I, Bioloid

Superman - Boomer - Robot

2013-06-17T18:51:00.001-05:00

"Faster than a speeding bullet! More powerful than a locomotive! Able to leap tall buildings in a single bound!" Now no but in the future maybe.

Superman - Boomer, a set on Flickr.

Stratasys is Suing or trying to Acquire MakerBot????

2013-06-13T19:55:00.001-05:00

That is some of the latest rumors swirling around MakerBot.

"Stratasys does not yet have an entry-level model for average users, a niche in which Makerbot has generated "

TechCrunch.

"This is a dance, and perhaps in the end neither MakerBot nor Stratasys will commit to a long-term relationship, but the dance alone served both of their interests. It may just help each of them find new partners to dance with.'

Maker Pro Newsletter #17

"And in the end, owning the biggest online market for 3D printed designs may be a much bigger deal than owning a 3D printing manufacturer, especially for a company with much more IP and resources at its disposal than Makerbot itself."

The Next Market Blog.

"Meanwhile, the idea of MakerBot raising USD$25M makes much more sense. This follows the standard pattern of startup companies: raise money at a certain valuation and grow using that investment. Then raise more money at a higher valuation, since the company has grown. Everyone wins. MakerBot has already raised USD$10M, so they're already executing this strategy. "

Fabbaloo

How to Make a Build Platform for Your 3D Printer.

2013-06-13T19:09:00.001-05:00

My friend Tim Middleton showed me how to make a build platform for my 3D printer using a metal sheet, Kapton tape, soapy water and ABS slurry. You can also do the same thing with a pane of glass.

More about Tim Middleton.

How to make a build platform for your 3d printer., a set on Flickr.

THOR: Tactical Hazardous Operations Robot Latest Pictures.

2013-06-12T16:58:00.001-05:00

Photos are curtsey of Dr. Hong.

Link to RoMela website.

"The goal of the DARPA Robotics Challenge (DRC) is to generate groundbreaking research and development so that future robotics can perform the most hazardous activities in future disaster response operations, in tandem with their human counterparts, in order to reduce casualties, avoid further destruction, and save lives."

This photo was blurred so as to hide top secret details of the robot.

Another THOR-MANG (THOR-OP) Sighting.

2013-06-12T12:57:00.000-05:00

This time it is in a South Korean newspaper, I think. I wish that I could read Korean!

Link to article.

Google Translate of part of the article:

'Virginia Tech and the University of Pennsylvania, ROBOTIS, Harris (U.S. Military Company) The pawn-led consortium Dennis Hong (Red Form) Bernie and Daniel Lee Jia Institute of Technology Professor, Professor Mark all Pennsylvania is the Korean robot scientists representing the scientific community are. 2007 Urban Challenge in each of three different wave accounted for, such as 5 Hong Professor and Professor Lee made since the United Nations team of autonomous robot soccer World Cup, "RoboCup at 'winning streak in 2011 and 2012 was also won the grip.Union joined the team one of these ROBOTIS the Hong-li union team in the RoboCup appearances with Darwin - Opie 'such as the creation of robots for Robot Servo Motor is announcing the name of the production company. The last 4 days not ROBOTIS Seoul Gasan Gasan Digital Complex Robot Research Institute as Senior hanjaegwon inside the human-shaped robot humanoid robot teams 'Thor' (THOR · Strategic risk work robot, Korean name 'ttolmang') and take a full swing training was Senior researcher, "this month detailed design review of progress literally design and analysis of simulation results, including the step of screening, but the competition is fierce saw one or two real robots created to demonstrate that intelligence teams have seen," he said. Thor time ROBOTIS team directly shipped to the United States at Virginia Tech is expected to show the pilot. Hugh Hirsch reported dia already moved to Drexel University is set.The remaining teams are also jaengjaeng. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the Johnson Space Center (JSC), respectively, the two teams will participate. Curio City on Mars Jet Propulsion Laboratory successfully dispatched skills, and the Johnson Space Center in Walnut robotic humanoids from the Space Shuttle and Space Station missions, and experience.National Robotics Engineering Center at Carnegie units melreon different wave Grand Challenge and Urban Challenge Championship runner-winning team that is brilliant. In recent years, the full support of the Obama administration has been up to. Japanese robot company created by University of Tokyo professor from the shaft, the robot system is higher than the Asimo humanoid robot acclaimed 'eyichiahreu blood' (HRP) to upgrade the exhibition attracted the attention of the scientific community is that the robot. The common soldier exoskeleton robot that makes Superman four American military companies have developed a course chulsapyo Lacey threw temperature. Final appearance in 2014 reveal that the speculations that eseona 'adherence Ho' is also Japanese car company Honda's Asimo is considered."

Ex-Large 3D Printed Robot Bracket Idea

2013-06-11T17:47:00.001-05:00

Not sure if I am going to do anything with this idea but that is what a 3d printer is good for, printing out ideas so you can play with them.

I printed out a mock-up of a Dynamixel MX-106 and a extra large bracket. The bracket is very strong by the way. I think it could stand up to the high torque of the MX-106.

Large Bracket idea, a set on Flickr.

New 3D Printer UP Plus2 - Unboxing

2013-06-06T17:30:00.001-05:00

Full article on the Wall Street Journal blog about the possbiltiy of Makerbot being bought by another company.

2013-06-06T12:33:00.000-05:00

"Mr. Pettis, the CEO, owns a large chunk of the company and will end up driving the decision, one of the people said. Mr. Pettis didn't reply to requests for comment."

"Here is a link to the full article on the Wall Street Journal blog about the possbiltiy of Makerbot being bought by another company.

Link to the full Wall Street Article.

"The four-year-old startup was recently gauging its options for raising a new round of venture capital at a valuation of $300 million when the discussions led to interest from possible acquirers, the people said."

"The talks are continuing, but it is far from certain that they will lead to an acquisition, the people said. Ultimately, MakerBot, whose investors include Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos, may end up raising more venture capital to continue building its business instead of cashing out."

The following blog post on SolidSmack.com, sounds like it was writen by a MakerBot PR person.

Link to blog post.

MakerBot in acquisition talks!!

2013-06-06T08:44:00.001-05:00

"Here is a link to the full article on the Wall Street Journal blog about the possbiltiy of Makerbot being bought by another company.

Link to the full Wall Street Article.

"The four-year-old startup was recently gauging its options for raising a new round of venture capital at a valuation of $300 million when the discussions led to interest from possible acquirers, the people said."

"The talks are continuing, but it is far from certain that they will lead to an acquisition, the people said. Ultimately, MakerBot, whose investors include Amazon.com Inc. CEO Jeff Bezos, may end up raising more venture capital to continue building its business instead of cashing out."

"Mr. Pettis, the CEO, owns a large chunk of the company and will end up driving the decision, one of the people said. Mr. Pettis didn't reply to requests for comment."

The following blog post on SolidSmack.com, sounds like it was written by a MakerBot PR person.

Link to blog post.

Super Strong 3D Printed Robot Bracket!!!!!

2013-06-03T19:52:00.003-05:00

This bracket was design to be used with Dynamixel MX-28T and RX-24F servos.

Servo link.

You can download it here!

more pictures

First Glimpse of THOR-MANG!

2013-06-01T16:37:00.004-05:00

First looked at THOR-MANG. An Adult Sized Humanoid Robot or A.S.H.E.R for short.

The chief designer of the robot is Dr. JK Han of Robotis. It looks like it uses Robotis Dynamixel Pros as its actuators.

That is JK Han speaking in front of a class of kids?

It looks very similar to the THOR series of rescue robots being design by Dr. Dennis Hong of Virginia Tech and RoMela for the DARPA rescue robot challenge.

I think this is the best humanoid robot walking gait that I have ever seen!!!

2013-05-31T17:39:00.001-05:00

This is a new video uploaded by Dr. Guero. It shows a modified Kondo humanoid robot with very small feet! It also looks like the surface is very slick.

I wonder if it is a dynamic or static walking gait? Is the robot getting input from gyros and accelerometers to adjust the gait in motion or not?

Trailer RoboCup 2013 (EN)

2013-05-28T17:23:00.001-05:00

Robotis CM-900 rev. 1.01 servo control board

2013-05-25T12:41:00.001-05:00

This board is as easy to use as an Arduino! Just plug the USB cable from the board to your computer. Update the drivers and you are ready to go. It has a IDE that is based on the Arduino IDE, so if you know how to program the Arduino then you know how to program the CM-900.

The cost is only 20.00 USD which is cheaper than the Arduino.

The cool thing about this board is that you can use the entire line of Robotis Dynamixel servos from the AX-12 to the Dynamixel Pro!

"CM-900 Series is the embedded board with STM32F103C8 based on 32Bit ARM Cortext-M3 and its circuit diagram and the entire sources are open to public."

Link to Support and forum website.

Robotis Dynamixel servos

CM-900 rev. 1.01, a set on Flickr.

UP Plus 2, 3D Printer.

2013-05-25T08:40:00.003-05:00

I saw it at the Bay Area Maker Faire 2013.

It has automatic platform leveling calibration, and platform height calibration.

I never got to see this in action but it has the potential to eliminate one of the biggest frustration points when you are 3d printing.

Link to website.

It maybe a few months before you can buy it?

DARwIn-OP made the Popular Mechanics blog!!

2013-05-22T14:04:00.001-05:00

It is in a article called 'The Biggest, Best, and Weirdest of Bay Area Maker Faire 2013'

Link to Full Bog Post.

Inside the Art & Technology of Robot Combat League

2013-05-21T16:36:00.000-05:00

Inside the Art & Technology of Robot Combat League from Maker Faire on FORA.tv

Adam Savage at Maker Faire Bay Area 2013

2013-05-21T15:51:00.001-05:00

Robogames 2013: Mech Warfare hardcore by Lem Fugitt

2013-05-21T13:04:00.001-05:00

Just reached the 150,000 view mark of my blog!

2013-05-21T12:27:00.001-05:00

I will be sending the 150,000 viewer a free subscription to this blog!!

Bay Area Maker Faire 2013

2013-05-20T06:10:00.000-05:00

Darwin

video

pictures

THOR (Tactical Hazardous Operations Robot) First Walking Test Oct. 2012

2013-05-17T13:24:00.000-05:00

Getting ready for Bay Area Maker Faire 2013

2013-05-13T18:11:00.001-05:00

I am getting my robots ready to do a soccer demo!

Robogame's 2013 Humanoid Robot Summary.

2013-05-07T19:55:00.001-05:00

Soccer

Middle weight kungfu

Light weight kungfu

Humanoid events

Metal count

Boomer - Iron man

2013-05-06T17:13:00.001-05:00

Boomer - Iron man, a set on Flickr.

Boomer's tribute to Iron Man 3.