Tag Archives: robot

Pyxel makes it easy for anyone to learn how to code @ CES 2023



Pyxel coding robot dogIt seems like every time we turn around, someone is talking about education in STEAM – meaning science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (or manufacturing). And, while it is not the right direction for all people, for those who are interested, it can be difficult to find a great way to begin. Much like Goldilocks, some kits are too complicated, and some kits are too simple, but Pyxel from Educational Insights seems to be just right.

What is Pyxel?

Pyxel is a robotic dog that is designed to be a coder’s best friend. It is designed to be able to be programmed for various tasks and activities without having to have any experience in hardware. This is a nice change from most other platforms, as they traditionally require you to build something before you can control it. For people who are uninterested in hardware but still want to have the benefit of seeing something in the real world respond to code you’ve created, this is a truly ideal situation.

There is something special when learning to code when you can write code and see something in the real world change. It doesn’t matter if the thing moves, talks, makes noise, or even just blinks – having an effect on the real world creates a level of excitement that pure software just can’t create. In fact, for many seasoned software engineers, having an effect on reality can still be really exciting.

How does Pyxel work?

Pyxel is entirely programmed through a web-based portal. All you have to do is connect to your device using a direct Wi-Fi connection and open your browser to the development portal address. This means that you don’t have to have a special app installed, a development environment, or anything you don’t already have. This is a benefit for teachers in schools who are using computers that are locked down by school IT, as you won’t need any special abilities to install anything that doesn’t already exist.

Once you’re connected, you can use the portal to create code to control your Pyxel. There are two ways to do this – using a block programming environment or through Python, a growing industry standard. If you are familiar with either of these programming environments, then you’re able to jump in and get started. If you’re new to everything, then you’ll want to jump into the tutorials that will help guide you through the process.

The best part is, if you get started using the block environment and want to progress into Python, there’s an easy way to do this. Within the system, there is a conversion chart that shows the block name on the left, its result to the bot in the middle, and the equivalent Python code on the right. So, to learn how to make Pyxel do as you wish, this system does have everything you’ll need.

Summary

The Pyxel coding dog is available for pre-order now for $125 with a release date of April 24, 2023. To learn more about Pyxel or the company, check out their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Task Complete: Aiper keeps your pool clean without cords @ CES 2023



Aiper Pool Cleaning RobotIf you own a pool, you know that maintaining the pool can be a pain. Between keeping the pH balance correct, a garage full of various chemicals, a constant fight against leaves, plus keeping the bottom clean, there is always something to do. There have been machines to help with the process, like filters and vacuums, but even that isn’t perfect. However, Aiper has a line of underwater robots to make maintaining your pool easier.

What is Aiper?

Aiper is a robotics company that makes an entirely cordless robotic pool cleaner. This machine is able to maneuver itself around the bottom of your pool without any obstructions and keep the surface of the pool clean. Because of its design, it is also able to come out of the water slightly in order to clean the ring around the pool above the water surface and below the deck.

If you’ve had an indoor robotic vacuum, you generally understand the concept. The machine goes into the water and travels around the surface to keep it clean. The system maps out the surface of the pool ahead of time, which helps it to ensure that a complete cleaning is accomplished. The robot is also battery-powered and easily rechargeable. In fact, it only takes 90 minutes for a complete charge. To keep the robot itself clean, simply remove the filter, empty it out, and put it back in.

Why choose Aiper?

We’ve all seen pool cleaners that live under the water. Traditionally, these machines have a very long shop vac pipe that pulls behind them. Using that tube, the machine is able to essentially vacuum the bottom of the pool, with the suction coming from the other end of the tube. This design is functional, but also creates a lot of problems.

The tubes often get tied up in knots as the cleaner goes under them. This prevents the machine from completing its cleaning path and can also cause damage to the tube itself. If the cleaner doesn’t get under the tube, it might just get caught and stopped, once again ending the cleaning cycle whether or not the pool is clean. in either case, you’re going to have to get involved, often inside of the pool, and resolve the issue.

This is where the biggest win comes in for Aiper. Since the Aiper robotic cleaners are battery-powered with their vacuums built into the machine, there are no tubes. This means that there is no chance that it gets caught up in itself. All of this prevents interaction from the owner and significantly reduces the chances of damage to the machine or other items, including toys, in the pool.

Summary

Several models of the Aiper robotic pool vacuums are available now. The newest model, the Aiper Seagull Pro, will release on March 20, 2023. You can purchase the existing models or pre-order the new model at the company’s store. To learn more about the company and the full line of products, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Apollo brings full automation to ADT’s commercial offerings @ CES 2023



ADT Commercial Apollo security robotIt seems like every day we hear about another industry that AI, robotics, and automation are coming to improve. Fast food service has gotten better with more automation in the kitchen. Manufacturing has been helped immensely by robotics and automation, making the jobs in factories safer and less physically intensive. However, one place that we didn’t expect to see robotics, at least not today, is security. However, ADT Commercial has a new robot security guard called Apollo.

What is Apollo?

Apollo is a humanoid robot that is intended to augment traditional security guards in an office, retail space, or any other commercial property. It is part of the company’s new EvoGuard initiative, which seeks to infuse high-tech capabilities into ADT’s commercial security offerings.

A large part of a human security guard’s job is to observe their surroundings and report on what they see. This can be done by walking the premises and looking for things that are out of place, or by sitting with a wall of screens watching an entire property at once. If something out of the ordinary is observed, the correct people are alerted. This could be another member of security, the property owner, or even the police.

Apollo is capable of doing all of this, without any of the restrictions of a person. The robot can travel around a property easily looking for changes in the environment, or even recognizable issues. Once an issue is recognized, it can report back to a security supervisor and a human can take over control of the robot to go and investigate further. If warranted, the agent can then notify someone on the grounds, the property owner, or the local police.

One of the interesting features of Apollo is the virtual reality option. Using a VR headset, the supervisor is able to essentially become the robot. They are able to see through the perspective of the robot and manipulate it as if they were there. This includes moving its hands, opening or closing doors, checking windows, etc. However, if the supervisor is unable or unwilling to use the VR experience, the entire thing can also be controlled from the system’s computer-based dashboard.

This is actually the reason why Apollo is humanoid. If the purpose was merely to observe and report, then it could have been designed to look like a trash can. However, because it is intended to be able to be used remotely to accomplish goals, the company let it was important to make it with a wider range of motion. But, since all of our environments are designed for humans, it was decided that Apollo should be humanoid, as well.

Summary

Apollo is currently in use through partnerships with three test partners. Using their feedback, the company and its design partner are able to make adjustments before it becomes available for a wider audience, hopefully during quarter 1 of 2023. To learn more about Apollo or ADT’s other commercial security offerings, you can check out their website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Ball Wave gives robots and computers the ability to smell @ CES 2023



Ball Wave Machine Smell DetectorComputers and machinery have gained a lot of abilities over the past few years. Computers can think for themselves with artificial intelligence. Robots can see and hear thanks to cameras and microphones. Together they create the ability for machines to make decisions about their environment and adapt. But, one thing that’s missing is the sense of smell. That’s where Ball Wave technology comes in.

What is Ball Wave and how does it work?

Ball Wave is a remarkable new technology that has the potential to revolutionize the way we use technology. It allows a machine to essentially be able to smell the air around it. But, more importantly, it allows for an integrated laboratory to analyze the air in near real-time.

This technology takes what is traditionally a very large piece of equipment and shrinks it down to a very small package. What was once the size of an air conditioner is now able to be held in the hand. This means that there are a lot of opportunities that were never available before.

But the real beauty is the integrated computer that allows you to get analysis results immediately. You can tell within seconds if there are any irregularities in the air. This can be used for safety purposes or even for monitoring the quality or process of making wine.

How can Ball Wave technology be used?

The impressive part of the technology is that, because of its size, it can be used in a large number of applications. One of the most surprising is that it is small and light enough to be placed on a drone. In fact, the company has an example video on its website showing the box in action on a drone. In addition to being just plain cool, it also has a lot of benefits. The device can be used to test air quality in areas that are not easily reachable, such as during building construction or demolition.

Another interesting usage is in the alcohol industry. The company has piloted using the box to keep track of the production process for sake, a popular drink in Japan. Because of the way the system works, it is able to monitor the fermentation process and know where the sake is in its production. The next stage is to integrate AI into the system to be able to even determine brand from the scent.

Of course, the concept isn’t limited to sake. In fact, it could easily be adapted to keep an eye on wine or beer. Production of these drinks has a lot of potential problems in production, so being able to track the progress can prevent wine turning to vinegar.

Summary

The Ball Wave technology is already in use in Japan, with an expansion of markets planned. The technology has many uses inside and outside of laboratory purposes. To learn more about Ball Wave or to find out how you might be able to use it, head over to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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The Tactigon wants to ease your computer interactions @ CES 2023



The Tactigon Gesture & Motion ControllerThe way we interact with machines has not changed much over the years. We started with a keyboard and later added a mouse. The mouse was augmented by touch, but only for some purposes. All of this means that the way we use computers today is nearly identical to how we interacted with them 40 years ago. However, the types of machines we interact with have changed significantly, and so it is time that our interactions change too. This is the lofty goal that The Tactigon has in its gesture-based controls.

What is The Tactigon?

The Tactigon is a unique and intriguing gadget. It is a board no bigger than a credit card, equipped with sensors and customizable inputs that allow it to turn any ordinary object into an interactive device with the help of app integration. With no wiring or any particular specific setup, The device seamlessly connects with apps already installed on the user’s mobile device and allows them to integrate the power of motion into their daily computing lives.

What is The Tactigon?

The Tactigon is a unique and intriguing gadget. It is a board no bigger than a credit card, equipped with sensors and customizable inputs that allow it to turn any ordinary object into an interactive device with the help of app integration. The device, when integrated, allows users to interact with their computers or devices without having to touch them.

In addition to the development board, The Tactigon has a fully functional end product called the Tactigon Skin. The controller is held in the hand and allows for simple controls as well as more advanced gestures. Depending on the integrated application, the controls can do different things.

How does The Tactigon change how we use computers?

The Tactigon Skin uses an artificial intelligence algorithm to recognize gestures and accurately interpret them. This allows users to interact with their computers or devices in ways never seen before, like moving objects on the screen in certain directions or performing complex tasks at once in a single gesture. The company’s precision makes it ideal for sophisticated applications that require fine control over the user’s movements.

Furthermore, the product allows you to access digital content with a simple flick of the wrist or turn a page in an ebook in one swift gesture. The Tactigon Skin has been designed to be highly responsive and accurate, ensuring seamless interactions between user and machine so that users can work more efficiently without having to strain their hands.

How does The Tactigon change how we interact with robots?

The Tactigon Skin is not just limited to controlling digital devices but can also be used to control robots and other physical objects. Its accurate gesture recognition allows for precise commands to be sent, allowing for a fluid connection between user and machine. This means that users can make their robots move or perform tasks with a simple flick of a wrist. The controller is also compatible with a range of robots and machines, meaning that it can be used in combination with all kinds of different projects.

The Tactigon Skin is truly revolutionary, changing the way we interact with computers and robots. With its integrated sensors and Artificial Intelligence algorithm, the device offers the best possible data available and helps users to control their machines with smooth and accurate movements. The controller is a man-machine interface that brings the digital world to your fingertips.

Summary

The Tactigon Skin is revolutionizing how we interact with our machines, allowing us to use them in ways never seen before. It is a leap into the future of man-machine interaction and promises to make interacting with our computer more natural and intuitive than ever before. The Tactigon Skin allows us to access digital content quickly and accurately, making it easier to focus on the job at hand.

To learn more about The Tactigon, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Dog-E is the robotic companion you’ve been waiting for @ CES 2023



Dog-E by WowWeeIf you’ve been in the electronics world for a while, you know that robotic pets have been a popular product category for a long time. However, they generally come with some problems. Generally, they are too expensive, don’t do anything actually interesting, or both. One company has tried to tackle this problem for years and has hit upon a robotic companion that people will want – Dog-E from WowWee.

Who is WowWee?

WowWee has been around for a decade and is dedicated to creating unique robotic toys. The company is best known for the Roboraptor and Robosapien, which have both become iconic toys. These products created a new product category for kids and families, with the ability to interact with the robots and, in some instances, do some basic programming. However, the skill sets were still fairly limited, so, while popular, the devices remained niche.

What Is Dog-E?

Dog-E is a unique robotic pet that comes with a variety of personalities and temperaments for you to choose from. From the moment you begin interacting with your companion, it mints a unique personality just for you. And, as you continue to interact with it, the personality is revealed in bigger and more obvious ways. For example, the eyes might light up a particular color early on to indicate a certain characteristic. In addition, Dog-E’s tail has the ability to show personality traits through LED-powered icons.

However, if you would prefer to customize your companion, as opposed to using the one minted for you, you have the ability to change characteristics through the companion mobile app. Whether you’re looking for a licky & loving dog or one that’s protective & hungry – Dog-E has it all! It also features artificial intelligence so it can learn how to respond better to your commands the more it interacts with you. Plus, its adorable appearance makes it an irresistible companion.

Interaction With Dog-E

The best part of having a robot pet is that you get to watch as it develops its own unique personality and interacts with you in different ways. Dog-E comes equipped with a variety of sensors that help it interact with you, including touch sensors to detect when it’s being touched, infrared vision to bounce light off objects, and an array of microphones to pick up sounds. Once it starts interacting with you, Dog-E can become playful & energetic or sweet & lazy depending on your interaction style.

Summary

Dog-E is the perfect robotic companion for anyone looking for a pet that is both fun and interactive. With its customizable personalities and artificial intelligence, this product has something for everyone! Whether you’re looking for a licky & loving friend or one that’s protective & hungry – Dog-E has it all. Plus, its adorable appearance makes it an irresistible companion that you’ll love interacting with!

Dog-E is expected to come onto the market just in time for Holiday 2023 and will retail for $79.99. To learn more about Dog-E or pre-order your own robotic companion, you can head over to the product page.

Interview by Don Baine, The Gadget Professor.

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Ottonomy robots deliver food, groceries, and packages @ CES 2022



Ottonomy delivery robotsOver the past few years, the idea of getting things – anything – delivered directly to your door has grown in popularity. The internet has given us access to goods and services all over the world, while the change in environment has made many of us stay in the house much of the time. To address this altered reality, Ottonomy has developed an exciting line of autonomous robots that can deliver nearly anything straight to your home or office.

Who is Ottonomy?

Ottonomy, the company behind the world’s first autonomous delivery robots, is quickly gaining notoriety in the robotics industry. Its robots are designed to help navigate businesses with staffing shortages for retail and restaurant industries. Their fully autonomous robots can deliver food & beverages, groceries, and packages to curbside, last mile, and even indoor environments. These robots are available on a “RaaS” (Robotics as a Service) model. Their business customers get access to a quicker, safer, and more economical delivery option as compared to traditional 3rd party delivery services. Above all these robots are set to reduce carbon emissions and improve quality of life.

Ottonomy’s delivery robots

The Ottonomy robots are designed to deliver food, groceries, packages, and other items directly to a customer’s home or office. They have three different robot models – the Ottobot (footprint is slightly smaller than an SUV), Ottobot Mini (for indoor deliveries), and Ottobox (a refrigerated version). The Ottobots have been tested at several locations in Canada including the Toronto Zoo, University of Waterloo, and McMaster Innovation Park. Over 15K pounds of goods have been delivered by Ottonomy robots in Ontario alone.

While this particular concept may not be new for some companies – Starship Technologies offers delivery bots that can carry up to 20lbs – few others have managed to actually put their robots into operation. Ottonomy is looking to change that by doing things a bit differently. Ottonomy has taken the time to develop relationships with local businesses in Ontario, Canada as well as with government leaders and regulators. The Ottobots are also great for shorter distances, so they can operate within smaller cities where similar delivery services aren’t currently available or viable due to lack of business density and high overhead costs from full-time employees.

How is Ottonomy different?

Ottonomy partners directly with retailers & restaurants while others work more on the “last mile” segment (i.e., delivering goods from UPS). Restaurants, in particular, have been quick to adopt Ottobots because of the lack of staff during off-peak hours. For example, Ottnomoy has partnered with CVG Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio. Their robots roam the airport autonomously and will stop wherever guests have placed an order to deliver a hot beverage or a meal.

Summary

The Ottobots are currently being piloted at various locations in Canada and CVG Airport in Cincinnati, Ohio, with plans for global expansion soon. If you’re interested in learning more about Ottonomy or want to see the Ottbots in action, be sure to check out their website.

Interview by Todd Cochrane of Geek News Central.

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iWONDERCOOK takes the hassle out of preparing a fresh meal @ CES 2021



After a long day at work, whether you’re working from the office or working from home, sometimes the energy or interest to cook dinner can be limited. For some, it means going and getting fast food. For others, it means jumping on an app and ordering delivery. But, if you are lucky enough to have an iWONDERCOOK, you don’t have to have fast food or order out, and you don’t have to expend the energy to cook.

iWONDERCOOK is a small robotic chef that is designed for your personal kitchen. It is about the size of a consumer 3D printer and even follows similar principles. The design of the meal is done beforehand, and the required materials are prepared and shipped to your house. To cook the pre-packed but not prepared meal, you scan the barcode on the package and place the ingredients in the machine. Then, in about 15 minutes, return to the machine and plate your food. That’s all there is to it. In fact, during the conversation, Michael Lemberg cooked and plated a meal on camera.

The way it works behind the scenes is similar to some of the meal kits, but with an easy and robotic twist. The company sources the ingredients to support the recipes in its system. They then clean, cut, and pack those ingredients into containers, split by meal. They ship those packets to you, which contains the general ingredients, sauces, and spices. So far, a tried and true model. The difference, of course, is that you don’t need a printed recipe with preparation and cooking processes. Instead, just scan, cook, and walk away. You don’t even have to deal with cleanup, as the machine takes care of that (except for your plate and silverware).

Because of delivery requirements, iWONDERCOOK is currently limited to the New York area. If you are interested in learning more about the product, check out the website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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RoboEatz ARK 3 automates the kitchen of a restaurant @ CES 2021



RoboEatz robotic kitchenFor small restaurants around the world, like most businesses, one of the largest costs is payroll. The real problem for restaurants is that margins are usually razor thin. Over the past few years, many restaurants, especially here in the United States, have been looking at what can be done to reduce payroll costs. Many fast food and chain restaurants have added ordering kiosks and at-table computers. However, the place that could really reduce cost is in the kitchen. In addition to the cost of labor, there is also food waste. RoboEatz has developed a robot that can help with both of these issues – the ARK 3.

The RoboEatz ARK 3 is a full kitchen automation system that can replace the kitchen staff and equipment of almost any restaurant. It takes up only 200 square feet and can serve 1000 meals without needing to be replenished. That replenishment process is also easy, as the system is able to use its sensors to determine when supplies are needed and place the order itself.

The first concern of any restaurant owner is the ability to maintain their menu and customer relationship. Implementing new technology that ruins your brand image is not going to be a win. ARK 3 allows you to create and fully customize your recipes, meaning you can keep your food exactly as it is. Even better, through the system’s mobile app, customers and servers can easily adjust their order, including ordering partial portions.

On top of the cooking process, ARK 3 also takes care of all of the cleanup. In fact, the process takes place between each and every order, eliminating cross contamination. This means that it can prepare and cook regular dishes and vegan dishes without any issues.

The company is currently working to build a prototype restaurant to show off the robot, while also working with other restaurants to implement the technology in the future. For more information on the ARK 3, check out the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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Ariel is a solar-powered robot for easy pool cleaning @ CES 2021



Ariel by Pivot Solar BreezeThere are so many pool owners these days and as everyone knows, there is a lot of upkeep to make sure it stays clean. Who wants to jump in to cool off if there is a layer of leaves and debris floating on top? Even worse, once you’re done cleaning, you are too tired to enjoy the pool. Paul Sim from Pivot Solar Breeze introduced us to a contemporary new robotic cleaning system for your pool. It’s called Ariel and it literally runs itself because it is solar-powered.

Most people clean their pool in what Paul says is an upside-down method. That is, cleaning with the device that resembles a stingray, which snakes along the bottom of the pool. By the time the debris is on the floor of the pool, it has decayed and created bacteria. It then requires more chemicals to bring the pH to a safe level, also forcing the filtration system to work harder than it has to.

Ariel floats along the top and literally scoops the debris and bugs before they decay and sink to the bottom, making the cleaning process easier. The robot has a paddle wheel that powers the movement to pick up the leaves, bugs, and debris into a mesh screen. There is a window to see how much has been collected so that it can be easily emptied. Being solar, Ariel only runs while the sun is out, making it self-powered. There is a 12W solar panel that also keeps the lithium metal battery charged.

It weighs a little less than about ten pounds. Even when the debris is collected, it shouldn’t be much more. That makes it light-weight to lift out and empty. It will be available in the second quarter, just in time for pool season. Your pool will always be “party-ready!” It retails for $528 but there is a CES special for $468. For more info go to their website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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