7-Eleven deploys donut delivery drone

A fully fledged drone service dropping items off across the US is a ways off yet, but the concept has now edged a little closer to reality with 7-Eleven carrying out the nation's first drone delivery to a customer's home. The retailer teamed up with drone startup Flirtey to complete the shipment, whose flying robot was loaded up with Slurpees and other snacks to give convenience store a new kind of meaning.

The deliveries began at a 7-Eleven store in Reno, Nevada, a state where Flirtey has set up shop with an office at the University of Nevada, looking to grow its technology at one of just six federally approved drone testing sites in the US.

A chicken sandwich, donuts, hot coffee, Slurpees and candy were packed into a purpose-built container and carried autonomously by a Flirtey drone across two separate deliveries to a customer's nearby home. Guided by GPS, the drone hovered over the property once it arrived and slowly lowered the package into the backyard for retrieval, with the delivery taking place over just a few minutes.

While the autonomous delivery of everyday items is an impressive feat, some serious roadblocks still remain before we see a service like this rolled out on a wider scale. Chief among them are laws announced last month prohibiting commercial drones to be flown where operators cannot see them, along with rules making it illegal to operate more than one drone at the same time.

But Flirtey has been nothing if not proactive. Strict rules like those mentioned above have made it difficult for the drone delivery industry to forge any real inroads, but the Australian startup as managed to find some wriggle room amongst all that red tape, while bigger players like Amazon and Google seem content waiting for it to clear.

Last year it carried out the first federally-approved drone delivery by carrying medical supplies to a rural clinic in Virginia, earlier this year completed the first urban drone delivery and then last month the first ship-to-shore drone delivery to demonstrate the potential of using the aircraft for disaster relief. It has formed important partnerships with NASA, the Nevada Institute for Autonomous System and now the world's largest convenience retailer in 7-Eleven which, as it turns out, has no less than 10,700 stores across North America.

"It was the first few deliveries of our service with the key being we will scale up incrementally from here," Flirtey CEO Matt Sweeny explains to Gizmag. "For now we can operate in line of sight, there are 1,500, homes within one mile (1.6 km) of this store. And then as we expand beyond line of sight it opens up to more and more people across the country. 7-Eleven has over 10,000 stores in North America, compared to Amazon which has fewer than 100 distribution centers so this partnership gives us a huge national footprint and we can scale incrementally from here."

So while still limited, teaming up with such an omnipresent business with countless homes in its line of sight could give Flirtey freedom to continue testing its autonomous drone technology in the real-world, all while helping familiarize more people with the concept of delivery by flying robot. Sweeny wouldn't offer a precise timeframe on when the service might be expanded to other stores, but says the flights will become more routine in Reno over the next little while.

"We will build up to that incrementally and the next step is to start offering drone delivery on demand to a select number of houses regularly in the coming months," he says.

You can see a video of the delivery below.

Source: 7-Eleven, NewAtlas

Read More

Geek Speak: Amay Anand

The spirit of collaboration is something that leaves a lovely impact on one who bears witness to the same. When two minds come together and try to work together as a single entity and attain a common goal, it is something that defines that key difference between us humans and other species on the planet- civility. And when young minds come together to develop tech concepts, it shows how much we have come forward as a species. Back at Kidobotikz, this form of partnership is witnessed quite often when students from different schools and different parts of the city come together to develop something that gives them immense joy- A working model. Meet Amay Anand and Vishal Harinandanan, fellow Kidobotikzians and now friends. The two of them are here on the weekend to develop a concept to display at KRG’s August edition.I had already interviewed one of them yesterday while the other one was busy with some aspects of the project. Today, Amay, the taller one of the duo finally found some time to sit down for a chat with me.

Hey Amay! Why don’t you temme about yourself and how you discovered Kidobotikz?

I am Amay Anand. I study in the 8th Grade at PSBB KK Nagar. I am in the Advanced level here at Kidobotikz. I joined Kidobotikz because of my sister. When I saw my sister learning interesting things in programming and do the same on our computer, I grew curious. I wanted to learn those “cool” things as well. Hence, I joined Kidobotikz.

That is interesting. Since when are you at Kidobotikz? And do your classmates know about the same? 

I joined here 3 years ago when I was in class 6. I did a couple of the basic courses, then took a break before taking up my Advanced level this year. As for my friends, they can’t hear enough of Kidobotikz from me. I boast to them about the bots i make every week and make fun of them with the same. 

That is amusing. Talking about boasting, have you participated in robotic events?

I have taken part in robotic competitions. I recently took part in a line tracer bot competition. Besides, as Vishal told you, we are building a line tracing transbot for this edition of KRG. 

So, what do you plan to do with the immense knowledge of robotics you gain here?

Learning robotics actually helps me understand the way other things work. I love understanding the working mechanisms of all kinds of things. So, I wanna build on my knowledge of robotics and learn other areas as well.

Impressive! Which type of robot do you read more about?

Well, I love things that I am capable of building on my own. As of now, I am capable of building good Line Tracer robots. So, I gotta say they are my favourite at the moment. 

That is cool. One last question before we move on, what are your plans for the future?

My love has always been in programming and coding. So, I wanna pursue a degree in preferably Electrical or Computer science engineering. IIT-M or IIT-Delhi are the universities where I wanna see myself in. After that, I wanna work on some interesting areas like Nanotechnology, Agribots. Particularly Agribots because they are a challenge to design and build.

Read More

Tiny Vidius VR drone offers pilots a live cockpit view

These days, the choices are plentiful for pint-sized, remote-controlled drones that safely tuck away in pockets. Aerix Drones (formerly known as Axis Drones) has evolved one of its most successful models with a virtual reality twist. The Vidius VR drone is designed to immerse users in live, first-person-view flights through the use of special VR goggles.

Aerix Drones is no stranger to creating quadcopters that are portable and affordable. We've previously reviewed the Aerius and Vidius drones, finding each to be great options for anyone looking to learn and/or have some fun. With the help of customer feedback, Aerix has significantly improved the latter by upgrading hardware and adding new features.

The Vidius VR drone keeps the same 1.7 x 1.7 x 1 in (4.3 x 4.3 x 2.5 cm) form as its predecessor, but now packs a far more capable video system. This new camera is said to offer higher resolution, brighter colors, and smoother images overall. More importantly, the wide-angle lens will provide users a greater range of sight when flying the drone via mobile app (available for iOS and Android).

Tablets and smartphones pair with the Vidius VR drone up to a range of 100 ft (30 m) directly through Wi-Fi — no local network or internet access is required. This connection allows the 480p video feed to stream directly to devices in real-time. Pilots seeking a true cockpit view need only set the app to "Goggle Mode," slide the smartphone into the (included) Aerix VR goggles, and then fly the Vidius VR using its 2.4 gHz controller.

Compact drones can be tricky to operate, given that the lack of sophisticated hardware – often found in larger, more expensive models — makes them subject to vertical and horizontal drift. Aerix has equipped the Vidius VR with an altitude assistance module, which is a barometer-styled device designed to help the drone adjust and maintain steady height. Users will be able to focus more on directional flight with less worry about the drone dropping too low or soaring too high.

Crashes happen, quite often leading to lost or damaged propeller blades. The Vidius VR sports removable blade guards that are meant to protect the drone and reduce the instances of blade replacements. Users can also activate an emergency blade stop when a crash is imminent — we've found that spinning blades quickly project across entire rooms or tangle up in grass, hair, or string.

Each 20-minute charge through the included USB cable is good for five-to-seven minutes of flight time. As with Aerix's other drones, the Vidius VR offers 6-axis gyro stabilization, pre-programmed speeds, trick mode, and LED running lights. Best of all, no FAA registration is required.

The Aerix Vidius VR drone is available now for a pre-order sale price of US$75, saving $20 off the planned retail. Each Vidius VR drone comes complete with a 2.4 gHz controller/transmitter (2x AAA batteries sold separately), VR goggles headset, USB charge cable, one set of replacement blades, mini screwdriver, and a mini blade removal tool.

This isn't the first tiny drone we've seen promising a virtual-reality experience. The Micro-Drone 3.0 launched a successful Indiegogo campaign for a similar item last year but, based on the comments on that campaign, it's been somewhat less than successful in delivering. At least Aerix actually has a track record of producing drones, so you should be in better hands with them.

Source: Aerix Drones, New Atlas

Read More

Geek Speak: Vishal Harinandanan

If one should wonder what kind of a place Kidobotikz is, there is usually more than one answer to it. That’s because things that happen here transcend the definition of normal. And the organization in itself has not much to do with this. This is more due to the tots that come under our umbrella. These ten-something tech wizards cannot stop redefining the way we look at kids and their calibre. Conversations I have with these young gentlemen refines the way I think and usually puts me to shame over my inadequacy of tech understanding. However, it is more than just a learning opportunity for me. It’s more of a motivation for me to learn more. Every week I get to meet some of the well versed and ingenious minds who are raising the bar for us as a society to live in. Let’s meet someone who is the youngest astronomy wizard I’ve met until now.

Hey Vishal! Why don’t you temme a bit about yourself and your path to Kidobotikz?

I am Vishal Harinandanan. I am studying at Chinmaya Vidyalaya, Anna Nagar. I am in the Advanced level here at Kidobotikz. I joined Kidobotikz because of my dad. He got to know of his Kidobotikz through his friend who has a son who studies here. Besides, my dad knew about my love towards robotics. So, naturally he wanted me to explore the world of robotics through Kidobotikz. 

That is interesting. So, you were aware of robotics even before joining here? How did that happen?

Well, I’ve loved robotics all my life. Even as a young kid I used to buy DIY Kits online and do projects of my own. I am a big fan of Iron Man. So, I tried to make the Iron Man arm using DIY kits. I made the entire forehand assembly and even added motor in the palm and tried to emulate a weapon wheel with cardboard. I used cardboard only because mom didn’t let me use actual metal (laughs).

You did all this even before joining Kidobotikz? That’s a surprise! Is there anything else you haven’t done? 

Actually, I wanted to do a lot more with Robotics. That’s why I joined Kidobotikz. Here I have learnt a lot deeper about the world of robotics and its core technologies. I now have the intellectual freedom to try out more. Besides, my Dad is a big support to me in this regard. I go to him with designs and he helps me brainstorm as to how I can make the designs better. He is an engineer. So, he has some expertise in this area, which I use to my advantage. 

Your enthusiasm in this area is quite amazing. What do your teachers think of you back school?

Actually, my interest in robotics has earned me quite a notoriety in school. We have an hour of Electronic Gadgets (E.G) every week at school. And I am usually the one who raises my hands to pester my teachers with questions. My teachers have a hard time containing my excitement in this particular hour. 

That is quite amusing. So, temme what kinda robots capture your fascination?

Since I like Iron Man a lot, I would have to say, I like Iron Man type exoskeleton bots. I dream of designing one of my own one day. 

What is the project you are working on? 

I am working on a collaborative project with my friend Amay who’s also here today. We are developing a Kiiva-type transporter bot for the KRG event Autotransbot. 

That is interesting. My best wishes. One last question before we move on, what are your ambitions in life? What do you plan to do with your knowledge that you learnt here?

I want to become a robotics scientist in life. And since I also love astronomy, biology and working mechanisms in general, I want to explore something that involves all of these areas.

Read More

Geek Speak: Karthik Chidambaram

Kidobotikz is a fountainhead of knowledge where one gets to discover some interesting youngsters. When one enters Kidobotikz’s makerspace, it is usually a beehive of activity with geeks and their tools. These tech aficionados are generally oblivious to the happenings around them and are lost in squeezing every bit of functionality out of their robots. They are an entire breed who strive to achieve something phenomenal. They strive to give something back to the vast pool of knowledge in the robotics community. These teenagers redefine our perception of practical learning and its impact on young minds. Conversations with these young gentlemen is something I cherish. I enter the Kidobotikz makerspace and notice someone who is fidgeting with his robotics kit. He is hard at work for getting his idea right. Sensing that he needs a break, I pull him up and try to distract him with by getting an interview out of him. Interestingly, he is a digital platform student- a new bunch of students who learn through Kidobotikz’s online platform instead of the old classroom model. He is here to just get a feel of the makerspace and get a few projects ready for project display at KRG August. 

Hey Karthik! Why don’t you temme a bit about yourself and your path to Kidobotikz?

I am Karthik chidambaram! I study in Class 8 of Amritha Vidyalaya, Amman Nagar. I completed my Beginner level recently and am now awaiting the results for my Beginner level exam. I came to know about Kidobotikz through a mutual friend who had told my friend about this place. I have been interested in robotics from a very young age. So, I decided to check out this place. And I fell in love with it. 

Robotics enthusiast even before Kidobotikz? How did that happen?

I have always liked remote controlled (RC) cars. When my dad bought me one, I opened it apart and used the components to build one separately. I have been obsessed with robotics and motors ever since.

That is interesting. How goes your Kidobotikz course? And what are you working on today?

I still haven’t started my advanced level as my Beginner level project is yet to get approved. In the meanwhile I wanted to get ready and do something for KRG. So, I came here to get some new ideas and develop them for the event. 

Have you participated in KRG before? Or is this your first event?

Nope. This is my first KRG and I am quite excited about it. I have decided to make a pick and place robot that will pick waste and place it in a basket. 

Interesting! So, what kinda robots do you like?

RC Helicopters and Cars have always been my fashion. Hence logically, my new obsession is drone tech. Particularly Quadcopters which have endless applications in the future. I have already started researching on how to build one by myself by watching DIY videos on Youtube. Once, I accumulate all the required knowledge and components, I’ll start assembling them. Hopefully soon!

That is cool. One last question before we move on, what are your ambitions in life? What do you plan to do with your knowledge that you learnt here?
I want to learn medicine and become a Doctor. For me robotics is about fun and learning interesting concepts in a fun way. Besides, I want to use my knowledge of robotics in Biomedical engineering. That way I can contribute to medical community through engineering.

Read More

Lehmann launches future-proof, modular drones for professionals

Drone technology has changed rapidly over the past decade and France's Lehmann Aviation is looking to help professional drone users future-proof their UAVs with what the company claims is the world's first modular design in its latest line of drones.

In the past, Lehmann has offered higher-end UAVs designed with photography and mapping applications in mind, even for users with little flying experience. But the company's new L-A series ups the ante with a line of drones designed for an array of field assignments, ranging from mapping to mining, construction and precision agriculture.

The new line of drones includes the base model LA500 and models outfitted specifically for use in agriculture and mapping. The autopilot, wing and camera holder on each model can be swapped out to upgrade as technology improves in the years to come, while detachable winglets are also designed to make the craft easier to transport.

At the core of the series is an aluminum, carbon fiber and EPP foam construction loaded with plenty of tech designed to get down to business. The drones boast a range of 25 km (15.5 miles) with up to 45 minutes of flight time and a long range data modem to stay connected. The LA500-RTK model intended for high precision mapping supports cameras like the Sony α6000 with its large APS-C, 24.3-megapixel sensor, while the LA500-AG agricultural model boasts Parrot's multispectral Sequoia sensor for crop monitoring.

Other key specs of the hand-launched, autonomous-landing UAV include a 116 cm (45.7 in) wingspan with detachable winglets attached. The drones weigh up to 1.25 kg (2.75 lb) and are propelled by a single electric pusher propeller with brushless motor. The series boasts a cruising speed of 20 to 80 km/h (12.5 to 50 mph) but can't handle rain or snow.

The L-A line also runs off a new version of the company's OperationCenter flight planning and control software designed to run on Windows 10 touchscreen devices.

Get a tour of the L-A series in the promotional video below.

Source:NewAtlas,  Lehmann Aviation

Read More

Implantable sand-sized sensors to monitor internal goings on in real time

Health and fitness monitors may have come along in leaps and bounds, but there's still a whole lot they don't know about us. Placing miniaturized sensors deep inside our bodies would be one way to change that, and now it seems such a technology mightn't be so far away. Scientists have developed tiny wireless sensors they call "neural dust", which track nerve signals and muscles in real time, opening up a wide array of potential applications that range from checking internal organs to wirelessly controlling prosthetics with your mind. 

Neural dust is more than just a catchy name. The researchers, from the University of California, Berkeley, have managed to squish the sensors into 1 mm cubes around the size of a large grain of sand, and implanted them into the muscles and peripheral nerves of rats. These cubes house piezoelectric crystals that turn ultrasound vibrations (applied from outside the body) into electricity. This provides a power source for a miniature on-board transistor that rests in contact with the nerve to measure electrical activity.

When there is a voltage spike in the adjacent nerve, it modifies the circuit and in turn the vibrations of the piezoelectric crystals. When the vibrations are bounced back to an ultrasound device on the outside of the skin, the change in echo can be analyzed to reveal the voltage of the nerve.

"Having access to in-body telemetry has never been possible because there has been no way to put something supertiny superdeep," says Michel Maharbiz, one of the study's co-authors. "But now I can take a speck of nothing and park it next to a nerve or organ, your GI tract or a muscle, and read out the data."

In their current form, the researchers say the sensors could be used outside the brain not just for monitoring, but also stimulating nerves and muscles to treat things like epilepsy, inflammation or fire up the immune system. Eventually, they hope to develop tinier versions that can be packed into the brain, an advance that could mean big, big things.

"The beauty is that now, the sensors are small enough to have a good application in the peripheral nervous system, for bladder control or appetite suppression, for example," says neuroscientist Jose Carmena, a member of the research team. "The technology is not really there yet to get to the 50 micron target size, which we would need for the brain and central nervous system. Once it's clinically proven, however, neural dust will just replace wire electrodes. This time, once you close up the brain, you're done."

A 50-micron sensor would measure about half the width of a human hair, and planted in the brain it could represent a game-changing development in the way our minds communicate with machines.

Our ever-improving ability to track the electrical signals coming from the brain has already opened up some exciting possibilities, from mind-controlled drones to mind-controlled colleagues, but these involve immobile, specialized caps or implanting electrodes into the brain, which then degrade within a couple of years.

If working with the neural dust instead, scientists could implant them in the brain by the hundreds, seal up the wound and be done with it. This would avoid infection and undesired movement of the electrodes and could potentially last for decades, where they could perform the role of relaying brain signals to be turned into control inputs for prosthetics.

There's still a lot of work to do before this happens. Not only are the researchers working to make the device smaller, but the sensors are currently coated in surgical grade epoxy. They are looking to improve on this by using biocompatible thin films instead, which they say could last for decades. They are also working towards improving the ultrasound transmitter and even expanding the sensors' capacity to pick up on non-electrical signals, like oxygen and hormone levels.

"The vision is to implant these neural dust motes anywhere in the body, and have a patch over the implanted site send ultrasonic waves to wake up and receive necessary information from the motes for the desired therapy you want," says Dongjin Seo, a graduate student in electrical engineering and computer sciences at UC Berkeley. "Eventually you would use multiple implants and one patch that would ping each implant individually, or all simultaneously."

The research was published in the journal Neuron, and the video below provides an overview of how the sensor works.

Source: NewAtlas, University of California, Berkeley

Read More