion algorithms access all internal sensors to gather a full set of sensor data. For precision tracking of both fast and slow motions, the parts feature a user-programmable gyro full-scale range of ±250, ±500, ±1000, and ±2000°/sec (dps), a user-programmable accelerometer full-scale range of ±2g, ±4g, ±8g, and ±16g, and compass with a full scale range of ±1200µT. Designworld has a video from InvenSense's CES 2012 booth demonstrating the MPU-9150. The DIYDrones post has additional info and comments. Official product site.

Picking Robotics Stocks Is Complicated: Some Are A Waste Of Time

If you believe that the robotics industry is ready for you to invest in, you wouldn't purchase either Boeing or John Deere -- they aren't representative of the industry and their stocks move to the beat of a different drummer than robotics. Instead, you would pick from a list of pure play robotic stocks (if such a list existed).

What will you say to an Intelligent Robot?

The advances in genetics, brain research, artificial intelligence, bionics and nanotechnology are converging to accomplish the goal of overcoming human limitations and create higher forms of artificial intelligent life. By 2035, the robotics industry could rival the automobile and computer industries in both sales and jobs.

A Guide For Small Assembly Robots In Upstream Packaging Processes

The first step in automating a process with a robot is to determine whether the tasks to be performed will require a four-axis SCARA or six-axis articulated robot, and what type and size of end effector, or end-of-arm tooling (EOAT), is needed.

AUV's And The Secrets Of The Depths

Whether the search is for treasure, new medical cures, oil, underwater life, or deep-sea life, the underwater robots will take the lead in our journey for knowledge and riches.

Co-operative Robotics

The controller is built inside the mechanism eliminating the need for external controller cabinets or external harnessing. This reduces floor space requirements and cost. The only external cabling necessary is a standard AC power cord, reducing the cost of cable management.

ROSCon 2012 Presentations Available Now

Willow Garage just posted Youtube videos of all the presentations at this years ROSCon. 11+ hours of great robotic content: Day One Opening Remarks (10mins) [youtube] Day One Keynote: ROS: Past, present, and future (66mins) [part 1] [part 2] URDF and You (44mins) [youtube] [slides] Motion Planning in ROS (44mins) [youtube] Introduction to rosjava (39mins) [youtube] [slides] The Gazebo Simulator as a Development Tool in ROS (46mins) [youtube] [slides] Using ROS on Field Robotic Experiments in Remote Locations (20mins) [youtube] ROS for Humanoid Robots (23mins) [youtube] [slides] “Moe” The Autonomous Lawnmower (18mins) [youtube] [slides] Lightning Talks (46mins) [youtube]   Day Two Opening Remarks (2mins) [youtube] Day Two Keynote: Architecting Real-time Control of Robonaut 2 using ROS and Orocos (56mins) [youtube] Understanding tf (38mins) [youtube] The current state and future of multi-master, multi-robot systems using ROS (35mins) [youtube] Writing Hardware Drivers (40mins) [youtube] [slides] Understanding the Kinect (42mins) [youtube] ROS on Windows (19mins) [youtube] The ROS wiki how to make the best use of it (19mins) [youtube] Measuring and Tracking Code Quality in ROS (22mins) [youtube] Teaching Robotics with ROS: Experiences, Suggestions, and Tales of Woe (20mins) [youtube] Robot Web Applications (22mins) [youtube] Using Open Sound Control Hardware and Software with ROS (13mins) [youtube] Closing Remarks (4mins) [youtube]

Bosch Indego Robotic Lawnmower

IEEE Spectrum has info about a new autonomous lawnmower from the German company Bosch. Seems the only official info available at the moment is a Swedish press release but it appears the mower communicates with its docking station (and maybe GPS) allowing the unit to cut areas in ordered parallel lines rather than the chaotic back and forth paths you see from other sensor based robotic lawnmowers or vacuums. You will still have to install wire around the perimeter so the robot stay on the grass. The battery lasts 20 minutes per charge and resumes where it left of after a 90 minute charge.

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FAULHABER Drive Systems at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston from April 30 to May 1 in Hall C at Booth 534

FAULHABER Drive Systems at the Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston from April 30 to May 1 in Hall C at Booth 534

Faulhaber will be presenting their drive systems for robotics and smart technology. Robots are versatile and can be found in many areas, for example, transporting goods, operating on patients or supporting the agriculture industry. With the help of robots, processes can be automated, the flow of materials optimized and employees relieved. Equipped with FAULHABER drive systems, these robots can take on tasks where the demands on function and applications are high.