Thanks to a team of researchers from UCLA and Texas A&M Universities, you are now able to turn everyday objects into robots. You don’t need to be an engineer or a designer, all you need is their program and a 3D printer. It is easy to assemble and could aid people with disabilities and situational impairment. Sounds way too good to be true, so let’s see how it works.
Step 1 - Shoot a video
First of all, and maybe the most important, you need to provide the program with a video input. You just need to shoot a video in which you are moving the desired object in the desired direction. Let’s say you are opening a pantry. Record the movement as you are doing this. Make sure that the motion is visible because it will provide the necessary information for the next step.
Step 2 - Sit back and relax as the program does the job
Robiot then analyses the video you’ve recorded. It isolates the object from the background and focuses on its movement. It analyses if the motion is linear or rotational, which parts are maneuverable and which are stationary. It then determines what type of joints would be the best fit for the desired motion. Once it has analyzed all data, it then suggests a 3D model that will help mimic the movement, including the motion sensors and/or standardized motor.
Step 3 - 3D printing
All that is left is to 3D print the model that Robiot selected for you. This step is also made easier/simplified by the program as you don’t need to design your models and then see if they will work or not. Robiot chooses an adequate model for you from the repository.
Step 4 - Put it all together
This step might be the trickiest as you are now required to assemble everything, but since it is an end-to-end pipeline for users, this step is also simplified as much as possible. In addition, you can do some fine-tuning by filtering out the speed, range, and motion. Once you’ve assembled everything go ahead and install it on the desired object. And that’s about it. You’ve just created your own robot!
Step 5 - Enjoy!
Enjoy your new robot and figure out what’s next on your list of things to be turned into a robot.
This user-friendly innovation will help you turn your everyday objects into interactive objects. It is meant for simple tasks and single-joint movements for now, but it does spark the imagination of all the possibilities it could have in the future. Until then, follow Innovation Cloud as we explore the world of innovations and feel free to join the party. If you need any guidance, we are here for you.
