The forces that have come together in Hulskes' "Robots for Good" project illustrate just how powerful technological collaboration can be.
One project provides an example. By combining:
- an Ultimaker 3D printer
- the head and torso of the humanoid InMoov 3D printable robot
- the free, downloadable blueprint and materials for an Open Wheels segway
- Samsung's head-mounted, virtual display oculus rift
- software
- children working with Ultimaker personnel at MakerMovement spaces in London
- seriously ill children at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital
One team in London is using the 3D printer to assemble an InMoov robot and Open Wheels segway that can move. Another in the U.S. is working on software. Kids will drive the robot with a remote control. And, wearing an oculus rift, they will be able to move the robot's head by moving their heads and to see through the robot's eyes.
Remote controlled drones also are being designed to fly over wildfires to relay information about sources of water in ponds and wells and escape routes to firefighters on the ground. According to National Geographic Kids (May, 2015), roboticist Thomas Bewley at the University of California at San Diego is already developing a drone like this. Only a little larger than a postage stamp, his drone requires less energy than it takes to power a lightbulb.
(Also see related ideas in earlier blog posts, "Play, Computer Connections, and Pets Come to the Aid of Sick Kids," "I Made This Myself," "Transform Spaces into Creative Places," and "Robot Revolution.")
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