Trade Leads for roborts

Solar Thermal Demo Plant Rises in Israeli Desert

BrightSource Energy, a Google.org backed startup we covered a few weeks back, opened their Solar Energy Development Center in Israel this week, and it features an enormous test plant that looks as improbably perfect as a rendering.
The tower in the distance of this picture stands 180 feet tall and is surrounded by 1,600 mirrors that focus the sun’s rays onto the commercial boiler that sits atop the tower. In a real plant that boiler’s steam output would be used to generate electricity with a turbine, but the company didn’t put a turbine in the test facility. BrightSource estimates that a plant this scale could generate 1,500 kilowatts of power.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) revolutionised the medical world two decades ago, providing doctors with an unparalleled view inside the human body. Now, MRI-MARCB has taken MRI to a new level with a system that enhances image quality, reduces scan time and improves diagnosis.
Currently in use in several hospitals around the world, the MRI-MARCB system overcomes one of the principal problems in producing MR images of the brain and heart: movement.

A fully digital 4D ultrasound system is set to provide a ‘next generation’ integrated solution for medical imaging applications, allowing practitioners to provide faster treatment and improve therapeutic success rates.
Developed by ADUMS, an IST-funded project that ended in April 2005, the advanced high-quality imaging system will significantly reduce diagnostic time. In addition, the technology uses off-the-shelf computer hardware, making it a much cheaper alternative to expensive, purpose-produced ultrasound machines.

European researchers developed technology that enables a robot to combine data from both sound and vision to create combined, purposeful perception. In the process, they have taken the field to a new level.
Currently, computer vision is good at recognising objects in images and videos and has been successfully employed in several specialised industrial applications, such as quality control during microchip fabrication.

Robot Clubs Links United States

Alabama, Huntsville - The Mid-South Area Robotics Society
Arizona, Phoenix - Phoenix Area Robot Experimenters
California, Fullerton - Robotics Society of Southern California
California, Berkeley - East Bay Builders Group
California, Sacramento - Sacramento Area Robotics Group
California, San Diego - San Diego Robotics Society

Watch America's brightest high school science students achieve breakthroughs, set the groundwork for brilliant careers, and make extremely cool robots. They're part of the FIRST Robotics Competition, in which more than 20,000 high school students from across the country compete to reach new breakthroughs in robotics. The contest gets its name from "For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology" (FIRST).

ROBOT is a unique publication that offers the "how to do it" for the robot enthusiast and robot hobbyist, as well as the "what's going on" in the expanding world of robotics for the interested layperson or technical professional. It offer parents, teachers and kids guidance on using and playing with the new generation of consumer, toy and hobby robot products that serve as educational tools and recreational fun.

Make: Technology on Your Time is a hybrid of a magazine and a book. It's a magazine, but not a typical one.
If you like to tweak, disassemble, re-create, and invent cool new uses for technology, you'll love MAKE the new quarterly publication for the inquisitive do-it-yourselfer. Every issue is packed with projects to help you make the most of all the technology in your life. Everything from home entertainment systems, to laptops, to robots is fair game. If there's a way to hack it, tweak it, bend it, or remix it, you will find out about it in MAKE.

Built for the do-it-yourselfer, Dremel's cordless MultiPro kit delivers the versatility you expect from a Dremel--with the added advantage of being cordless. Lightweight at only 9 ounces, this compact unit maneuvers comfortably in tight spaces.
What will you use it for? Remove old grout in your bathtub, polish your flatware, remove a broken tile, etch glass, hang miniblinds, cut out a pet door, install a new car stereo, sand off a spot of hard-to-reach rust, clean your boat's outboard engine parts, refinish ornate woodwork, install a mortise lock, and much, much more.

Every robotics laboratory needs a good set of basic tools. Check our selection below and see if there is an essential gadget that will simplify your work and make your hobby more fun.
Designed with the hobbyist and the do-it-yourself enthusiast in mind, this kit features a high-quality, lightweight pencil iron with variable power control, a cushioned foam grip with a replaceable heating element, and a safety guard iron holder. And it's from Weller, the world leader in soldering since 1945.

Every roboticist needs a good set of basic tools, and kits are a great way to get them at a considerable savings. Three things make Denali's kit stand out - the price, an exceptional selection of quality tools, and the custom heavy-duty nylon bag. It's hard to find a set of tools as extensive as this for anywhere near this price. If purchased separately, these items might cost $150.

Modify your robots or make your own from scratch with these high-quality motors and raw materials.
Online metals is a great place to get the raw materials for your robot because they specialize in sales of small quantities. They stock aluminum and steel in every size and shape you might need. Titanium and tool steel are also available for the high-performance builder, and so is polycarbonate (Lexan). They also have a great selection of 4130 Chromoly tubing, and convenient "Metal Pack" assortments.

An ideal product for people with disabilities, busy families, or individuals who'd rather drink a Manhattan on the patio than cut the grass!
The Robomow RM400 is an automatic lawnmower that cuts the grass all by itself. It comes with an optional base station and it will depart at the pre-set scheduled days and times. At the end of each operation Robomow returns to the base station for charging until the next scheduled operation. Your lawn will be maintained even when you are away from home. The Robomow is designed to handle lawns of up to 4300 square feet. Simply set a weekly program for the days and times you want the lawn mowed and it will do it automatically for you, day after day and week after week.

A revolution in home exploration and telepresence, Rovio is a WiFi enabled robotic webcam that moves in any direction and can be controlled remotely. View and interact with Rovio's environment through its streaming video and audio from its built in camera.
With Rovio, you will always be just a click away from the people and places that are important to you. Rovio is the Wi-Fi equipped mobile webcam that enables you to view and interact with its environment through streaming video and audio, wherever you are! Easily control Rovio remotely 24/7 from anywhere in the world! Use any web-enabled device: PC or Mac, cell phone, smartphone, PDA or even your video game console.

If you think one robot is interesting, wait until you see two of them battling for control Sumo-style! The new SumoBot is a competition-ready robot designed within the Robot Mini-Sumo Tournament rules. This little pusher will locate and knock its opponent right out of the ring while detecting the outside circle should an escape move be necessary. Here are the design specifications:

Now you can manipulate the world roboticly with one of our robot arm kits. Control your robotic arm remotely or add some intelligence by connecting it to you computer. You can even add the arm to your own mobile base - these kits make it easy!

The Physics Solar Workshop explores the topic of solar energy, focusing on photovoltaic cells. By building 12 models and conducting 30 experiments, kids will learn how solar cells transform light into electrical energy, and how motors and mechanical devices can optimize the work done by this energy.

The 6 in 1 Educational Solar Kit teaches children the benefits of solar energy while they create toys that are fun to play with and requires no batteries. This kit is an excellent beginner building kit designed to teach how solar power is used to drive a small motor. Children use the 33 snap together parts (no tools required) to build six different working models including an airboat, windmill, puppy, and two

Sleek, powerful, unearthly, and very cool... this futuristic solar car is an exciting way to demonstrate the use of alternative energy. It features an aerodynamic sports car design, a 4-wheel chassis, a powerful 1.4 volt, 350mA solar cell (included) and transparent plastic body that can be painted or left clear to display the car's inner mechanical construction. The steerable front axle, rear wheel and adjustable (directional/angle) solar panel mount are all independent parts, allowing for separate solar projects.

The Solar F1 Race car kit illustrates how the power of the sun (or a bright lamp) can be used to propel a solar racer. You can switch to a single AA battery on those cloudy days. Soldering is not required.
Comes with everything you need including motor, gearbox, solar cell, and easy to follow instructions. Requires basic hand tools to assemble. Order two and stage some real solar races!

This kit is a great introduction to mechanical gear and motor operation. Can be powered via solar cell or one AA battery. Power is selected by a switch. Includes all parts to build a working Solar Inch Worm. Soldering is not required.
Comes with everything you need including motor, gearbox, solar cell, and easy to follow instructions. Requires basic hand tools to assemble. Direct Sunlight is needed for solar operation. Use an AA battery for use indoors or on cloudy days.

Learn how a solar module or single AA battery can power a walking robot. The Solar Astronaut Kit illustrates how an automatic transmission and motors work together to actuate the legs. Slide switch changes from solar to battery power. Soldering is not required.
Comes with everything you need including motor, gearbox, solar cell, and easy to follow instructions. Requires basic hand tools to assemble.

Mr. Personality is an amazing personal robot from Wow Wee. This innovative and interactive talking companion is more than just your average robot. Mr. Personality exudes personality in everything he does and says. Like a real life cartoon character, he can tell jokes, read your daily fortune, and even answer questions about your future. Enjoy endless hours of his company and interact with him through his multiple sensors and activity modes.

Tribot is one of the latest in the line of personal robots from WowWee. This innovative talking companion is more than just your average robot -- Tribot is fresh off the robot assembly line and is ready to interact with you whether it is playing with his built-in games or telling you jokes. Remember though, he's only a young robot so he will need help from you to give him commands using the remote controller.

Create the smartest, strongest and most advanced Lego robots ever, in as few as 30 minutes! Lego Mindstorm's highly versatile palette of Lego Technic elements combines with state-of-the-art ultrasonic, sound, light and touch sensors in the next generation of intuitive robotics. With included Quick-Start guide and step-by-step building instructions, beginners and experts alike can create humanoid, vehicle and animal robots that obey every command!

Execute daring missions with the strobing light MegaBlimp. The vessel is activated and controlled by a removable triple-fan silent electric propulsion system. This three-axis control system means it can be flown forward, backward, up and down and perform 360 degree turn-on-a-dime maneuvers. Full control and maneuvering of the air vessel is maintained from a hand-held transmitter with a range of over 100 feet. It is recommended you use your blimp indoors but on a calm day it can be flown outdoors using the included tether and tether hooks.

Pleo is a new type of autonomous life form: a scientifically accurate dinosaur. Pleo looks, moves, sounds and behaves like a living creature. Fully aware and cognitive, he explores his environment and interacts with people, accessories and other Pleo dinosaurs.
Equipped with senses for sight, sounds and touch, Pleo processes numerous stimuli before expressing himself. He feels joy, sorrow, anger and annoyance with realistic dinosaur sounds. And when he's tired, Pleo gets drowsy and sleeps -- sometimes even dreams.

Wrex is a mischievous robotic pal and a real junkyard dog. Built from discarded mechanical and electrical parts, Wrex is the ultimate loveable Frankenstein pooch, despite a few loose nuts and bolts. He can roam around autonomously.
Wrex the Dawg's behavior depends on his three moods: Happy, Angry and Crazy and his three desires: Exercise, Call of Nature and Hunger. You will always know what he is thinking and feeling by watching his crazy slot machine eyes. Lift up his back panel to reveal the programming buttons. You can program him to behave like a cat, perform wild actions or even dare to disobey your commands. Take him for a stroll or let him roam around freely and he will change his moods and desires, just like a real dog.

The Robosapien Robot is a full function fast moving robot minion suitable for all your world domination needs! Designed by a NASA scientist, the Robosapien is simple enough for kids and advanced enough for adults. Features include real, multi-speed fast dynamic walking, running, and turning; fast, full function arms with two types of grippers; 67 pre-programmed functions including pick-up, throw, kick, sweep, dance, and half a dozen kung-fu moves. Robosapien has programmable "reflexes" to touch, pickup, and kick, and up to 84 program steps, with 4 program modes for advanced operations.

This U Command Wall-E is a programmable remote control robot that features realistic expressions, light-up eyes, original movie voice, and even sound effects. You can send an instant order or preprogrammed action sequence to Wall-E via the wireless remote control and it will carry out your command.

Explore the world of robotic science with the Soda Can Robug science kit from Green Science.
Kids age 8 and up can recycle a soda can and turn it into a working robotic bug. You will be delighted to see it slide across the floor just like a real bug!

The classic Rock'em Sock'em Robots are back! The original robots Red Rocker and Blue Bomber are still at it - trying to knock each other's blocks off after 35 years!
Long before TV shows like BattleBots, there were these guys: two plastic boxers battling it out in a ring, tirelessly jabbing at each other. Years go by and these fighters are still at it, still operated by two players working simple controllers, and still madly punching in an effort to knock loose the other fellow's spring-loaded head.

Muscle Wire Kits

Muscle Wires are thin strands of a special nickel-titanium alloy that actually shorten in length when electrically powered. They are easy to use, and they can lift thousands of times their own weight. The direct linear motion of Muscle Wires offers experimenters a source of motion that is very similar to that of a human muscle, providing possibilities not available with motors or solenoids.

The Ladybug Robot moves with its six legs and makes use of infrared emitting diodes as its eyes to avoid obstacles along its path. Ladybug automatically makes a turn the moment it detects an object in its path. It continues to move forward again when no obstacle is in the way.

Gakken's Mechamo kits are more complex than kits intended for younger hobbyists (though of course with adult supervision, there's no reason a bright youngster can't put them together). This metal centipede comes with everything you'll need to build it.
This is a very hard to find robotic kit from Japan.

All the kits share the same wheels and speed reduction hardware. The light weight kit is the simplest and lightest possible 4-wheel-drive configuration using our custom hardware. It includes two dual-wheel drive modules, aluminum bulkheads, and a base plate. The motors are located in the center of the drive modules and each wheel has its own two-stage speed reducer.

Robot Parts

One of the hardest things for a robot builder is locating sources for robot components. Here is a list of vendors. I have done business with most of them, and I haven't included any companies that didn't treat me right. Call them up and ask for a catalog. Some of them only send catalogs to companies, so give your enterprise a name. I hope that you'll forgive me for keeping some of my sources secret.

A little history
Way back cica. 1987 I decided building a robot would be a way cool idea. I set out building a beast
of a brain for my creation. I put together the excellent Talking Electronics TEC-1B Z80 based

Product Description
Sinewinder is an attractive, easy to use lighting system for your R/C vehicle. Just plug the Sinewinder light into a spare receiver channel, or use a separate 5V source.
Sinewinder has 12 bright LEDs that scan from side to side, with a short trail after the leading light. The lights can be switched on and off by using your radio. If no signal is present or the signal wire is cut, the lights will default to being on.

Overview
The USB-RLY08 provides eight volt free contact relay outputs with a current rating of up to 1Amp each. It is powered from any standard USB bus and has an exceptionally low maximum current consumption of approx. 90mA with all relays on. The relays are SPCO (Single Pole Change Over) types. The normally open, normally closed and common pins are all available on the screw terminals.

Overview
The RLY08 provides eight volt free contact relay outputs with a current rating of up to 1Amp each. It requires a 5v supply and has an exceptionally low maximum current consumption of approx. 100mA with all relays on. The relays are SPCO (Single Pole Change Over) types. The normally open, normally closed and common pins are all available on the screw terminals.

Specifications
SRF02 Specification
Voltage - 5v only required
Current - 4mA Typ.
Frequency - 40KHz
Range - 15cm - 6m.
Analogue Gain - Automatic 64 step gain control

Description
Sabertooth 2X5 is the motor driver of choice for small differential-drive robots. It is ideal for smaller robots- up to 3lbs in combat or 25 lbs for general purpose use. It is also a great choice in any application where you need to control two brushed motors.

Go inside the creative world of the R2 Builders Club thanks to an extensive profile in the May 2008 issue of Servo magazine for the robot innovator.
Craig Smith advises prospective members about the amount of time it takes to create a droid: “R2 built from scratch or built from club parts is not a quick project. It will take months to complete a static, non-moving display — even years for a motorized version. When I look at the parts on my droid, I recall the week it took to make the shoulders, the days it took to make the ankle covers, the days it took to re-make the ankles themselves because I did not offset them correctly. And there are dozens more parts on the droid with similar memories. A project such as this is a huge commitment!”

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