MIT Printable Robot
Source: MIT

The idea of creating cheap and affordable robots has been haunting robotics enthusiasts for a long time. In fact, when it comes to robots, for most of us there still exist only two price categories: expensive and very expensive. However, if we want to inspire and attract young people into the field of robotics, it is crucial that they have a chance to be part of the robotics community and, most importantly, to get their hands on robots.

One of the initiatives that address this difficult challenge is the Ultra Affordable Educational Robot project organised by the African Robotics Network (AFRON). The project provides a framework for a biannual robot design competition that engages robotics researchers from all over the world in designing simple robots that could help young people from all walks of life to dive into the exciting world of science and engineering. And of course, most important of all, the robots have to cost as little as possible and use an open software platform for programming.

This year, the hardware design challenge was won by a team from MIT, which came up with a little 3D-printed, Arduino-based robot, distinguished by an intuitive cut-and-fold origami-inspired design. With most mechanical parts coming for an A3 sheet of plastic, MIT SEG costs only $ 20 and can be built in five steps: all one needs to do is assemble the mechanical parts using tab-in-slot attachments, connect the electronics, and presto! You have a nice wheeled robot that is ready to perform a variety of basic tasks such as obstacle avoidance. You can see the complete list of winners in all categories HERE.

AFRON was launched in 2012 with the intention of awakening a new wave of collaboration within a community of institutions and individuals involved in robotics in Africa and worldwide. The organisation specifically focuses on educational robotics and promoting robotics in schools.

Educational robotics also occupies a special place in such European events as euRobotics week and Barcelona Robotics Meeting.  Read our overview of this year’s Barcelona Robotics Meeting HERE.

Visitors of all ages were invited to attend a number of  talks on subjects ranging from healthcare and educational robots to civil applications of drones and autonomous submarine vehicles. In addition, those interested could take part in a series of workshops, which encouraged people to learn about the practical side of robotics.

iCub playing pong with children

Another highlight of the Meeting was the national final of the VEX Robotics Competition, where several teams faced each other in an interactive game that motivated them to find creative solutions to complex engineering problems.

The biggest attraction of the event, however, was the exhibition area that allowed the visitors to get a glimpse of the future of the service robotics. Although modest in size, the exhibition featured some remarkable examples of robotic technology, mainly provided by local research institutions.

Teo robot from Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial

Adele Robots, for instance, showcased an adorable baby seal robot called Paro, which is already used for therapeutic purposes in hospitals and aged care facilities, where it helps personnel calm patients and improve their social behaviour. The exhibition also featured the iCub robot from the Synthetic, Perceptive, Emotive and Cognitive Systems group (SPECS) at Pompeu Fabra University. The robot received tons of deserved attention, especially from children. Teo, a 3D mapping robot from Institut de Robòtica i Informàtica Industrial, and Aisoy1, an educational robot from Aisoy Robotics, are just two other examples from this year’s exhibition.