Geek Speak: Ishwarya

When we imagine the terms “Robotics engineer” or “Robotics Hobbyists”, our minds immediately race to a picturesque image of a young boy or gentleman who is meddling with gadgets and wires to develop a truly remarkable piece of machinery. One can almost feel sorry for having been a borderline chauvinist, for the world of robotics and computers is no longer limited to the dorms of young boys and cubicles of professional men. Women are increasingly obsessed in getting their palms greasy with solder, glue and what have you. Nowhere is this change more pronounced than at Kidobotikz where geek-princesses are a familiar sight. They’ve dropped their barbies and picked up their arduinos. This is the true empowerment that we talk about so often. Meanwhile back at Kidobotikz, I strike up a conversation with a young girl who has been quite engrossed in reading a book that has a title “Tatva” and is filled with rules. Upon inquiry she reveals that her classes for the day are over and she is awaiting her mother and reading about upcoming contests in the meantime. Meet Aishwarya, the reigning princess of robotics and our geek for the day.

Hey Aishwarya! Do you mind introducing yourself to our readers?

Hello everyone! I am Ishwarya, and my name starts with an ‘I’ not an ‘A’ (laughs). I study in class 8 of Jawahar Vidyalaya Senior Secondary School. At Kidobotikz, I am now in the expert level.

Can you tell us what led you to join Kidobotikz?

Nothing actually led me to join to kidobotikz. It just happened. On one of their enrollment drives they had distributed pamphlets outside our school. I received one of those pamphlets. It kinda piqued my curiosity. So, took it to my parents who were also interested in the idea of me learning robotics. That’s how I joined here.

That’s as simple as anyone would’ve put it. So, how has been Kidobotikz your experience?

To be honest, I’ve always been interested in science, in particular physics. I’ve always been curious to know more about the world we live in and the way things work. So, youtube used to a big hangout place for me. Joining Kidobotikz helped in a unique way. I was able to channel all of these curiousity into the Kidobotikz courseware and learn a great deal about technology. In particular, I got very interested in humanoid robots after joining Kidobotikz.

That’s interesting. So, what change in your attitude do you feel after joining Kidobotikz?

The day I joined Kidobotikz, I was under the assumption that I would be starting to work on humanoid robots. I assumed that robotics was some high tech activity which starts at a highly complex courseware that would only be getting tougher and tougher. Much to my surprise, here at Kidobotikz, the course started with the most fundamental of concepts such as basic electronics and mechanical. Only then did I realise that the knowledge required for building robots did not start at graduation level but in school. Kidobotikz helped me achieve that holistic perspective of the tech world.

I’m sure Team Kidobotikz feels elated by your compliments. Meanwhile, how was your KRG experience this time? 

I participated in 4 events this time- Line Tracer, Manual Race, Robo Sumo, Balloon Bursters. While, I couldn’t win the events, I managed to give a tough opposition to all participants. I’m working on the positives and I hope to bag a win in the next edition. Amidst all this, I am also gearing up to participate in FTC.

So, what are your plans for the future? Any field of interest that you are looking forward to work in?

I’ve always loved physics, astronomy in particular. I’m very passionate about concepts like black holes, quantum physics. So, I wish to be a physicist. Hopefully, i will implement my knowledge of robotics in these fields as well.

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4K capable aquatic drone ready to dive deep

A new "underwater drone" has taken to the crowdfunding circuit, this time in the form of the CCROV. While it offers the same basic functionality other existing models, it does have at least one distinguishing feature – an integrated 4K camera that sends real-time video to its operator.

By contrast, in the case of he Trident, Fathom One and BlueROV2 which are the competitors, cameras all top out at a resolution of 1080p. The iBubble utilizes an added GoPro Hero4 camera, which can shoot at 4K. Like all four of the other "unmanned-mini-subs-on-a-budget," though, the CCROV is linked to its land-based operator by a control cable – unfortunately, radio waves don't travel well through the water.

Buyers can choose between cable lengths ranging from 20 to 100 meters (66 to 328 ft), all of which are reeled onto a shoreside "tether deployment system." That system communicates via Wi-Fi with the user's iOS/Android mobile device (or an optional joystick control unit) on which they use an app to both view output from the onboard camera, and control the drone down to its maximum dive depth of 100 m.

It should be noted that the Trident and Fathom One do things a little differently in the tether department. They can both be outfitted with a shorter cable that runs up to a Wi-Fi-equipped buoy that's towed along on the surface. That buoy in turn communicates wirelessly with the user, meaning that one long, heavy "sea-to-shore" cable is unnecessary.

Along with its 4K/25fps camera, the CCROV itself also features four 250-lumen LED spotlights and six thrusters – four for horizontal movement, and two for moving vertically. According to its designers, that latter feature allows it to have a much smaller turning radius than drones equipped with just three or four thrusters … which describes the Trident and Fathom One.

One 90-minute charge of its battery, which is located in the tether deployment system as opposed to the drone, should be good for about one hour of use.

If you're interested in getting a CCROV for yourself, it's currently the subject of an Indiegogo campaign. A pledge of US$1,599 will get you one with a 25-m cable, when and if they reach production. The planned retail price is $2,699 – for comparison, prices for the other models we mentioned range from $600 for the Fathom One up to $3,000 for the BlueROV2.

You can see the CCROV in underwater action, in the following video.

Source: Indiegogo, New Atlas

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Geek Speak: Guruprasad

What best defines a Saturday evening? A calm, serene and ambient living room with some peaceful activity like listening to music or a some intensive hobby. That is if you are an adult. If you are student, saturday is the best time to blow off some steam after a gruelling week at school. It will be the ideal day to kick back with some robotics before you need to catch up with your assignments on Sunday. Kidobotikz is usually a place where robotics is used to kick back from the tiresome rigours of the week. Today is no different. There’s a trickle of students who are here to get themselves ready for various competitions. One can look around and notice sheets of paper scribbled with rough designs of sumo robots, race robots, project robots what have you. Amidst all this action, a puny young fella seems to be basking upon what he has developed. Having his name featured on the newsfeed of the kidobotikz app yesterday, he is here to show us what he had developed and tell more about himself. Meet Guru, my namesake and our geek for the day. 

Hi Guru! Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I’m Guruprasad! I study in class 3 of GRT Mahalakshmi Vidyalaya Matriculation Higher Senior Secondary School.

Can you tell us why and when did you join Kidobotikz?

I joined Kidobotikz on the 19th of August, 2016. I remember the date because I wrote it down on my notebook so that I don’t forget (laughs). My mom saw the advertisement for Kidobotikz on the newspaper and decided to bring me here. Now I am in the foundation level.

That is good. What do you like about Kidobotikz? And how do you feel about the concepts?

The most important thing I like about Kidobotikz is the way of teaching. The online platform is very helpful and when there are doubts, I can easily contact a faculty via the chat and learn more. Before joining here, if there was one thing I was scared about, it was the fact that I forget a lot of what I read. So, I was worried whether I will be remembering everything that I learn. But, thanks to the videos and animations, it is easy to remember every concept. 

Why do you think learning robotics is important?

With Kidobotikz, I am learning very important concepts like Mechanics, Programming and Electronics. All of these are very important concepts themselves. When these are used in robots, that means robots are important too. Not only that, I am interested in becoming an entrepreneur. For that robotics is the best. 

Can you tell me about the robot that you have brought here today?

I’ve assembled a unique tricycle robot with the components from my foundation level kit. The robot contains IR sensors on the front and back. This way, it will go in a straight line. When it comes close to a wall, it will automatically stop and move back. This way it can move around all directions and avoid collisions with obstacles.

Which is your favourite robot?

My favourite robots are humanoid robots. They require the best of technology to be built. That makes them my favourite. 

What to do want to do when you finish schooling and college? 

I have no plans for the future yet. I am just 9 years old (laughs).

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Meet 'Waste Shark', the garbage-gobbling drone which is cleaning up the oceans

There may indeed be floating plastic waste strewn all across the surface of the world's oceans, but most of that trash still enters the water along the shoreline. It was with this in mind that South African entrepreneur Richard Hardiman created the WasteShark. It's an aquatic drone that's designed to autonomously cruise harbors and gulp down garbage, before that waste can drift out to sea.

Manufactured by Hardiman's Netherlands-based company RanMarine, the craft takes the form of a small electric catamaran with a scoop (or "mouth," if you will) located between the pontoons. As the WasteShark moves through the harbor, that scoop skims the surface and collects floating trash, transferring it into an onboard hopper for subsequent removal.

Plans call for the drone to also collect data such as water quality, depth and weather conditions, transmitting that information to port authorities in real time. Additionally, its onboard software will allow it to progressively learn about its environment, so it can tweak its routes for maximum efficiency depending on weather and tides.

Hardiman's project was recently accepted into a Dutch accelerator program for port-related technologies, which is what brought him to The Netherlands. He and his team have been testing WasteShark prototypes in the Port of Rotterdam – they're of two different sizes, and are thus named Fatboy and Slim. A pilot project ultimately calls for four of the craft to work the port over the next few months.

In the long run, Richard hopes to develop a larger solar-powered version called the Great Waste Shark, that can collect up to 500 kg (1,102 lb) of trash at a time. Onboard sensors including a camera will help it avoid collisions with other harbor traffic, although geofencing technology will also be used to keep it out of particularly busy areas.

For now though, you can see the prototypes in action, in the video below.

Source: New Atlas, RanMarine, Popular Science

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Geek Speak: Keshav

         “The future belongs to the curious, The ones who are not afraid to try it, explore it, poke at it, question it and turn it inside out.” 

This interesting quote is by  Clay P. Bedford, a man who was responsible for some truly revolutionary projects like the Grand Coulee Dam. It quite crisply encapsulates the true importance behind imbibing the spirit of curiosity in students. Meanwhile, back at Kidobotikz, it’s a rather quiet friday evening. With the course having gone digital, the few students that are here today are the ones who are transition to their digital courseware or the ones who had some head-scratching doubts in their robotics courses last night. These are the young minds that put in fairly heavy amounts of time into robotics and try to outshine their peers. We meet one such young fella today; one who is quite bubbly, inquisitive and wide grinned. Meet Keshav, our geek for the day. 

Hey Keshav! Can you tell me a bit about yourself?

I’m Keshav. I am in the 3rd grade of PSBB KK Nagar.

Can you tell us why and when did you join Kidobotikz?

I came to Kidobotikz in 2013. I was a very small boy. I saw the board of Kidobotikz and came with dad here. I wanted to join but my parents felt that I was too young. So dad said No. I begged for 2 weeks and finally convinced dad to get me enrolled here.

That is good. What do you like the most about Kidobotikz? And what did you think about Kidobotikz before joining here?

That’s a funny story. Before joining Kidobotikz, I did not know much about robotics or basics. I thought they will give me a humanoid and ask me to make it work. Then finally, when I actually started the course, it was a surprise. I had to start by building robots that ran on wheels, then move on to robots that have legs and only then can i know enough to start developing a humanoid.

The best thing I like about Kidobotikz is the teachers. They are very friendly and teach very patiently.

What level are you in? And why do you like robotics?

Here, I am at the end of Junior Level- 3. I am now in the process of transitioning to the digital platform. I like robotics because I want to build one. I want to become a scientist in the field of robotics.

Which is your favourite robot?

I have no favourite robot. But i have a dream robot. I want to build a robot that can cook by itself and serve the food later on. This I will gift to my mother.

What to do want to do when you finish schooling and college? 

I have no plans on what to do yet. But, my ambition in life is to become a robotics scientist.

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Smart Helmet lets you chat to fellow riders up to half a mile away

Over the years, bike helmets have become more than just a means of protecting a rider's head, helping to keep cyclists informed about their surroundings, signaling turns and playing headbanging tunes, for example. Pulling across some features from its line of smart motorcycle helmets, Sena has unveiled its new smart helmet for cyclists, which includes a QHD camera, Bluetooth connectivity, built-in speakers and an intercom system for keeping in touch with fellow riders.

Bluetooth is the core of what makes the Sena Smart Helmet so smart. Connected to a smartphone, the stylish stack hat can play tunes through two external speakers, which saves a rider closing themselves off from the outside world with earbuds. For those who don't want to glance at a handlebar-mounted screen, the speakers can read out stats like heart rate, speed and cadence from a connected fitness tracking app.

When used in tandem with the microphone at the front, the device also allows for hands-free phone calls. If your riding buddies have their own Smart Helmets, there's an intercom system that allows for up to four people to chat at once, within a half-mile (900 m) range.

Front and center is a mounted camera, which can record up to two hours of video of your rides, in either 1440p Quad HD at 30 fps, or 1080p Full HD at 60 fps. Videos can be overlaid with music from a smart device, and there's an option to also record the voices coming in from the intercom. Those recordings are stored on a MicroSD card, and can be transferred over Wi-Fi after a ride to watch, edit and share the trip.

Two separate mobile apps drive the system. There's one for the camera, which can preview and play videos and set recording options, and one for the headset itself, which allows a rider to set up intercom groups and fiddle with more general settings.

In-transit control can come from buttons on either side of the helmet, with the left side for Bluetooth functions, and buttons to start and stop the camera on the right. For users who'd prefer not to wave their hands around mid-ride, there's an optional accessory that puts those controls right on the handlebars.

Sena unveiled the Smart Helmet for cyclists at Interbike this week, and it's expected to be available in the next few months.

Source: Sena, New Atlas

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Will Robots take over our Jobs? So what?

Will Robots take over our Jobs? What if they do?

Sounds like a very ominous scenario, doesn’t it?

Well, yeah. Robots are replacing humans in a variety of scenarios. Automation is appearing everywhere. Regardless of humans and the pace at which they adapt themselves to the truth, innovations in areas like robotics, computerized algorithms, artificial intelligence, augmented reality, medical sensors and machine-to-machine communications, 3-D printing, and autonomous vehicles will increasingly transform the global economy. They are expected to make the processes efficient and smoother, thereby even displacing many in the human workforce.

So are the possible outcomes somewhat similar to the following imagery?

1) Jobs being replaced by so called “machines with a brain"

2) Humans taking orders from their new robot masters? 

3) Robots competing with humans for jobs and resources.

Funnily enough, the aforementioned scenarios are too ridiculous to be true. AI or robots taking over humans makes good fodder for science fiction but does not hold true in the actual realm. Here, robots are automating processes and activities but not poaching on the livelihoods of humans. If anything, the demand for skilled labour has only gone up. 

Yes, we are talking about STEM. Students from the STEM curricula are in demand around the planet. As more and more automation occurs, the more is requirement for qualified students and professionals who are capable of operating or fine tuning these processes. If anything, the day of the average worker with vocational skills are gone, but it’s sunshine for the one with the right skillsets- possibly in the fields of electronics, computers, mechanics, processes and mathematics.

STEM degrees as % of all degrees in 2011

Facts show that across the BRICS nations and the western world, engineers as a community are the ones in demand (not in quanity but quality). 

Moral of the story?

As we churn out more robots, so do we need to churn out engineers capable of supervising these behemoths.

If you are a engineer or a wanna-be engineer, you can give it a rest and not fret over it. Robots are taking over our jobs, yes; but not making us redundant! They are instead giving us a responsibility of ensuring they do their jobs. 

Happy Roboting ! !

Image credits: The Observatory on Borderless Higher Education
What's the Big Deal?
CNN Money

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