The Neural Factory Floor: Sensor Fusion as Cognitive Infrastructure
The Neural Factory Floor is not a place. It is an emergent system — a new kind of industrial intelligence built on the fusion of
https://raiswarms.com/the-neural-factory-floor-sensor-fusion-as-cognitive-infrastructure/
#IndustryRAI #AutonomousSystems #CognitiveArchitecture #IndustrialAI #MachineConsciousness #NeuralFactory #ParadoxDesign #RAI #raiswarms #RevolutionaryAI #SensorFusion #SwarmRobotics #SyntheticIntelligence

Researchers at the University of California Santa Barbara and Dresden University of Technology have developed a swarm of small, disc-shaped autonomous robots that together behave like one material 🤖 https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/swarm-of-robots-acts-one-material #Robots #Robotics #SwarmRobotics

How 3D Printing is Revolutionizing Robotics: The Future is Already Here

947 words, 5 minutes read time.

https://open.spotify.com/show/6Dju7wlivFkqJvaKon5nDt

3D printing and robotics are two technologies that have reshaped industries and ignited the imagination of creators worldwide. When these two powerhouses come together, they create a synergy that allows for unparalleled innovation and creativity. Whether you’re an engineer looking to design a complex robot or a hobbyist building your first robotic arm, 3D printing has made robotics more accessible, cost-effective, and customizable. In this blog post, we’ll dive into how 3D printing is revolutionizing the field of robotics, explore some standout projects, and provide insights on how you can get started in this fascinating intersection of technology.

Understanding the Role of 3D Printing in Robotics

At its core, 3D printing is a manufacturing process that builds objects layer by layer from digital designs. It’s celebrated for its ability to create intricate shapes that traditional manufacturing struggles to replicate. Robotics, on the other hand, demands precision and complexity in its components. The synergy is clear: 3D printing provides robotics with the flexibility to prototype and build custom parts quickly and affordably.

One of the primary benefits of 3D printing in robotics is its ability to produce highly customized parts. Unlike mass-manufactured components, 3D-printed parts can be tailored to specific projects, allowing for intricate designs that perfectly fit a robot’s requirements. Additionally, 3D printing is a cost-effective solution for creating prototypes. Traditional manufacturing can be prohibitively expensive when it comes to iterative design, but 3D printing makes rapid prototyping not only possible but practical.

The application of 3D printing in robotics is growing rapidly. According to a report by Petoi, 3D printing is instrumental in open-source robotic projects, enabling enthusiasts to bring their designs to life without needing industrial-level resources. From creating prosthetics to developing drones, the versatility of 3D printing knows no bounds in the robotics domain.

Inspiring 3D-Printed Robotics Projects

The world of 3D-printed robotics is brimming with inspiring projects. The InMoov project is a prime example. This open-source initiative allows anyone with a 3D printer to build a humanoid robot. Designed by Gael Langevin, InMoov showcases the potential of 3D printing to democratize robotics. Hobbyists and educators worldwide have used this project to teach robotics, programming, and engineering concepts.

Another standout project is the DIY robotic dog. With tutorials available online, such as the 3D Printed Robot Dog DIY Tutorial on YouTube, even beginners can embark on building their robotic companions. These projects highlight how 3D printing enables creativity, empowering individuals to experiment with designs and learn through hands-on experience.

Advances in Swarm 3D Printing and Large-Scale Solutions

Innovations like swarm 3D printing are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Swarm 3D printing involves multiple robots working together to print a single object, as detailed on Wikipedia. This approach is not only faster but also allows for the creation of larger and more complex structures.

Additionally, large-scale 3D printing solutions have emerged, utilizing robotic arms to produce sizable components for industrial applications. The CEAD Group is a leader in this field, developing robotic systems capable of creating durable parts for industries like aerospace and construction. These advancements underline how 3D printing is no longer confined to small-scale projects but is making significant inroads into large-scale manufacturing.

How to Build Your Own 3D-Printed Robots

For those eager to get started with 3D-printed robotics, the good news is that the barrier to entry has never been lower. Tutorials like How to Build a 3D Printed Robot Arm provide step-by-step guidance for beginners. These resources often include free digital designs that can be downloaded and printed at home, making it easier than ever to dive into robotics.

When building your own robots, choosing the right 3D printer and materials is crucial. PLA and ABS are common materials for 3D-printed robotic parts, offering strength and durability. It’s also important to understand the limitations of your 3D printer and plan your design accordingly. While 3D printing is a powerful tool, complex assemblies may require multiple parts and careful post-processing.

Industrial Applications of 3D Printing in Robotics

Beyond DIY projects, 3D printing is transforming industries that rely on robotics. In healthcare, for example, 3D printing is used to create customized robotic surgical tools that improve precision and reduce patient recovery times. In manufacturing, robotic arms equipped with 3D printing capabilities are being deployed to build components directly on production lines. According to KUKA Robotics, integrating 3D printing with robotics is a game-changer, streamlining processes and reducing costs.

The Future of Robotics with 3D Printing

As materials and technology continue to evolve, the future of 3D printing in robotics looks brighter than ever. Emerging materials like carbon fiber-reinforced polymers are making 3D-printed parts stronger and lighter, opening up new possibilities for robotic applications. Additionally, the integration of artificial intelligence with 3D printing is enabling smarter and more autonomous robots.

However, challenges remain. Scalability and sustainability are ongoing concerns, as is the need for improved recycling of 3D-printed materials. Despite these hurdles, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. As The Robot Report notes, 3D printing is poised to play a pivotal role in the next wave of robotics innovation.

Conclusion

3D printing and robotics are a match made in technological heaven. From enabling rapid prototyping to empowering individuals to build their own robots, the impact of 3D printing on robotics is profound and far-reaching. Whether you’re an industry professional or a curious hobbyist, there’s never been a better time to explore the potential of these technologies. So, fire up your 3D printer, download a design, and start building the future—one layer at a time.

For more ideas and inspiration, explore open-source communities and projects like InMoov or visit tutorials on platforms like YouTube. The only limit is your imagination.

D. Bryan King

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#3DPrintingCostEffectiveness #3DPrintingEducation #3DPrintingEnthusiasts #3DPrintingForBeginners #3DPrintingForRobotics #3DPrintingInAerospace #3DPrintingInHealthcare #3DPrintingMaterials #3DPrintingProjects #3DPrintingSoftware #3DPrintingTechnology #3DPrintingTutorials #3DPrintedMachines #3DPrintedRobots #ABSForRobotics #accessibleRobotics #additiveManufacturing #advancedRobotics #advancedRoboticsTools #AIInRobotics #carbonFiber3DPrinting #customRobotParts #cuttingEdgeRobotics #DIY3DPrinting #DIYRobotics #educationalRobotics #futureOfRobotics #homeRoboticsProjects #humanoidRobots #industrial3DPrinting #industrialRobotics #InMoovProject #innovativeRobotics #largeScale3DPrinting #openSourceRobots #PLAForRobots #printingRoboticParts #rapidPrototyping #robotBuildingTips #robotDogDIY #robotMakers #roboticApplications #roboticArm3DPrinting #roboticArmDesign #roboticAutomation #roboticAutomationTools #roboticBuildingGuide #roboticDesignTrends #roboticInnovation #roboticPrototyping #roboticSystems #roboticTechnology #roboticsInnovation #roboticsTutorials #smartRobots #swarmRobotics

Got questions about robot #construction crews? 🤖

In the new season, I'll be chatting to Kirstin Petersen from Cornell University about how teams of #robots can work together as a #collective to build structures like bridges.

Send me your questions for Kirstin in the comments below or on the Robot Talk website: https://robottalk.org/ask-a-question/

#Robots #Robotics #AI #EmbodiedIntelligence #SwarmRobotics

Later this season, @claireasher will chat to Dr. Danesh Tarapore from the University of Southampton, who is working on fault detection and recovery in robot swarms. He is keen to push robot swarms out of their carefully controlled lab environments and into the real world, pursuing applications in marine exploration and forest monitoring.

Send us your questions for Danesh in the comments or on our website: https://robottalk.org/ask-a-question/

#Robot #Robotics #SwarmRobotics #Forest #Marine #Environment

Robotic Mic Swarm Helps Pull Voices Out of Crowded Room of Multiple Speakers https://hackaday.com/2023/10/04/robotic-mic-swarm-helps-pull-voices-out-of-crowded-room-of-multiple-speakers/ #swarmrobotics #Engineering #OriginalArt #microphone #robotswarm #robotswarm #swarmrobot #MiscHacks #Featured #audio

The fever dreams of the #Pentagon are filled with visions of #AutonomousDrones executing military maneuvers in the heat of battle with little need for human involvement. With recent advances in #AI, that future is closer than ever. There's just one big problem: getting a swarm of #drones from different manufacturers to talk to one another during warfare. #SwarmRobotics #RobotAI

Do You Speak Droidish? The Pentagon Is Spending Millions On A Language For Drones
https://www.forbes.com/sites/thomasbrewster/2023/09/18/droidish-ai-drone-swarms-pentagon/?sh=7ff03ea3365c&utm_source=mastodon&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=forbes

Claire talked to Prof. Ignazio Maria Viola from the University of Edinburgh about aerodynamics, dandelion-inspired drones, and swarm sensing: https://robottalk.org/2023/02/10/episode-36-ignazio-maria-viola/ #Aerodynamics #UAV #SwarmRobotics

Claire spoke to Dr. Sabine Hauert from the University of Bristol about swarm robotics, nanorobots, and environmental monitoring: https://robottalk.org/2023/01/27/episode-34-sabine-hauert/ #SwarmRobotics #NanoRobot #Environment

In December, Claire chatted to Prof. Amanda Prorok from the University of Cambridge about self-driving cars, industrial robots, and multi-robot systems: https://robottalk.org/2022/12/02/episode-28-amanda-prorok/ #DriverlessCars #Industry #SwarmRobotics

Claire spoke to Mickey Li from the University of Bristol about aerial robotics, building inspection and multi-robot teams: https://robottalk.org/2022/10/24/episode-23-mickey-li/ #UAV #Inspection #SwarmRobotics

Article 3 looks at how drone technology can help scale-up tree-planting initiatives and reach difficult-to-access locations. Drones work together in a swarm to drop seeds in pre-defined locations & seed pods provide nutrients for the best start in life.

https://news.mongabay.com/2023/07/new-tree-tech-cutting-edge-drones-give-reforestation-a-helping-hand/ #Drone #Planting #Tree #Forest #SwarmRobotics

I've been researching #SwarmRobotics for a few years now, and one of the coolest things is the concept of emergence, which is when the system develops properties that individual components do not have. For example, a snowflake forming from ice crystals or bird flocks navigating without a leader. You can't get emergent properties from a single platform (tweeter, instagrat, etc), but the #fediverse isn't a single platform. I can't wait to see what emergent properties will evolve from all of this.

@clintliddick There isn't much #robotics content on Mastodon at the moment. I'd welcome some more!

Main thing that would interest me: How to make robots actually resilient to real-world conditions and blunders (both the math and the programming techniques you suggest).

I am also considering writing small explainers, but more geared towards #MultiRobotSystems and #SwarmRobotics. I just need to find the time...

So, to maximize the #twexit profitability, what would be the easiest way to create groups or lists on a specific topic?? For instance #swarmrobotics, #collectiveintelligence or other... Can’t follow hashtags from the phone app (to the best of my understanding), and don’t want to limit my timeline to that topic. Any suggestions?

Project HERMITS Robots Mimic Crabs With Mechanical Shells

Hermit crabs are famous for being small critters that, from time to time throughout their lives, abandon one shell carried on their back to pick up a new one. Project HERMITS by [Ken Nakagaki] is inspired by this very concept, and involves table-top robots that dock with a variety of modules with different mechanical mechanisms.

As shown in the project video, the small robots augment themselves by interfacing with attachments referred to as "mechanical shells." They variously allow the robot to move differently or interact in a new way with the world.

One shell allows the robot to activate a small fan, while another lets it rotate arrows in various directions. others let robots work together to actuate a bigger mechanical assembly like a gripper or a haptic feedback joystick.

A particularly cute example is the "lift shell" which allows one little robot give another one a boost in height. Another series of shells allows the robots to play the role of various characters in a performance of Alice in Wonderland.

The technology is all built around Sony's tiny two-wheeled toio robots, but adds a vertical actuator to the platform that lets the robots actively dock with a variety of shell designs. It's an involved hack, but key to the whole enterprise. The individual bots are all controlled by Raspberry Pis communicating over Bluetooth.

We always love to see cute robots working together. Video after the break.

[Thanks to Cedric Honnet for the tip!]

#robotshacks #hermit #hermitcrab #robot #robots #swarmrobot #swarmrobotics