An Old Bot Learns a New Trick!

Boston Dynamic's Atlas Robot has learned a new trick. Watch the video below or read all about it at Wired by clicking here. This is an incredible achievement. It is only a matter of time before the robots of our dreams are a reality and the pace of the progress is increasing.



And yet, the last bit of the video is a reminder that this is really, really hard work!

Robby the Robot Sells for $5.3 Million

I heard this great story on NPR's All Things Considered today about the sale of Robby the Robot.

My pals over at the Parallax Forums heard it first and linked this great info....

Get the whole story here at New Atlas, by author Mike Hanlon. Here are some highlights...

It is a sign of the times that one of the earliest and best known robots in movie history should move to the top of the list of the most expensive movie props ever sold. Now that robots have progressed from science fiction to reality, it isn't all that surprising that Robby the Robot's price has surpassed all but one of the most iconic movie props in history.

The complete Robby suit, control panel, his jeep, numerous spares, alternate original "claw" hands, and the original wooden stage shipping crates, were sold on November 21, 2017, by Bonhams in New York for US$5,375,000 including buyers premium. 

erco, Does it Again!

My pay Eric, aka erco,  does it again... Making something cool out of nothing - This time responding to Carol's Christmas Challenge.

Black Friday Bot Control?

Google Home Mini from Bed, Bath, and Beyond - today $29 (down from $49) and a 20% discount! $23.20!

Can anyone say, voice-controlled robot?

"Hey Arlo, Roam with Ping)))."

Thanksgiving Afternoon Project

It’s alive, and BlocklyProp really makes it fun and easy - Parallax ActivityBot 360°! Lots of fun stuff to play with over at learn.parallax.com for this bot.

Happy Thanksgiving from RUS

Happy Thanksgiving Day from Robotics Under the Stole!

This year I am especially thankful for this wonderful and discovery-filled hobby that has allowed me to make new friends around the world. Thanks to all of you for helping me explore something I love!

This list is too long to include here, but you all know who you are! You've written some of my favorite books, magazine articles, programs, helped me on forums, created and produced products, educational materials, and corresponded with me from the beginning. You have been my teachers, cheerleaders, inspiration, and companions on this journey of joy and exploration. I am so thankful for all of you!

Veterans Day 2017

Happy Veterans Day, November 11, 2017, from Robotics Under the Stole!

Edit: Here is a version I made for my friends at Parallax.

Edit Again: Here is Parallax's post on Facebook - "Thank you, veterans. Today and every day."

Arlo Modification - Getting a Grip!

Arlo modification from McMaster-Carr. I like Arlo's looks without the top platform (at least till I need it!). These rack-style pulls add a nice touch and are very practical. Here is a photo of them sitting on the platform for trying to figure out where best to mount them.

They are very sturdy pulls - as needed for this heavy bot! (especially when using two SLA batteries). The part number is shown on receipt above. No minimum order with McMaster-Carr, but with shipping - the two pulls (and the bright Phillips head screws and grommets that came with the pulls) cost about $30. The shipping was about 1/2 the cost.

Above, the Round Grip Pull Handles all mounted now! They work perfectly - These use the same (4) - ¼”-20 x ¾”, flat-head, black, socket-head screws (#710-00034) used to mount the motors and/or the top deck. All I did was drill the extra holes and countersink the holes for the screws (on the bottom of the Arlo platform). Super sturdy and really handy for picking up the robot. The Anodized Aluminum finish of the pulls are a perfect match with the wheels and Ping))) stands. 

Note: The pulls do not need to be removed to mount the top platform either. Though I would need to order four more screws.