MangDang’s Kickstarter project “MD Robot Kit: Unlock Your Dream Job in AI Robot Engineering” aims to promote the creativity and technical know-how of robotics enthusiasts. The project offers two main robots that address different needs and interests.
The first robot, Mini breastsIt comes in several versions, including the Mini Pupper 1, Mini Pupper 2, 2G, and 2GA models. This robot is an affordable personal quadruped kit that comes with open source software. Mini Pupper supports multimodal generative AI platforms such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and AWS’s Claude. It is also compatible with ROS1 and ROS2, expanding its capabilities in the areas of Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and navigation. By integrating OpenCV, the robot can perform deep learning with its camera. Using Raspberry Pi and Arduino, Mini Pupper offers high adaptability and scalability, making it ideal for developers who want to realize their own projects.
The second robot presented is turtle robotComing soon. This robot is specifically aimed at schools, homeschooling families, and robotics enthusiasts. While the specific specifications have not been fully disclosed yet, it is clear that the Turtle Robot aims to support learning and creativity in the robotics field.
The campaign itself set a fundraising goal of €9,000, which it clearly exceeded by just under €19,000, more than 200% of its original goal. The campaign will run from September 5, 2024 to October 5, 2024 and has so far attracted 80 backers. A notable feature of the MD robot kit is its open source nature, which allows users to assemble the robot in less than an hour. This makes it particularly accessible to a wide audience, from educational institutions to DIY enthusiasts. The project is designed not only to impart technical knowledge, but also to promote the joy of building and customizing robots.
1. Mini chest:
- Version: Small Breast 1 (2021), Small Breast 2 (2022), Small Breast 2G & 2GA.
- design: An affordable personal quadruped walking kit with open source software.
- characteristic: Supports multimodal generative AI such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, and AWS’s Claude. Compatible with ROS1 and ROS2 for SLAM and navigation, and based on OpenCV for deep learning with cameras.
- Scalability: High adaptability is possible using Raspberry Pi and Arduino.
- Open source platform: Mini Puffer supports the Robot Operating System (ROS) and provides functions such as Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) and navigation. It is equipped with lidar and camera sensors that allow it to map its surroundings and move autonomously.
- Technical specifications: The robot has 12 degrees of freedom enabled by advanced servo motors that provide feedback on acceleration and force, allowing for precise control.
- Hardware and Scalability: Mini Pupper uses a Raspberry Pi 4B or Raspberry Pi Compute Module 4 as its central processing unit and an ESP32 as its microcontroller. It has an IPS display with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, a microphone, a speaker, and a touch sensor.
- adaptability: Thanks to its open source nature, Mini Pupper is deeply customizable. Users can add their own modules and customize the robot for a variety of projects, such as tracking objects in space.
- Education and Community: Mini Pupper is ideal for schools and homeschooling families. It comes with comprehensive instructions and resources to help you get started with robotics. Users can join a global community to share ideas and get support.
- Pricing and Availability: As part of the Kickstarter campaign, the Mini Puffer is available in several versions, with the basic model costing around 479 euros. Shipping is scheduled to begin in February, and supporters are aware of the financial risks of crowdfunding campaigns.
2. Turtle Robot:
- Open source projects: Turtle Robot is an open source project based on Arduino that supports the integration of generative AI, allowing users to customize and extend the robot.
- Economical: Turtle Robot is an affordable learning platform for multimodal generative AI, available at a 60% discount from its introductory price of $99, making it particularly attractive to educational institutions and DIY enthusiasts.
- Ease of use: The robot is designed to be installed and operational within a week, allowing beginners to quickly learn and start experimenting.
- Support and Resources: MangDang provides comprehensive support across multiple channels, and all code and design files are accessible via the GitHub repository. Users can print STL design files and contribute their own ideas.
- Multimodal generative AI: The turtle robot uses advanced AI technology that enables continuous voice interaction. The AI ​​can remember previous conversations and provide personalized answers based on those conversations.
- Application examples: There are two Arduino projects that can be used with the Turtle Robot: one for testing individual functions, and one for performing all functions via voice control.
- effectiveness: The turtle robot is available through a Kickstarter campaign until October 2024, after which it will be available in online stores.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mdrobotkits/md-robot-kits-open-source-support-your-genai-creativity?ref=txm87x
