Introducing MiniRHex

MiniRHex is an open source, miniature scale hexapod based on the design of RHex from some of the smart folks at RoboMechanics Lab at Carnegie Mellon University. Notable features include a laser-cut frame and 3D printed legs for low-cost construction and an intuitive software package that allows for highly-customizable control over the robot’s behavior. MiniRHex is designed to be an educational and outreach tool to allow students to experiment with a fully functional walking robot at a much lower cost. The low price tag lets research groups maintain a fleet of machines, allowing each student more hands-on interaction with the hardware. Possible educational principles include gait design and optimization, leg design and control, and mobile robot sensor incorporation.

Want to build your own MiniRHex? Check out our website for more information: https://robomechanics.github.io/MiniR...

Great coverage at IEEE Spectrum here.

Another great video here - be sure to watch the outtakes at the end! 

Wouldn't it be fun to build this?

Edit: Great info on the work of the RoboMechanics Lab in this video.

Fun via erco!

Per my previous post, here - the following goodies recently arrived. My pal, Eric (erco), sent me a Logo Mug from invenTOY.

My red sea robotics' stickers arrived from stickermule - this was via a tip from erco - an introductory price of 10 custom stickers for a $1. Cool!

Fun stuff!

Sparky

Saw this on sale at Wal-mart today.

Why is the cool stuff always for kids?

You can see it here at Walmart.com

I might fit...

R.U.S. Meme

More information about "R.U.S." can be found by clicking here.

Update: Looking at the old post linked above, I decided to create another meme that reflects the "R.U.R." and Robotics Under the Stole, "RUS" favicon connection. I think it turned out really well.

Here is one more meme...

Hour of Code & C.S. Education Week Open House at Parallax

I am not so naive as to imagine that this doesn't generate business for Parallax, but I am also not so cynical that I can't see that this is clearly a labor of love for Parallax and all their employees. They clearly enjoy education and demonstrate that love and commitment constantly. The joy is palpable!

Enjoy these photos from their Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/ParallaxInc

Tank on the Moon

Found this tonight by accident. Tank on the Moon was available for a time on Amazon Prime Video. This is the description from IMDb:

Tank On The Moon - 52 minutes - 2008
Subtitles and Closed Captions

During the 1960s, the United States and the Soviet Union were engaged in a feverish competition: which of the two Cold War empires would be the first to set foot on the Moon? We know who won this race, but less about a secret chapter: the Soviets may not have sent a man to the Moon, but they successfully guided two small robots by remote control from the Earth. For sixteen months between 1970 and 1973, these "Lunookhods" traveled more than thirty miles over the Moon's surface! "Tank on the Moon" tells the incredible story of these vehicles designed in the utmost secrecy by Soviet laboratories--one of the greatest technological achievements in the history of the USSR. These pioneering robots were back in the news in 1986, when a newer model was sent to clean up the radioactive debris in the rubble of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor. In the 1990s, American scientists were finally able to meet their Russian counterparts, and drew on the Soviets' research to design and construct their Martian Rovers. With the declassification of the former USSR space archives, along with recollections by several of the key participants in the Lunokhod program, the true story of the Russian lunar robots, which remained secret for more than two decades, can finally be told!

Here is a snippet I found on YouTube.

Stickers from Sticker Mule

Eric (erco) of the previous post tipped me to hot promotional deal from Sticker Mule - Ten (10), 3" X 3" sticker for $1. Had to try it. Here is the proof. If these are good, I will order more - lots more.