Geek Speak: Akash

It’s a small weekend for Kidobotikz considering the fact that the makerspace will be on holiday tomorrow for Gandhi Jayanthi. But, Kidobotikzians are more than making up for it with putting in extra hours today. Students are here in droves to take up their robotics lessons in the earnest. With us today is a robotics pro who defines the word dashing. With his straightfaced style of answering and sharp accent he just lights up the conversation. This ends up intimidating the person sitting across and talking with this bond-esque boy wonder. He’s only in class 8 but has a way of answering questions that surely will make people think twice if they were talking to someone of age 14. Meet Akash, a nube to robotics but geek in every other way. He is our geek for the day. 

Hey Akash! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi everyone! I’m Akash, studying in class 8 at PSBB KK Nagar. Here at Kidobotikz, I have completed the Beginner level

Can you tell us how you ended up being a Kidobotikzian?

Well, I remember the day I joined Kidobotikz. It was on the 3rd of August. I had attended the Hindu Young world Summer camp which was conducted by Kidobotikz. After that I came with my parents to find out more about them. I got interested and joined. 

So, what was your opinion about robotics before and after joining Kidobotikz?

Ever since I saw the movie Iron Man as a 3rd grade my perspective of robotics was that it was a very complex subject to learn. I always assumed that to be a robotics guy, you needed to be a Tony Stark and have all the resources at your disposal. Well, after joining Kidobotikz, I realise that Tony Stark is over rated (laughs). Thanks to Kidobotikz, I now know that every Tom and Harry can be a robotics guy if he has a Foundation Kit. 

Interesting. So, how do you think robotics has changed you? 

Robotics has changed me in ways that I couldn’t have expected. For one thing, it has definitely changed my perspective of people who are in the field of technology. More importantly, my conversations with them have become less juvenile and more mature.

Is there any particular kind of robot that fascinates you? 

Yes. I am immensely fascinated with humanoids. They represent the cutting edge of technology in robotics. In particular, Honda’s ASIMO is a major area of interest for me.

And are there any kind of robots that you intend to build?

Ofcourse. I wanna build an exoskeleton type robot that can help the differently abled. This is what I see as my ultimate aim in robotics.

How was your KRG experience this time?

Given the fact that I was hardly a month into Kidobotikz when KRG-IX happened, I was all but a silent spectator over there (laughs). But I loved the electrifying atmosphere though.

That’s funny. To sum up, I would just like to know as to what your future plans are? 

I have no plans yet. I have just found my footing in robotics. I wanna move along and see what more can I do.

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ESLOV: The amazing IoT Invention Kit from Arduino

For years, the open-source philosophy of Arduino has been the inspiration to robots, drones, medical and space research, interactive art, musical instruments, 3D printers, and so much more. Now, Arduino is on a mission to radically simplify the way you build smart devices. They've introduced  ESLOV, a revolutionary plug-and-play IoT invention kit.

ESLOV consists of intelligent modules that join together to create projects in minutes with no prior hardware or programming knowledge necessary. Just connect the modules using cables or mounting them on the back of our WiFi and motion hub. When done, plug the hub into your PC.

ESLOV’s visual code editor automatically recognizes each module, displaying them onto the user’s screen. The connections can be drawn between the modules on the editor, and project can be made come to life on the screen. Added to this, the device project can be uploaded to the Arduino Cloud and users can interact with it remotely from anywhere, including via mobile phones. The Arduino Cloud’s user-friendly interface simplifies complex interactions with sliders, buttons, value fields, and more.

The ESLOV modules and hub can also be programmed with the wildly popular Arduino Editor. With the provided libraries, one can customize the behavior of the existing modules, enhance the hub’s functionalities, as well as modify the protocols of both the hub and the modules.

With a total of 25 modules — buttons, LEDs, air quality sensors, microphones, servos, and several others — the possibilities are endless. Applications like baby monitors, washing machine notifier (that informs users when their laundry is finished), IoT enabled thermostats that can be adjust while away from home.

In line with the core values of the Arduino community, ESLOV’s hardware and software are open-source, enabling users to produce their own modules. To accelerate its development in the open-source spirit, ESLOV — which began as part of a three-year EU-funded PELARS project — is now live on Kickstarter and needs your support.

The toolkit is offered in a variety of sizes, depending on the number of modules. Prices range from ~$55 USD to ~$499 USD, with multipacks and other opportunities available as well. Delivery is expected to get underway in June 2017.

In terms of hardware, the main hub is currently equipped with a Microchip SAM D21 ARM Cortex-M0+ MCU at 48MHz and built-in WiFi (just like the MKR1000). Each of the modules are small (2.5 x 2.5cm), low-power (3.3V), single-purpose boards featuring the same processor found at the heart of the Arduino/Genuino UNO: Microchip’s ATmega328P.

The modules’ firmware and the hub’s software can be updated both using the USB cable and over-the-air (OTA).

Those heading to World Maker Faire in New York on October 1st-2nd can learn more about the kit inside the Microchip booth in Zone 3, as well as during Massimo Banzi’s “State of Arduino” presentation on Saturday at 1:30pm in the New York Hall of Science Auditorium.

Want to learn more or back ESLOV for yourself? Check out its Kickstarter page!

Source: Arduino

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Geek Speak: Abishek Shankar

Terms like “Robotics Hobbyists” are becoming ubiquitous today. With the advent of informal learning or rather unconventional learning platforms, more and more students are trying out their hands at the hitherto unchartered areas of robotics and electronics. Nowhere is this change more pronounced than at Kidobotikz where you can find every other 8th grader working on an arduino board. The ones not working on the arduino are probably using a Viper or a Raspberry Pi. 

The result is an ever growing pool of Kidobotikzians who develop wonderful working models and robots, not to mention the accolades these people receive after one upping the college guys and the pros in the areas of robots. With us today is a robotics pro whose age does not do justice to his stature. He’s only in class 11 but has already logged up a half life’s worth of robotics here at Kidobotikz. Meet Abhishek, an old timer at Kidobotikz and a robotics pro who is our geek for the day. 

Hey Abishek! Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

Hi everyone! I’m Abishek Shankar, studying in class 11 at PSBB KK Nagar. 

Being an early student of Kidobotikz, can you describe your journey with Kidobotikz till now? 

Well, I guess 3 years is a long time. I still remember why I joined Kidobotikz. I had a couple of friends who used to share the classroom benches with and roam around. When they joined this new place called Kidobotikz which was on the way from school, I got curious. Then I also joined here with the intention that I could hang out with them even after school. Today, as I look back, both of them have moved on with their academics catching up but for me robotics has become a very big part of my life. I had recently completed my Expert level and am awaiting the graduation day. Not just me, a lot has changed for Kidobotikz too. When I joined here, it was a small organization. Today, much to our delight they’ve scaled up well and are changing the lives of ever increasing number of students. I am happy for them and the entire community of Kidobotikzians.

Interesting. So, how do you think robotics has changed you?

Robotics has changed me in ways I could not have imagined. I see things differently now, I imagine about things in technical manner, the “how stuff works” part of it has become important to me now. I’ve done things that I never would’ve fathomed. I’ve taken part in Singapore Robo Games, IIT Shaastra and also won several events at NIT- Calicut. To me all this is quite amazing. More importantly, it has empowered me as a student.

How do your parents feel about you? 

My parents have always been supportive of my choices. And when it comes to Kidobotikz, they’re outright supportive of what I do here. In the beginning when I used to participate in events, they were always encouraging me to participate in as many events as possible. Now that I know my way around robotics, the advise me to be picky with the events that I participate in, They ask me to participate in events where I have a sure shot of winning. This is an outlook that I am also inculcating in my participation. 

So, why don’t you tell me about your most favourite roboting experience?

Well, if anything, it has to be the competition I took part in at NIT Calicut. It was a jolly good experience; one that I will always cherish. I managed to win a string of events - 1st Place in Line Tracer, 2nd in Robo Soccer, 3rd in Robo Sumo and two 5th places in Dirt Race and Project Expo events respectively. 

Are there any favourite robots or dream robots of yours?

Well, my favourite robot has to be the Nao robot. On the other hand, I have a dream robot, one that i intend to design and develop. I want to develop a robot that can replace ball pickers at Tennis Courts. Playing tennis a lot has made me realise that the role of ball pickers is quite strenuous and it is time someone came up with an alternative.

That’s impressive. To sum up, I would just like to know as to what your future plans are? 

Well I have always wanted to be an entrepreneur and now I have decided to that I will preneur in the field of robotics. As for my plans related to higher studies, I intend to go abroad and learn robotics at some of the universities renowned for their robotics programmes. So, working towards it.

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First self-driving vehicle produced for Volvo's public trial

The first car built to take part in Volvo's Drive Me trial has rolled off the production line in Torslanda, Sweden. Described by Volvo as "the world's most ambitious and advanced public autonomous driving experiment," Drive Me will see real people using fully autonomous cars on public roads.

Although the cars aren't scheduled to hit the road until next year, Volvo sees this as the beginning of the project, which will be run in Gothenburg with special "hands-off and feet-off" zones allowing for full autonomous use.

The carmaker has been at the forefront of the autonomous driving revolution, most recently in partnering with Uber to ferry passengers around in self-driving taxis and in trialing a self driving truck in an underground mine.

For the Drive Me trial, Volvo XC90 SUVs are being fitted with a variety of sensors, including LiDAR, radar and traditional cameras. The information from the source sensors is then brought together by a powerful computer that Volvo calls the Autonomous Driving Brain in a process called data fusion. The fused data is used to inform the actions that the cars take.

Volvo says that the Drive Me project differs from others in its customer-focused approach. By researching with real drivers in real-world situations, it hopes to gain insights that more controlled research approaches may not yield.

Subsequent to the Drive Me project getting underway at Gothenburg, another leg is planned for launch in London. Volvo says it is considering interest from cities in China too.

Volvo has high hopes for autonomous driving tech. It's already introducing semi-autonomous technologies to help with its aim for no-one to be seriously injured or killed in a new Volvo by the year 2020, and is looking to begin introducing fully autonomous cars commercially by around 2021.

Here's Volvo's run-down on the project:

Source: Volvo, New Atlas 

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Redefine hospitality with some inspired gadgets!

Do you get shy when guests come calling? Is your neighbour constantly goading about the new gadget he/she imported? 

How about getting them all impressed and mystified every time they land on your doorstep?

Well, the easy way would be to innovate something cool that pulls off a smart statement every time someone walks past the threshold!

If you have your Kidobotikz kits, it can be done easy peasy! You’ll probably have all the neighbours dropping in for Navaratri, delight them with some fun projects! 

Following are three fun “Kit-creatives” that you can make using your foundation and beginner level kits. 

1) Automatic Door Bell Using IR Sensor- F

You guests will be amazingly pleased if they found out that right at the moment they landed on your door, they found the calling bell missing but the bell rang anyways. Surprise them with this curious innovation. All you need is an IR Sensor and a Buzzer

Find out how to do it here: Automatic Door Bell Using IR Sensor-F

2) Foot Step Activated Door Bell-F

Imagine the bewilderment of the pizza guy at your doorstep when he finds out that as soon as he stepped onto the doormat he heard the bell go off. Part utilitarian part pranky, this will be a fun project to try out. 

Find out how to do it over here: Foot Step Activated Door Bell-F

3) Smart Door Opening System - F+B

You’ve probably been impressed by the automatic sliding doors at the mall and the airport. Chances are you’ve been through the doors again and again only to marvel at the doors that slide aside automatically on detecting your presence. How about giving the same kind of feel to people who visit your home? If your dad isn’t too pleased with your idea of drilling holes into the door, you can always try this experiment on the windows of your bedroom.

Find out how to do it over here: Smart Door Opening System - F+B

Pull off these projects this holiday season and be the toast of your neighbourhood. 

After all it’s, “Athithi Devo Bhava” ! !

Happy Roboting!

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Grasping drone brings new meaning to "armed aircraft"

It's no secret that flying drones are becoming increasingly useful, with most of their applications tending to involve either obtaining aerial video footage, or being loaded up with cargo by human ground crews. Imagine, however, if they could grab things. While we've already seen experimental "armed" drones, Japan's Prodrone has just unveiled a model that's actually in production.

On display this week at the InterDrone show in Las Vegas, the PD6B-AW-ARM is described by Prodrone as "the world's first dual robot arm large-format drone." Built around the airframe of the company's existing PD6B-AW model, it features two remotely-operated 5-axis robotic arms that can grasp, carry and release a payload of up to 10 kg (22 lb). Algorithms in its onboard software allow it retain stability as its center of gravity shifts while lifting objects.

Powered by two 22.2v/16,000mAh batteries, the weatherproof drone itself has a flight time of up to 30 minutes per charge, a maximum forward speed of 60 km/h (37 mph), and a maximum operating altitude of 5,000 m (16,404 ft).

Along with the obvious grasping and carrying of cargo, the company's suggested uses for the PD6B-AW-ARM also include attaching or joining items, cutting cables, flicking switches, delivering lifesaving buoys, or retrieving hazardous materials. As can be seen in the video below, the arms additionally allow the aircraft to perch on precarious surfaces such as railings.

Source: New Atlas,  Prodrone

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Formal Vs. Informal learning: Which side should one lean upon?

What is the best way of undergoing Education? This is a question that is as old as mankind itself.

Well, if one has to think there are two major ways of educating one’s self.

The first would be the ubiquitous formal education. This would be enrolling oneself to the various existing institutions of learning. Formal education is classroom-based where the instruction would be through teachers, faculty what have you. 

Informal education, on the other hand, would encompass every learning activity that happens outside the classroom. These could be after-school programs, community-based organizations, museums, libraries, or at home. Perhaps an even more pronounced example of this form of learning would be learning through the internet. 

With the advent of internet based learning opportunities, there’s been a constant upheaval among the defenders of the two camps. 

On one side, we have educators who say yay for formal education and nay for informal education, while on the other side we have people who feel that formal education has outlived its utility in the information age where every bit of learning as important as the ones that are a part of the regular curriculum.

The debate over these two forms of education has always remained high pitched. So, where is the middle ground?

Well if there is a middle ground, it lies where the best attributes of these two forms of education are taken into consideration.

Formal education while having the disciplined structure that is required for sustained learning tends to miss out on the variety that informal learning can offer. Teachers need to meet educational standards and stick to a specified curriculum, which can make it difficult for them to incorporate nontraditional content. 

Informal education on the other hand incentivizes learning with the pleasure of satisfaction. It gives the freedom to learner and he or she is free to learn it the way they see it. But, more often than not a student or candidate who wishes to learn online tends to get disoriented on what he/she should actually be learning; a learning experience that is just fun but not of relevance.

How can this be overcome? 

Well, the most logical way to do the same would be to bring together elements of fun from informal learning to the disciplined aspects of formal education.

Does such a system exist? Can it be practical? Will it be of relevance to the current scenario of high intense STEM learning?

Yes, it will be. We at Kidobotikz have been promoting a confluence between the facets of formal and informal learning through our online platform. We’ve incorporated the elements of gamification into some serious concepts of robotics to bring about a curriculum that makes STEM learning a fun activity

Happy Roboting!

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