Tag Archives: robotics

Window Cleaning Robot Cracks 400$ Price Mark

October 24, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Cleaning is called a “chore” for a reason, it’s a pain to do and nobody likes doing it! Imagine if there were robots that could do ALL of the cleaning for you so that you can relax and spend more time living your life. Look no further than Ecovacs Robotics, an award-winning brand of home robotics.

When the DEEBOT D35 was brand new in 2015, it was the first robotic vacuum designed for kitchen and bare-floor cleaning that had “direct suction” vacuuming. Dual-sweeper side brushes allow cleaning along baseboards, which often collect the most dust and is hardly ever noticed. D35 also has smart technology that can detect obstacles such as furniture to keep from bumping into them, along with sensors to detect stairs, so it can remain safe from taking a tumble. Plus, it will automatically return to the charging station to re-energize after cleaning.

Also from Ecovacs Robotics is the WINBOT W730, the world’s first robotic window cleaner. WINBOT’s operation is very easy – users just power her on, securely place her on the window, and press start. WINBOT’s Pathfinder Technology automatically scans and calculates the size of windows and programs a custom path for speed and efficiency. Her internal vacuum pump and powerful suction motor create a double seal that is able to bear up to 26 pounds and a back-up battery and safety pod ensure that WINBOT will stay secure even if the power is disrupted.

The DEEBOT D35 is available for an affordable $199.99, and the WINBOT is priced out at $399.99 [US dollars]. Learn more about home cleaning robots at www.ecovacsrobotics.com.

Sci-Tech

World First- Venturi’s Hyper-Deformable Lunar Wheel Presented At Paris Air Show

June 20, 2023 The Silo Leave a comment

Earlier this week, Venturi Group presented its latest invention at the international Paris Air Show in Le Bourget, France: a hyper-deformable lunar wheel. Venturi Lab designed and manufactured the wheel using materials it created. The Venturi wheel is a world first.

A turning point in the history of the space industry, Venturi has reinvented the wheel. Engineers, chemists and physicists at Venturi Lab in Fribourg, Switzerland have created a unique hyper-deformable lunar wheel.

The wheel will be used on Venturi Astrolab’s FLEX rover, a vehicle that will be deposited on the Moon in 2026 by Space X’s Starship rocket and initially used to transport and deploy payloads.

In the past, with the exception of the Apollo missions, space exploration vehicles have always been equipped with rigid wheels. The Venturi wheel, however, is highly deformable while remaining long-lasting and robust. From 2026, when the FLEX rover is put into service at the lunar south pole, where extreme temperatures (-90 to -230°C) prevail, the four wheels supporting the two-tonne vehicle (payload included) will warp in order to absorb ground irregularities as the FLEX travels at 20 km/h. The wheels will need to perform over at least 1,000 kilometres and resist strong radiation from the south pole.

Features of the Venturi wheel include:
– an exceptional diameter of 930 mm
– a complex system of 192 cables that act as spokes
– a tread made flexible by a newly invented material
– an outer rim equipped with springs

This breakthrough technology, based on unique materials, is equal in importance to the arrival of the rubber, and later pneumatic rimmed tyre in the 19th century.

NASA has selected Venturi Astrolab to test and analyse the Venturi wheel at the NASA Glenn Research Center in Cleveland and the NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston.

ABOUT VENTURI
Since 2000, the Venturi Group has specialised in the design and manufacture of high-performance electric vehicles. Whether through world records, expeditions on hostile terrain, the creation of the first electric sports car, the development of innovative vehicles or its involvement in the Formula E World Championship, the Venturi Group embodies and demonstrates all the capabilities of the electric vehicle on 2 or 4 wheels. Since 2021, Venturi Lab is part of the Venturi Group. The company invents, studies, designs and manufactures mobility solutions capable of handling the extreme environmental conditions found on the Moon and Mars. In 2026, Venturi Astrolab’s FLEX rover – for which the Venturi Group will have designed and manufactured innovative technologies resulting from disruptive innovations – will be in operation on the Moon.

ABOUT VENTURI ASTROLAB
Venturi Astrolab, Inc (Astrolab) is on a mission to advance humanity to the next horizon by designing, building and operating a fleet of versatile rovers for all planetary surface needs. Comprised of a highly specialised team of former NASA, SpaceX and JPL engineers, Astrolab is dedicated to providing adaptive mobility solutions essential to life beyond Earth. The team has leading experience in terrestrial and planetary robotics, electric vehicles, human spaceflight and more. Astrolab’s extensive experience and strategic partnerships with a wide range of world-class institutions, including the electric vehicle pioneer Venturi Group, allow for the most reliable, flexible and cost-effective lunar and Mars mobility offerings. The company’s headquarters are located in Hawthorne, California.

Sci-Tech

Robot pizza station set to revolutionize industry

January 6, 2022 The Silo Leave a comment

The Picnic Pizza Station saves time, money, and labor by streamlining pizza prep without compromising quality.

An intuitive system makes training and operating a breeze. The Picnic Pizza Station is the essential back-of-house makeline. The modular food prep system fits into any kitchen and uses the owner’s unique recipe, delivering perfect pizza every time. Requiring only one operator, the system can produce up to 100 pizzas per hour which saves labor costs and increases yield through decreased food waste.

Combining sauce, cheese, pepperoni, and granular topping modules into any preferred configuration complements existing kitchen Pizza take out and restaurant operations. Further streamline production by connecting the station directly with an existing oven.

Picnic software solutions integrate with your POS system and includes an intuitive touch screen interface for ordering pizza and a dashboard to track ingredients and predict inventory needs.

Advantages of the Picnic Pizza Station

Reduced labor costs: One operator can make up to 100 pizzas per hour.
Reduced food waste: Apply precise amounts of toppings with less than 2% food waste.
Consistent product: Use your recipe to create uniform, consistent pizzas every time.
Increased hygiene: Contactless assembly system, minimal operator ingredient handling.

• Small footprint. No special hook-ups
• Typical install is 86” (218 cm) W X 56” (142 cm) H X 40” (102 cm) D
• Easy to install with limited build-out
• Modular, conﬁgurable design
• Commercial-grade; built for food service
• Easy to clean. Dishwasher-safe
• Intuitive assembly and disassembly
• Free delivery. Free installation
• Free on-site maintenance checks
• Robotics-as-a-service subscription model
• Touch-screen interface
• Integrates into existing POS
• Quick to learn and no-hassle operation
• Customized software to meet your needs
• Temperature-controlled assembly line
• Fresh sliced pepperoni; never pre-cut
• Use your recipes with consistent results
• Well-lit and accessible from top and front
• Reduce food waste
• Integrates into existing make lines
• Monitor ingredient usage and yield

Sci-Tech

Elon Musk Backed Neuralink Company Demos Hard Wired Human Brain Machine

September 2, 2020 The Silo Leave a comment

Elon Musk is one step closer to connecting a computer to your brain.

Neuralink is building a brain-machine interface as well as a little robot that installs the necessary wiring directly into your skull. Neuralink, the mysterious neuroscience company backed by Elon Musk, revealed more details about its plans to connect computers to human brains recently.

Musk explained that his off-the-radar neuroscience company Neuralink continues to push the boundaries of science with its latest model: the aim being not only for a smaller interface but for a vastly more powerful interlink.

*The size of the flexible threads, attached to a fingertip for scale.*
Image: Neuralink

In 2019, using tiny wired pathways or neural links implanted directly into the head , a discrete behind the ear ‘controller’ received the wired pathway signals wirelessly. Computers running proprietary software are able to track the brain activity in real time. The latest version, just announced is a coin size device that sits on top of your head and is wired to go directly into your brain.

The chip that amplifies signals and sends them off to a computer. — The chip in the last years’behind the ear’ receiver.

Elon Musk unveils new Neuralink brain implant design and robot that inserts it. — Unlike last years behind the ear model, the new model on the right is almost impossible to notice.

Cyber Frankensteins

This technology in a cruder form, has been used already to enable amputee control over prosthetic robotic limbs but the neural link was not hard wired or physically connected to the body.

Musk stressed the wide variety of spinal and neurological conditions — including seizures, paralysis, brain damage, and depression — that Neuralink technology could help treat. “These can all be solved with an implantable neural link,” said Musk. “The neurons are like wiring, and you kind of need an electronic thing to solve an electronic problem.”

However, this new hard wired development changes things- not only in terms of faster and more accurate tracking of brain impulses but in the implications of what may be possible using hard wire. How about human pilots directly wired into the flight and combat systems of an advanced flying craft? Or a neural link human network where brain impulses can be transmitted and received between linked in people? Or a monkey that can control an advanced computer? Oh wait, that last one actually happened….

For the Silo, Jarrod Barker.

Comics

Sophia Robot Will Make Appearance Next Year At Comic Con

September 6, 2018 The Silo Leave a comment

Artificially intelligent humanoid robot, Sophia, will make her first comic convention appearance at the first annual Ogden UnCon June 7-9, 2019. Sophia the Robot, the masterpiece of Hanson Robotics (www.hansonrobotics.com), has captivated nations and has become an internet sensation. Sophia has met with world leaders, addressed the United Nations, appeared on TV shows such as The Daily Show and The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, and has graced the cover of Cosmopolitan, ELLE magazine, and more. Now, this modern marvel is coming to Ogden, Utah to meet her fans and kick off Ogden UnCon’s first event.

Ever since her unveiling in 2016, Sophia has quickly rocketed to stardom. Sophia is Hanson Robotics’ most advanced human-like robot, created by combining breakthrough innovations in robotics, AI, and artistry. The epitome of artificial intelligence, Sophia is endowed with remarkable expressiveness, aesthetics, and interactivity, and can simulate a full range of facial expressions, track and recognize faces, and hold natural conversations with people.

Just like Ogden UnCon, Sophia shares a remarkable, unique and unexpected story that captivates and surprises, making her the perfect headliner for our inaugural year.

“Sophia is the personification of the comic con spirit.” says Russ Adams, Ogden UnCon founder. “She is science fiction, fantasy, technological marvel, and superhero come to life. And we are honored she is making her geek-dom debut at Ogden UnCon.”

Fans attending Ogden UnCon will have the chance to engage with Sophia as she greets them on celebrity row, performs on multiple panels and parties with other celebrities and VIP ticket holders at the UnCon VIP Party. Other celebrities such as Naomi Grossman of American Horror Story, Amy Hill of Preacher, Neil Kaplan of Voltron: Legendary Defenders, and many more who have yet to be announced, also round out the show’s guest list.

“Ogden UnCon is going to be a huge event for Ogden,” shares Ogden Downtown Alliance’s Danielle Collier, “not only will it bring guests to share in all Ogden has to offer, but it will drive our local economy, add excitement in a different realm and create an opportunity to celebrate arts and culture.” This three-day event will bring $700,000 USD in economic impact to local businesses.

Ogden UnCon is focused on bringing unconventional shows, panels, workshops and celebrity guests to Northern Utah. As Ogden’s “Untamed & Unconventional” popular culture con, this convention seeks to inspire and support local artists while entertaining and thrilling our community.

Innagural Ogden UnCon
June 7-9, 2019
Ogden Eccles Conference Center
2415 Washington Blvd, Ogden Utah 84401

Tickets for Ogden UnCon go on sale October 1, 2018. To see a full celebrity lineup and purchase tickets visit OgdenUnCon.com. Stay up to date with happenings and announcements by following @OgdenUnCon on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About Ogden UnCon

Ogden UnCon is a limited liability company and an annual event dedicated to the appreciation of pop culture, its creativity, and art forms. Through our convention, we will shine a light on the arts, artists, and city of Ogden, Utah.
http://www.ogdenuncon.com/
https://www.facebook.com/OgdenUnCon/
https://twitter.com/ogdenuncon/
https://www.instagram.com/ogdenuncon/

About Hanson Robotics Limited

Hanson Robotics Limited (HRL) is an AI company dedicated to research, robotics and the creation of the world’s most realistic humanoids. We quest to create robots with intellect, empathy and wisdom, traits future AI technologies and robots will need in order to solve some of humanity’s toughest problems. Led by renowned roboticist, sculptor and former Disney imagineer David Hanson, HRL recently received the prestigious 2018 Edison Prize for Robotics. For more information, please visit http://hansonrobotics.com.

Sci-Tech

Asteroid Prospecting And Mining Nearing

October 25, 2017 The Silo Leave a comment

Have you ever wondered how you’d mine an asteroid? Not many people have. But you may be interested to discover that scientists are actually attempting to achieve this, seemingly impossible, feat. You may even remember reading about an asteroid mining company here at The Silo. That company is still in business.

Why? Well, an asteroid can hold many materials that are considered to be very valuable back here on earth. And, bearing in mind how many asteroids there are, asteroid mining could turn into being a far more “earth-friendly” way to gather resources.

So, check out this infographic from our friends at fuelfighter.co.uk and discover how scientists are planning on mining Asteroids and how much it could cost in US dollars/British pounds to do so.

Sci-Tech

Auto Clean Your Grill With Advanced Bluetooth BBQ Robot Available Now

May 1, 2017 The Silo Leave a comment

Keep grime at bay with the perfect, must-have holiday gift for every busy person who loves gadgets and useful technology. Grillbot is the world’s first automatic grill cleaning robot.

Grillbot makes life much easier for BBQ chefs. It saves them time and lots of dirty work cleaning grills and letting them get back to spending more quality time entertaining family and friends. The award-winning Grillbot takes the time and effort out of cleaning even the dirtiest grills.

Designed for use on any style grill, simply place the Grillbot on the grill’s surface, press a button, and the robot does all the cleaning. The device is driven by a powerful CPU that controls movement, speed and direction of brushes. It comes with an LCD alarm and timer that can be set for a light scrub, deep clean or something in between, and notifies when cleaning is done.

The innovative Grillbot comes in four colors and includes the following features:

Three high-power electric motors
Smart Brain that controls movement, speed and direction of the brushes
Brushes pop right off to put in dishwashers for easy cleaning
Rechargeable lithium ion battery

The Grillbot comes as a standalone grill cleaner, or an optional bundle with a carrying 3 brass brushes installed and a carrying case. Grillbot has already sold over 100,000 units globally, including in new markets such as Russia, Australia, Canada and Brazil. The Grillbot is $99.95USD and comes with a one-year warranty.

At the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2017, Grillbot demonstrated its advanced technology with the Bluetooth-enabled Grillbot Pro. It comes with the same, great features as the original plus the addition of Bluetooth technology, giving BBQ chefs even more freedom and leisure time to watch games, relax with family or cater to guests.

Grillbot is now available at over 500 Home Depot stores nationwide. It’s also available at a wide variety of other retailers such as ACE Hardware, True Value, Sur La Table, Lowe’s, and at websites Amazon.com, Bedbathandbeyond.com, Walmart.com and more or contact marketingdirector@thesilo.ca. For the Silo, Jennifer A. Marca.

About Grillbot
As with most inventions, Grillbot began with an idea. One day, founder Ethan Woods was getting ready to use his grill and did not have a brush available to clean it. While trying to clean a stubborn grill with a wire brush, he wondered if a robot could be created to do the job. He took a power drill, attached a brush and cleaned the grill. He put together a design team and that makeshift drill became the sophisticated computer-driven Grillbot! Since then, Grillbot has sold over 100,000 units and has received many awards and accolades for its innovative design. Grillbot continues to expand its line and is developing two new home robotic solutions designed to simplifying your life one robot at a time in 2017.

Politics

Premier of Ontario’s Mission to China generates $2.5Billion in Business agreements

November 16, 2015 The Silo 6 Comments

Premier Kathleen Wynne concluded her second mission to China on Friday the 13th this month in Beijing, where 38 new agreements valued at $750 million were signed by delegates. This brings the estimated total value of agreements from the mission to $2.5 billion. The agreements are expected to create 1,700 jobs in Ontario.

At a signing ceremony in Beijing, Wing On New Group Canada Inc. signed three agreements totaling $230 million, including:

A $100-million agreement with JD.com to purchase Canadian produce and provide business services to Canadian enterprises in the Chinese e-commerce market.
An $80-million agreement with China Telecom Group Best Tone Information Co. Ltd. to import food and Canadian nutritional products to China. The Chinese company will also provide financial services to Wing On and jointly develop a Chinese e-commerce market with Wing On and JD.com.
An agreement with Cross-border City Americo Wholesale to purchase $50 million in Canadian produce over the next three years, and open 30 new stores in 2016, with an Ontario Produce Exhibition Booth in every new store.

Hydrogenics signed four certified integrator agreements to supply fuel cell technology for integration into zero-emission public transport buses. In aggregate, the company anticipates a market opportunity of up to $100 million in revenue over a 3 to 5 year period, with approximately $10 million in the first year.

Also in Beijing, CITIC Capital announced a $100 million investment towards Paradise, a new attraction and residential development in Niagara Falls. The development is led by China-based GR Investments Co. Ltd., which has purchased 484 acres of property located west of Marineland and adjacent to Thundering Waters Golf Club.

The Premier also announced that the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) has hired a new agri-food trade advisor in Shanghai to assist Ontario food exporters. The advisor will increase food export sales by providing international market information and identifying suitable business opportunities and strategic alliances for Ontario food and beverage suppliers. OMAFRA already has trade advisors in India, the United Kingdom and the United States.

During the mission, the City of Wuxi, in Jiangsu Province, and the Region of Durham signed a Friendship Agreement, creating a sister city relationship to promote economic co-operation, trade and collaboration in education and tourism. Also in Wuxi, Trent University entered into a Partnership High School Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Wuxi No. 1 High School and Wuxi Foreign Language School.

Investments also formalized include Shenzhen Bauzer Investment Group Co. Ltd., which acquired an 80% share of EDI, a Toronto-based leader in the field of robotics automation. With this acquisition, Shenzhen Bauzer intends to create an additional 200 jobs in Ontario.

Attracting new investments and helping the province’s businesses compete globally is part of the government’s plan to build Ontario up by investing in people’s talents and skills, making the largest investment in public infrastructure in Ontario’s history, creating a dynamic, innovative environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

QUOTES

“Trade is essential for Ontario’s economic growth and international competitiveness. This mission has strengthened Ontario’s political and economic ties with China. By signing new trade agreements valued at $2.5 billion and further developing our relationships with political leaders, Ontario has made a significant impact throughout this mission.”

— Kathleen Wynne, Premier of Ontario

“The tremendous success of the mission is further evidence of the enduring relationship between China and Ontario and the compelling business case our province offers for global investment. Our government will continue working collaboratively with the private sector and research community to build an innovative, dynamic economy that supports long-term growth and job creation.”

— Brad Duguid, Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure

“China is an important and long-term partner for Ontario in trade development, investment attraction, and science and technology collaboration. Our diversity and our highly skilled workforce are advantages that allow Ontario to create products and services for the global marketplace. The successful signings from this mission reinforce Ontario’s position as a top trading economy and will help create more jobs and economic opportunities across our province.”

— Michael Chan, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and International Trade

QUICK FACTS

On the final day of the mission, Ontario delegates signed 38 agreements, which are valued at $750 million.

Ontario delegates signed more than 100 agreements and MOUs during the mission, with an estimated total value of $2.5 billion.
Over the last two years, Premier Wynne’s 2014 and 2015 missions to China have generated agreements worth an estimated $3.8 billion — including agreements signed by delegates during and after the missions.

LEARN MORE

Discover why Ontario’s highly diversified economy is attractive to investors

Read about Ontario’s Going Global Trade Strategy

Sci-Tech

Why Brampton Ontario Is Powerhouse In Health And Life Sciences Sector

August 14, 2015 The Silo Leave a comment

Partnering with innovative businesses to attract talent and spur growth is making Brampton a powerhouse in the fast-growing health and life sciences sector.

Since 2005, the City of Brampton has seen a 50 per cent growth in health and life sciences and is now home to more than 250 companies in the sector.

“This is a priority growth area for Brampton. In order to bring the best businesses here, we’re committed to creating strong partnerships with innovative companies that will attract knowledge-based jobs to grow the city and the sector,” said Mayor Linda Jeffrey. “From our young, diverse, educated and highly skilled workforce to our ranking as one of the best places to do business, to the incredible lifestyle that employees can enjoy, Brampton is the best choice for innovative health and life sciences businesses looking to start up or re-locate.”

Leading health and life science companies have proven that Brampton is the best city to work with to grow their business, with the sector currently employing more than 11,700 highly skilled workers in the city. Brampton is a significant contributor in Ontario’s life sciences sector and is located within the province’s biotechnology cluster, currently the third largest in North America.

Innovative and successful health and life sciences companies and headquarters are quickly becoming the norm in Canada’s second-fastest growing city, such as:

Brampton’s William Osler Health System is an emerging leader in health care research and development and plays a critical role in the education of hundreds of future health professionals each year. Its strong clinician-based, formalized research program focuses on improving patient care; shifting to preventative, proactive care; and treating diverse populations – the goal of its Global Health Program. Osler offers world-class technology and innovative, cutting-edge surgical techniques, including hybrid vascular and endovascular surgery – a minimally invasive way to treat diseases of the blood vessels while minimizing the overall risks to patients and reducing hospital stays. Osler inspires a culture of innovation through its annual national student app competition, fusing health care and technology by challenging students to design and develop mobile digital health care applications for the benefit of patients and their families.

The NeuroArm's first surgical use: Brain Surgery — The NeuroArm’s first surgical use: Brain Surgery

MDA Space Missions developed the NeuroArm, a cutting-edge device for neurosurgery. The result of close collaboration between MDA space robotic engineers (of CanadArm fame), the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services physicians, nurses and scientists, the group is creating an image-guided robotic arm for microsurgery. Controlled by the surgeon, the device allows for more precise surgery with a near real time view of the area being worked on and the location of the surgical tools – truly changing the way that life-saving surgery will be performed in the future.

Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc., a global leader in pharmaceutical manufacturing, refers to its Brampton operation as its worldwide centre of excellence for dermatology, liquid manufacturing and research. Ontario is helping Taro Pharmaceuticals Inc. invest in new manufacturing and R&D equipment to expand research and production at its Brampton facility, with a $7 million investment creating up to 140 new jobs and retaining 395 positions in the city.

Dynacare Medical Laboratories’ main testing facility in Brampton is one of the largest, most state-of-the-art laboratories in North America. Dynacare is at the forefront of researching, developing and validating innovative new screening and diagnostic tests for introduction into the Canadian marketplace. Dynacare has been instrumental in the early delivery of new tests in the areas of allergy, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, paternity, ulcers, and other problems of the stomach and intestines and more.

Click to learn about ErinoakKids' innovative Music Therapy — Click to learn about ErinoakKids’ innovative Music Therapy

ErinoakKids Centre for Treatment and Development has broken ground on a new 122,000 square foot treatment facility in Brampton for children with disabilities and special needs. The facility, set to open in 2017, will house Ontario’s largest respite centre for children who are medically fragile/technology dependent, have complex care requirements, behavioural challenges, or autism. The centre will offer a range of services from day to overnight stays and, for the first time, 24/7 service. Specially trained staff will care for the children and youth,providing programmed activities and interactions while offering a period of respite for their parents and caregivers.

“We are most fortunate to be part of, and to serve, the growing Brampton community,” said ErinoakKids President and CEO Bridget Fewtrell. “When we open our new facility in 2017, children and youth with disabilities and special needs in Brampton will have more access to better coordinated services to help them reach their true potential. We are truly excited to continue expanding service to this thriving city and its growing population.”

About Brampton: The ninth-largest city in Canada, Brampton celebrates a diverse population that represents people from 209 distinct ethnic backgrounds who speak 89 different languages. Brampton residents and visitors have access to state-of- the-art recreation facilities and one of the fastest-growing transit systems in Canada. Opened in 2007, Brampton Civic Hospital is part of the William Osler Health System, which is one of the largest community hospitals in Canada. For more information, visit www.brampton.ca or follow @CityBrampton on Twitter.

Culture

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 book is a guide to building and programming Robots

June 12, 2014 The Silo 4 Comments

Raise your hand if you want to build a Lego robot arm.

San Francisco, CA, The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book (No Starch Press, June 2014, 396 pp., $34.95, ISBN 9781593275327) is the latest No Starch Press book to tackle the LEGO MINDSTORMS robotics system. This second edition of the best-selling LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book remains the ultimate beginner’s guide to this powerful kit for anyone who wants to start making their own robots. http://post.oreilly.com/rd/9z1zpuf5li32jp78bt80j96lr32hkugv7u2d0q5lpag

Author Laurens Valk brings his robotics expertise to bear as he teaches readers the techniques essential to successful robot building. Valk has been building MINDSTORMS robots for years and was even recruited by the LEGO Group to test and develop this new generation of LEGO MINDSTORMS. The depth of his knowledge comes through on every page.

The first full-color MINDSTORMS book from any major publisher, The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Discovery Book features all new content that takes readers from gearing and fundamental mechanics through advanced programming techniques as they build these six robots:

The EXPLOR3R, a wheeled vehicle that uses sensors to navigate around a room and follow lines
– The FORMULA EV3 RACE CAR, a streamlined remote-controlled race car legged walking creature that adapts its behavior to its surroundings
– SK3TCHBOT, a robot that lets you play games on the EV3 screen
-The SNATCH3R, a robotic arm that can autonomously find, grab, lift, and move an infrared beacon
– LAVA R3X, a humanoid robot that walks and talks

Valk rounds out the fundamentals with more than 150 building and programming challenges that encourage readers to discover the countless possibilities of the EV3 kit and to start inventing robots of their own.

About the Author
Laurens Valk is a member of the MINDSTORMS Community Partners, a select group of MINDSTORMS enthusiasts who help test and develop new MINDSTORMS products. One of his robot designs is featured on the EV3 packaging as a bonus project. His previous work, the best-selling LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0 Discovery Book, introduced more than 50,000 beginners worldwide to the powerful world of LEGO
MINDSTORMS robotics. He blogs about robots at robotsquare.com. http://post.oreilly.com/rd/9z1zd3clg63cmhkarcqv9pht1e936tdk1htdcus1rs8

The Picnic Pizza Station saves time, money, and labor by streamlining pizza prep without compromising quality.

Advantages of the Picnic Pizza Station

Elon Musk is one step closer to connecting a computer to your brain.

Cyber Frankensteins

Canada's 'biggest little blogspace'