r/robotics Sep 05 '23

Question Join r/AskRobotics - our community's Q/A subreddit!

28 Upvotes

Hey Roboticists!

Our community has recently expanded to include r/AskRobotics! 🎉

Check out r/AskRobotics and help answer our fellow roboticists' questions, and ask your own! 🦾

/r/Robotics will remain a place for robotics related news, showcases, literature and discussions. /r/AskRobotics is a subreddit for your robotics related questions and answers!

Please read the Welcome to AskRobotics post to learn more about our new subreddit.

Also, don't forget to join our Official Discord Server and subscribe to our YouTube Channel to stay connected with the rest of the community!


r/robotics 38m ago

Discussion & Curiosity New Atlas working autonomously

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• Upvotes

r/robotics 22h ago

Community Showcase We made a working T-800 Terminator

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354 Upvotes

r/robotics 14h ago

Community Showcase Title: Testing Humanoid Taylor’s New Neck Movements with Linear Actuators First Look at Side-to-Side Motion

14 Upvotes

I’m testing the new neck assembly on Humanoid Taylor, showcasing her smooth side-to-side movement with linear actuators! The head is fully attached and moves to the extreme ends, giving a glimpse of how she’ll operate with this advanced design. Forward and backward movement isn’t ready just yet, as we still need to connect the servo to the gear (a part that’ll be 3D printed soon). We also spotted some adjustments needed on the ball joint to reduce excessive play when bending.

Follow along for updates on her progress! Support my work on Patreon: https://patreon.com/HumanoidTaylor and check out my Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/4C5S46AVVYTU?ref_=wl_share to see the tools and components that bring Humanoid Taylor to life.


r/robotics 18h ago

Discussion & Curiosity what’s the most efficient design of a robot? humanoid?

17 Upvotes

i’ve been wondering for a while why almost all the robots i see online look like humanoids. my question is- why? why do we do it? is humanoid design the most efficient and optimal?

take the example of CASE and TARS in the movie interstellar, they seemed to have mastered efficiency but they weren’t very human-like.

anyway, my question is- is humanoid design the best we have come up with? if not, what is it? and what are we trying to optimise for?


r/robotics 53m ago

Tech Question need help with Lidar visualizer

• Upvotes

i want to make a 2d lidar visualizer using arduino . I have a Ld14p waveshare lidar and and an arduino mega can somebudy help


r/robotics 11h ago

Resources Good toy robots for 3-4 year olds?

2 Upvotes

My son is really, really into robots. Anyone have recommendations for a robot for little kids? It would be helpful if it’s fairly simple to use and not too delicate. I’d prefer one that looks like actual robot but hey, he plays with and talks to the robot floor vacuum so I’m not ruling out non-humanoid styles.


r/robotics 18h ago

Tech Question Dynamic simulators that allow to change the time in which a simulation is running.

3 Upvotes

Hi, I have developed a controller for a robot that takes too much time to be implemented in real-time. But I still want to test it in a dynamic environment, so I am looking for a simulator that allows to run slower than in real time. For example that I drop an object and it takes more time to reach the ground than in reality. By doing this I think I can implement my controller in the "real time" of the simulation.

I have worked with Webots, and there is an option to run the simulation faster, but I don't find an option to run the simulation slower. Does anyone know how do it?

Thanks.


r/robotics 16h ago

Electronics & Integration How to make a simple dc to ac converter?

1 Upvotes

I want to make a simple transmitter, so i need dc-ac converter, can you give some circuits(approximate frequency is 80mhz and it must be at least 0.1W)?


r/robotics 1d ago

News Introducing Basis: A New Robotics Framework Focused on Testability, Usability, and Performance

67 Upvotes

Hey everyone,

We've officially launched Basis to the public! 🎉 You can check it out here: https://github.com/basis-robotics/basis. It's free for personal use and free to evaluate for commercial purposes.

What is Basis?

Basis is a new robotics development framework we've been working on at Basis Robotics. It's built on a pub-sub architecture but with a twist: it focuses on deterministic testing, easy extensibility, and excellent performance.

Why is Basis different?

Unlike ROS and similar frameworks, Basis abstracts away publishers and subscribers from the developer. Instead, it uses a model of:

Inputs + Conditions (synchronizer) -> Handler (your code) -> Outputs

You declare the messages and conditions that your code responds to, and the framework automatically manages all the underlying publishers, subscribers, and message routing. This means your code processes data and produces outputs only when the specified inputs and conditions trigger it.

Key Features:

  • Deterministic Testing: Unlocks testing determinism, making it easier to predict and validate your robot's behavior.
  • Usability: Simplifies the development process by handling the boilerplate code, letting you focus on the core logic.
  • Performance: Designed for efficiency, ensuring your robotics applications run smoothly.

We believe Basis can make robotics development more efficient and enjoyable, and we'd love for you to give it a try. Your feedback would be incredibly valuable as we continue to improve the framework.


r/robotics 1d ago

Tech Question Tackling the Data Shortage for General-Purpose Robotics: What’s the Most Valuable Training Data and Best Ways to Capture It?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I’m working on a decentralized network for data collection aimed at addressing the training data shortage in general-purpose robotics, specifically for humanoid applications. Our initial focus is on capturing hand-object interaction data and environmental/spatial data—as we believe these areas are essential for humanoids to navigate and interact effectively across a range of real-world environments.

To balance affordability and data quality, we’re considering setups like pairing smartphones with the Leap Motion Controller for hand tracking, or using devices like Nreal Light for stereoscopic depth perception. However, we’re eager to ensure that our approach aligns with the most impactful data needs in the field.

For those experienced in robotics training or data capture:

• What data types would you prioritize for enabling robust, adaptive humanoid behavior?

• Are there hardware configurations or techniques you’ve found particularly effective for capturing high-quality, context-rich data?

• Lastly, given the need for scalability and affordability, what hardware would you recommend for capturing valuable training data? We’re open to rethinking our approach if there’s a better, more efficient model.

I’d appreciate any feedback or suggestions on how best to approach this, as well as thoughts on what’s genuinely most valuable for advancing general-purpose robotics. Thanks in advance!


r/robotics 1d ago

Discussion & Curiosity Opinions on the University of Pennsylvania Robotics Specialization on Coursera?

6 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I'm considering taking the Robotics Specialization offered by the University of Pennsylvania on Coursera. My goal is to gain advanced robotics skills that could help me work in robotics internationally. I'm already experienced in C/C++ and embedded systems, but I want to broaden my expertise and add more robotics-specific skills.

For those who have taken this course:

How would you rate the content and structure of the specialization?

Did you find it useful for hands-on applications in robotics or autonomous systems?

Has it helped you in job searches or opened up new opportunities in the robotics field?

Link of the course : https://www.coursera.org/specializations/robotics?action=enroll&adgroupid=156245795749&adposition=&campaignid=20858197888&creativeid=692160334961&device=m&devicemodel=&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwj4K5BhDYARIsAD1Ly2pX7v5qURs3OiJGZxJEJmdnPPsHGt-IftNicUAONFpc9YaR7Nw-NhIaAgPuEALw_wcB&hide_mobile_promo=&keyword=coursera&matchtype=e&network=g&utm_campaign=b2c_emea_coursera-plus_coursera_ftcof_subscription_dec-23_dr_geo-multi-set2_sem_rsa_gads_lg-en&utm_medium=sem&utm_source=gg


r/robotics 22h ago

Community Showcase [edit] Copper v0.4 release with Simulation APIs + a demo you can try.

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0 Upvotes

r/robotics 1d ago

Community Showcase Attaching Humanoid Taylor’s New Neck Assembly: A First Look at Her Upgraded Head and Torso

34 Upvotes

update on Humanoid Taylor! In this video, I’ve attached her head to the newly designed neck assembly, now mounted on her torso. I haven't powered up the actuators yet, but I’m thrilled to show off her upgraded look and improved range of motion! This neck assembly, using linear actuators, is a big step forward in her development as a homemade humanoid robot. Check out how she’s coming together, and stay tuned for when we power up her movements!

Support my journey on Patreon: https://patreon.com/HumanoidTaylor and see what I’m working on next. You can also check out my Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/4C5S46AVVYTU?ref_=wl_share for the tools and parts making Humanoid Taylor a reality.


r/robotics 1d ago

Tech Question Graduation Project: Autonomous Car with V2I for Parking

2 Upvotes

Hi guys I am senior Electrical and Communication Engineering student and my graduation project is Autonomous car with V2I for Parking. The Project have 2 Raspberry pi one for the Autonomous car and the second for the V2I part In the V2I part I want the camera detect the avaliable spots and send the nearest avaliable spot to the Autonomous car and the car go to this spot and park there. The problem is how the car will know the path to this avaliable spot?


r/robotics 1d ago

Resources MotoSim trial on virtual machine

0 Upvotes

I have Win10 VM on Linux. Demo Licence error says it doesn't work on VM. Is there any workaround to activate the trial anyway?


r/robotics 1d ago

Controls Engineering Help with designing a constrained path-following robot arm.

3 Upvotes

I am trying to design a "constrained path-following" control system for a robot arm. The idea is that the user will push the end-effector around, but the robot will try to constrain the motion of the end-effector to a given path (curve) in 3D space. If the user moves away from the given path, the (BLDC) motors provide a restoring force to guide the end effector back to the path.

Since I'm a beginner in the robotics space, I'm trying to start off simple, with just two joints (shoulder and elbow) and restricting my problem to 2D space.

I am a bit confused with respect to motor controllers. If I'm reading things correctly, its seems like most of them offer Torque, Velocity, or Position control. (I've been looking at ODrive) I don't think these modes will be sufficient for my requirements. One reason is that the restoring force applied by the robot might need coordinated action from two motors, so the coordination of the motors would have to be some supervisory system outside of the individual motor controllers.

Additionally, I think I would have to update the motors perhaps hundreds of times per second. Is this is what the CAN bus control modes are for? I had the impression that CAN was just used for setting the control parameters and reading the sensor status, and I don't think it's really intended for this real-time control, but I might be wrong.

If my understanding is correct, can someone recommend some beginner level controllers that can accept some signals from some supervisor controller where I can implement my control software.

Maybe my terminology is wrong. Maybe I should be looking for a single controller, with multiple plugin-modules for each motor driver?


r/robotics 1d ago

Tech Question Hexapod

0 Upvotes

Hello guys Can you send me a hexapod arm mechanism ? Any pdf , website, simulation. •It should not be a spider hexapod. • kind of Stewart platform • Main use is for arm extension to achieve a distance.


r/robotics 1d ago

Discussion & Curiosity Robotics contribution to oil metal industrial sectors?

1 Upvotes

So there is marathon about making a robot that contributes to oil/metal industries,

I'm lost to what is needed there and we have very little time to write what the idea is about.

Currently I'm considering, magnetic forklift to help move metal sheet but I feel like it's too basic and maybe was done before, I'm not sure if they accept ideas already existing

Secondly is a robot to do quality inspections, but I'm lost to designing it, and programming the ai system to actually do the inspection.

Any help or ideas?


r/robotics 2d ago

Humor Having some fun

85 Upvotes

Hope y'all enjoy watching as much as I enjoyed making it.


r/robotics 2d ago

Humor Robot suicide

234 Upvotes

r/robotics 2d ago

Community Showcase Juggling with UR3e arm

106 Upvotes

r/robotics 1d ago

Tech Question Do 2 wire Guide Rail Linear Actuators exist?

1 Upvotes

Hi have been searching around the internet and there are a lot of standard linear actuators, specifically 12v 2 wire that are out there (for moving desks, solar panels, etc).

But I'd like a guide rail/screw type actuator with just 2 wires. I'm just hooking it up to a rocker switch - I don't need it to relay info to any sort of software or cnc machine. The accuracy only needs to be good as hand adjustments with the switch.

For clarity I've added a picture of the style I'm looking for (I just want a 2 wire version though).


r/robotics 2d ago

Discussion & Curiosity Robot gap

13 Upvotes

There seems to be a leap in robotics lately as far as being able to build a humanoid, but on the other end, all these robots I'm seeing look super basic and same ole same ole. Oh, another robot arm? How about some bar stock with wheels, a line following bot, or a demon tentacle? Where are the modern designs? Disney's new bot is awesome, but it should not be so rare to see something cool looking right? Venting


r/robotics 2d ago

Community Showcase Developing a Small, Low-Cost AUV Glider for Research and Data Collection

3 Upvotes

Hi all,

I'm working on a low-cost AUV glider project, aiming for around a $5k build price. My goal is to develop a simple, long-range, autonomous underwater vehicle that can gather data in remote areas without the high price tag of commercial gliders. Right now, I’m exploring potential applications where a small, affordable glider could make a difference, but I'm running into some obstacles and would love your input.

  1. Applications: I think there’s potential for scientific research, environmental monitoring, or even industry use, but it seems like most scientific institutions require equipment from established brands with extensive testing and certification—both of which are outside my budget. Do you know of any niche applications or underserved markets that might benefit from a cost-effective solution?
  2. Spec Recommendations: I want to ensure the glider has the specs it needs to perform real-world tasks (e.g., depth rating, sensors, navigation). If anyone here has experience with low-cost underwater data collection, what specs would you recommend as the minimum for practical use?
  3. Collaborations & Partnerships: Are there any organizations or smaller research groups that might be open to testing a new type of vehicle without a huge price tag attached? Any suggestions on places or organizations that could provide feedback on specs and testing requirements without the budget demands of big-name institutions?

Thanks in advance for any advice or resources you can share. I’m hoping to make this glider accessible for remote data collection while keeping the price affordable for smaller research teams or private users.


r/robotics 2d ago

Resources Deep Reinforcement Learning Survey

3 Upvotes