US Army tests drones that sniff out clouds of chemical agents

Drones are proving their worth in dangerous situations we don't want to expose humans to by keeping an eye out for sharks, mines and methane leaks. Now a team from the US Army's Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center (ECBC) have tested a new pair of unmanned vehicles to detect chemical and biological agents.

The S/K Challenge is an annual event held by the US Army that allows different agencies and organizations to test their chemical and biological detection technologies by releasing clouds of "simulant agents" in controlled environments at the Dugway Proving Ground. In this year's event, held from August 15 to 26, ECBC entered Deep Purple, a quadcopter drone made from commercial and custom parts, and an unmanned ground vehicle known as the Mobile Detection Assessment and Response System (MDARS).

To take advantage of the calmer wind and weather at night, the tests were held over those two weeks between the hours of 11pm and 5am. A simulated agent was released into the air somewhere within the test space and with the help of stationary sensors, the drones would be sent off to intercept the cloud and identify the agent.

The sensors used were the Joint Chemical Agent Detector and the Tactical Biological Generation II Detector (TACBIO), which specializes in detecting airborne biological threats. These were packed into thermos-shaped containers and attached to the roof of MDARS and the underside of Deep Purple, respectively.

Rather than carbon fiber, the drone's airframe consists of printed circuit boards, which the team says allows for direct, real-time communication with operators or field soldiers up to 2 miles (3.2 km) away. This data, along with that gathered by MDARS, is then collected by a central information sharing system.

"This is a system of systems, every part has to be able to communicate with every other so it works as an integrated system," explains Steven Lagan, a ECBC team member. "We get data on the location and movement of the simulant cloud from stationary sensors, which we can then send to our sensor mounted vehicles. The sensors then communicate to us the identity of the agent, which we share with all the other participants, and if this were real, the chain of command, through a common operating language."

Getting the various components to understand each other was a challenge, the team says, but some creative coding helped them through it. And in the end, the tests highlighted some other weaknesses of ECBC's systems, which can be focused on and honed before next year's event.

The S/K Challenge proved its value to ECBC by revealing what the system does well and where it needs more work. The team is looking forward for the contest next year.

Source: Edgewood Chemical and Biological Center, New Atlas

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New system could bring HUD to more helmets

Chances are that head-up display (HUD) systems are the next big thing in motorcycle helmet tech, with several startups developing such systems. Seemore's HUD module is designed to be factory-fitted to helmets, offering an abundance of features that include a group interaction tool.

The last decade has seen several attempts at bringing in-helmet display systems to the market, starting from the SportVue way back in 2004. Today's offerings range from Reevu's rear view camera display to Intelligent Cranium's tech-laden helmet, and have even attracted the interest of major manufacturers like BMW Motorrad.

Based in Wroclaw, Poland, Seemore is developing a HUD system that puts the rider's smartphone in the center, using its resources to create an augmented reality environment. The module itself contains the display unit, a controller and a battery – all of which are installed inside the helmet. Connecting via Bluetooth to a smartphone app, this HUD transparently displays its information on the upper right corner of the helmet visor.

In contrast with several other HUD solutions that display at the bottom part of the visor, Seemore based its choice on tests ran by the University of Michigan which suggested that humans are able to get information much faster if it is presented at the upper part compared to lower or middle part. Allegedly saving up to 1.5 seconds in information absorption time can make a huge difference while riding at speed.

The display module is placed in the upper front part of the helmet and projects its content through a 10 x 10 x 35 mm (0.4 x 0.4 x 1.4 in) prism. The module is powered by a small battery that's good for up to 12 hours of continuous use and be charged via USB in less than three hours.

According to Seemore's business plan, the kit will not be available directly to the public, but will instead be installed by helmet manufacturers in their models. This choice has been made primarily for safety reasons, since adding electronic components inside a helmet requires scrutiny to ensure that these cannot cause injuries in case of an impact.

Using the smartphone as the brain of the whole operation allows for a variety of features to be displayed. Web and GPS resources are used to project information on current speed, speed limits and camera warnings, traffic information, navigation, and a configurable list of points of interest (petrol stations, parking areas etc). The display can also include notifications of incoming phone calls and text messages, although there is no prevision for calling or replying to calls while riding – which would eventually contradict the very essence of a system designed to help the rider keep their focus on the road at all times.

The basic HUD kit can also support a rear view camera (to be sold separately) which can be placed on the motorcycle and connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to transfer its panoramic view to the display.

Finally, a very interesting and innovative feature serves group interaction by displaying information on the location of every member of the group, and distances between members. Should one rider lose the rest of the pack, the navigation will come automatically on and inform on the whereabouts of the others.

The first commercially available helmet with the Seemore module is expected in mid-2017.

Source: Seemore, New Atlas 

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Why should robotics kits be under every student's desk?

Teaching is a noble profession they say. It holds true for several reasons. Good teachers don’t happen overnight. They have to endure their fair share of struggle before they acquire their connoisseur in pedagogy. Students are not the easiest of bunches to handle. Nuff said.

For most teachers who work the classrooms of our country, it is a daunting task to ensure that their classrooms are attentive. Teachers may pin the blame on the attention span of students, but that rarely presents the complete picture. 

The reasons for such bored classrooms could be manifold. Wait with us patiently as we explore some of them.

Reason #1: Long explanations with not many cues for visualization.

It wouldn’t be completely wrong if students call teachers voluble. It’s often difficult for teachers to stop talking. They earnestly try to help students understand concepts and make connections that they consume far too much time in explaining thoughts or ideas. While the attention to detail in ensuring proper knowledge transfer in appreciated, teachers often veer off the topic and leave most of the students gasping for a break.

Reason #2: Lack of Spontaneity

Teachers tend to get monotonous in their teaching. When subjects from the STEM background- such as Physics, Electronics or math- are taught teachers put in efforts to ensure that their course plan is structured and does not miss out on any important concept. While this effort to create a structure in the teaching process ensures course completion, teachers more often than not lack spontaneity in the process. This is bound to make the subjects and classes boring to students who are there to experience difference.

Reason #3: Repetition

It’s tough for teachers bring out their excitement when they’ve been using the same classnotes year on year. When they themselves lack the excitement and curiousity, how can one expect the same to translate to the students in the classroom. Students feel one with the concepts that get them curious and amazed. When there is nonchalant repetition in the manner of teaching, it defeats the whole purpose of discovering one’s purpose through learning. Equally saddening is the fact every student in the class churns out the same projects. 

How can this be changed? Why should the burden or responsibility for inspiring students and keeping them engaged be shouldered only by teachers? It would make the whole task easier if teachers could use a tool that make their classes engaging for students. Learning necessarily does not need to be monotonous and boring. It can be fun and desirable.

We at Kidobotikz believe that the answer to the above mentioned conundrum could be our Kidobotikz kits. Kidobotikz’s robotics kits makes the whole process of learning fun and makes it as fulfilling as play.

Happy Roboting ! !

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Yuneec Breeze shoots 4K selfies from the sky

Yuneec is known for a few professional-grade drones like the feature-packed Typhoon series, but now the company is targeting a more casual breed of pilot. The Breeze is a selfie-taking drone that strips out some of the more elaborate elements of its bigger siblings and aims to let users focus on the photos, not the flying.

The company is positioning the Breeze as more of a "flying camera" than a drone for hobbyists, so the first thing on the chopping block is the Typhoon's complex airframe. The Breeze trades in the retractable landing gear, two of the rotors and the gimbal, tucking the camera up a slimmer body that, at 196 x 196 x 65 mm (7.7 x 7.7 x 2.5 in), is less than half the size of its predecessors.

The high-end obstacle avoidance system from the Typhoon H Pro is out too, in favor of simpler positioning systems using infrared and GPS. And while Yuneec's higher-end drones are driven with dedicated controllers, in this case control has been handed over to a smartphone app in order to make the Breeze more portable and (potentially) easier to use.

Along with a manual Pilot mode, the Breeze app offers a few automatic flight modes to lend a hand to those interested in the end product more than the process. Selfie mode allows users to adjust sliders to control the drone's distance, altitude and position prior to snapping a shot, while Journey mode locks the camera on a target, then uses those same sliders to move it forwards or backwards to frame the shot. Common drone modes like Orbit and Follow Me are also included.

The camera itself swivels 90 degrees up and down, shoots 4K video and takes 13 megapixel stills, or streams 720p live video to the Breeze app. The app also allows users to edit, caption and save photos and videos, before sharing them directly to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and the like.

After 30 to 40 minutes on the charger, the Breeze can spend 12 minutes in the air – only half the flight time of the Typhoon drones, but enough to snap plenty of social media-ready shots.

Here's the promo video:

Source: New Atlas, Yuneec

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Is using Robotics in the classroom justifiable?

STEM education still holds one of the most important positions among the various genres of education. This could partly be attributed to the fact that most high-paying jobs are awarded to candidates from STEM fields. Even schools can be assumed as driving factors towards this purported tilt towards STEM. Many efforts are undertaken by schools to bring effective STEM education for middle-school and high school students, but research shows that introducing STEM early plays a key role in cognitive development and interest in the subjects later on. Much of math and science courses in schools are theoretical, and elementary school teachers are paving the way to look for engaging ways to bring STEM to life in their classrooms.

Robotics in the classroom:

In elementary school, students are learn with their eyes and hands – drawing, molding, and manipulating objects. They slowly transition from the process of manipulating objects to learning more about them by reading. 

To help with the same, teachers focus on inquiry-based learning to make these subjects comprehensible and interesting for students. This method of training helps teachers provide students with facts that they can assimilate. However, this way of training has its own shortcomings. Students who may be found wanting in cognitive skills may find it hard to visualize hard concepts in STEM such as Physics and electronics which happen in environs that are not easy imaginable. 

Using a fun platform such as robotics in these subjects would allow teachers to make curricular connections. This would allow them to justify teaching subjects like computer science, a subject that is currently required in only a handful of regions.Robotics makes it easy to learn such subjects

In such an environment, using robotics kits would be ideal. Although choosing the ideal kits should be a task onto itself. Not all robotics kits require many hours of building to get started, and others work right out of the box. Some robotics kits are just about plug and play. They work right out the box and do not actually have a construction theme behind them. Such kits defeat the purpose of learning.

This is where Kidobotikz kits come into play. In developing our kits we prioritized ease-of use-and created a learning scheme that is the right mix of fun and learning. This we kids are both entertained and engaged by the learning process.

Happy roboting!

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Parrot's latest minidrones do battle, clean up afterwards

Parrot has unveiled two new species of minidrones. Joining its siblings that fly, jump and swim are the Mambo, which can be equipped with a Nerf-like cannon or a grabber claw, and the Swing, a fixed-wing minidrone that can take off vertically.

With its modular accessories, the Mambo sounds a fair bit like a cheaper version of Wingland's S6. Its 0.3 megapixel camera is a far cry from the S6's impressive 4K offering, but that's not really the point here – this is the kind of drone you'll use for shenanigans like aerial Nerf wars or figurine kidnappings. The cannon connects to a Lego-like panel on top, carries six balls in the chamber and can unload them all in nine seconds flat. Parrot assures us the ammo is soft and safe, so although the video shows it popping balloons, windows and faces should come away unscathed.

When the battle is won, the Mambo might even clean up after itself. Snapping the grabber onto the underside gives the drone the power to lift objects as "heavy" as 4 g (0.15 oz), so small toys, notes and its own ammo might be the limits of its payload.

The Swing meanwhile is all about speed and maneuverability. Looking like it's just returned from blowing up a Death Star, its X-wing design makes it the first "plane" in Parrot's minidrone arsenal, but it borrows a few functions from its quadcopter relatives. Namely, it takes off vertically, before leveling out midair to perform aerial stunts, either through the pilot's mad skills or preset aerobatics. With a top speed of 30 km/h (18.6 mph) and a bundled-in Flypad providing some more nuanced control, the Swing should make for a nifty little racer.

As with other minidrones, both models offer less than 10 minutes of flight time per charge, but a half-hour recharge isn't too shabby. Watch them in action in the videos below.

Source: Parrot, New Atlas

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Learning through the internet: The SOLO way

“Computer-supported collaborative learning (CSCL) is a pedagogical approach wherein learning takes place via social interaction using a computer or through the Internet. This kind of learning is characterized by the sharing and construction of knowledge among participants using technology as their primary means of communication or as a common resource. CSCL can be implemented in online and classroom learning environments and can take place synchronously or asynchronously.”

This is what Wikipedia calls for “learning off the internet”. But, we just like to call it SOLO- See Online Learn Offline.  We at Kidobotikz came up with this fancy terminology. It rightly sums up the kind of environment we have created for our students.

SOLO learning, even as the acronym suggests, is anything but “solo”. It tries to take a pedagogical approach where an individual student is introduced to an ecosystem of learning and competition via an online platform. This online platform has one role and one role alone. It aims to emulate the experience of a classroom environment onto the online world.

Today’s education is rapidly evolving. The explosion of content is so far-reaching that traditional teaching methods do not simply hold up to the pace at which students are required to learn. Concepts that were meant to be read by college going youngsters are today invariably forced to be learned by younger students in their school.

Concepts of physics, chemistry, electronics, algorithm and programming are introduced to students as young as 13. While the fact that these students are introduced such diverse subjects is one that we can take pride in, it would be imprudent to expect them to understand these concepts at the pace of our desire. Traditional classroom education fails to cater to the variation in learning ability of different kinds of students. Students cannot learn at their own pace in a classroom – teachers are perceived to be fast for some people while being slow for others.

However, Internet, the great equalizer, is capable of being the vast canvas over which subjects of our choice can be brought to life. The advent of video sharing websites such a YouTube and Vimeo have shown that people tend to favour learning via observation of videos. This appeals to their curiosity and entertainment alike. Students these days are also increasingly taking to the internet to learn. The depth of content means that they have a lot of choice to learn from.

But the great question is how much relevant is all this content to the contemporary formal education. There needs to be a platform where students not only find content to learn, but are also able to collaborate with others who are learning the same thing. Afterall, this is what school education is all about.

We at Kidobotikz believe we have emulated this. Our online platform which students gain access to is aimed at ensuring that students are engaged in the learning process at speeds that their school education may not be imparting them with. With robotics as a platform, students get to experience the best of core engineering subjects such as physics, mechanics, algorithm, programming in a manner that school education simply cannot cope with. The presence of animated videos means that students can now comprehend every concept and learn how it works. The online platform is gamified in such a way that learning can now happen in an entertaining experience that was hitherto only the forte of computer games.

Happy Roboting!

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