Robotics

Making a robot can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s the perfect combination of creativity, engineering and problem solving. However, if you’re just getting started in robotics, it can also be overwhelming. To make things easier for those who are just starting out, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help makers bring robots to life! From the basics of assembling your robot to software implementation, these pointers will give you everything you need to get started on your robotic adventure!

Robot Acrobats and Balancing a Broom on Your Chin

Robot Acrobats and Balancing a Broom on Your Chin

You may have seen this video go viral this week. It’s exciting to watch and marvel at. So, why is this inverted pendulum thing so challenging? Go find a broom and balance it on your chin. Notice how often you have to move to keep the broom stable above you. arch institutions to accomplish incredible tasks.

The Institute for Dynamics Systems and Control at ETH Zurich has experience with multirotor interactions with inanimate objects. In the past, they’ve had quadrotors juggling a ball, assembling structures, and balancing an inverted pendulum. Now an ETH Zurich student has taken their work with pendulums and multirotors to the next level.

Takeout Container ROV Controller

Takeout Container ROV Controller

I saw Chris Connors’ Laser Clicker in Maker Faire New York last September. It’s a great idea: an enclosure made from a plastic takeout container, some laser-cut acrylic parts, holding three self-made DPDT switches. Chris built the rig to control a SeaPerch ROV or some other 3-motor robot. More photos of the project.