The iconic phone maker unveiled a new logo this year, signifying a switch from consumer tech to actual infrastructure and business-focused solutions. Their latest product, a 5G-capable hexacopter drone drives that message home with its enterprise and industry-focused approach. The massive copter is designed to carry a variety of payloads, from cameras to scanning devices to even loudspeakers or modems. It’s crafted with robust materials, is designed to be reliable and repairable… but most importantly, it’s designed and manufactured entirely in the EU, offering an alternative to businesses and governments looking to shift away from China-developed drone technology.

Designer: Nokia

Nokia’s drone isn’t your average DJI or Parrot-style flying machine. It’s much larger, covering a span of at least 3 feet in diameter when resting on the ground. Designed for industries, construction, safety/security, emergency services, transportation, or even smart-city monitoring, the drone comes with its own docking station, dual gimbal cameras, and edge cloud processing using Nokia MX Industrial Edge (MXIE). “By connecting over public and private 4G/LTE and 5G networks, customers will benefit from the highest reliability,” Nokia’s team mentions. “Beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations with real-time kinetic (RTK) positioning improves situational awareness. Dual modem connectivity allows Nokia drones to simultaneously connect to multiple networks, complying with system redundancy that is commonly required by aviation regulatory bodies.”

The drone comes with a 6-rotor design that’s made for effective navigation no matter the situation, weather, or environment. For drones, this one is built like a tank, sporting a carbon fiber chassis that keeps the drone light but sturdy, and an overall construction that’s water, dust, and wind resistant. Dual modems ensure the drone stays connected through its entire journey, and if the connection ever falters, the drone has its own return-to-launchpad protocols built in that allow it to make its way back to its docking station while avoiding no-fly zones.

A highlight of the drone’s design is its modular lower platform that allows you to mount a variety of accessories that transform the drone’s purpose. You’ve got a dual-camera module with a Thermal and an RGB camera capable of 30x zoom, but undock the camera and you can swap it for a LiDAR sensor instead, allowing the drone to 3D scan objects and environments instead. Nokia offers other modules too, including a powerful spotlight for rescue missions, or a loudspeaker for delivering messages/warnings/alerts. If you’ve got a custom requirement, Nokia’s Payload Development Kit lets you build your own module to mount onto the drone, making it serve your mission/project’s needs.

The Nokia Drone Networks solution offers remote operation capabilities for search and rescue missions and damage assessment in hazardous environments. These drones can also be programmed to conduct autonomous flights for tasks like enhancing security at major events or conducting regular equipment inspections in remote locations. The docking station not only safeguards the drone and its payload, which may include sensor devices or a dual gimbal camera, from external dangers and severe weather conditions but also remotely charges the drone in preparation for its next flight.

Given its enterprise/industry-focused approach, the Nokia Drone isn’t available to consumers. For businesses looking to place orders, there’s an Enquiry button on Nokia’s website.

The post From Phones to Drones: Nokia’s New Hexacopter Targets Industrial-use with RGB and Thermal Cameras first appeared on Yanko Design.

Dubbed by DJI as the “ultimate mini drone”, the DJI Mini 4 Pro gives you the greatest specs in the smallest package yet, with a compact folding design that weighs under 250 grams, making it narrowly avoid FAA guidelines that require you to register drones above 250 grams in weight. That small size, however, doesn’t take away from this drone’s mammoth capabilities – it packs a main camera with a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor capable of 4K/60fps HDR, a bunch of other cameras that give it situational awareness and advanced object avoidance, and the ability to record in both landscape as well as portrait modes. Borrowing from its flagship counterpart, the Mavic series, the Mini 4 Pro now also supports shooting in 10-bit D-Log M and HLG color profiles, and lets you set waypoints and activate cruise control while flying. With a starting price of $759, the Mini 4 Pro gives you flagship-grade features for less than half of the price.

Designer: DJI

Even by today’s standards, the Mini 3 Pro is quite a banger of a drone, but with the Mini 4 Pro, DJI just checks all the boxes to make sure there’s really no more room for improvement. The Mini 4 Pro arrives with a slew of upgrades, with a particular focus on its camera and processing capabilities. Notably, it now supports slow-motion recording at up to 4K@100fps, a substantial leap from the previous generation’s 1080p@120fps. If you’re looking for a higher dynamic range, the camera outputs HDR videos at 4k/60fps, giving your footage stunning crisp details with balanced yet vibrant colors. Want to switch from cinematic to social content? The camera flips 90° to record in true portrait mode, utilizing every pixel on its 1/1.3″ sensor instead of cropping the sides like most drones would.

“The Mini 4 Pro perfectly marries professional-grade capabilities while keeping its hallmark lightweight design, offering unmatched freedom and adaptability,” says Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “This drone emerges as the ultimate all-rounder, designed to elevate your creative toolkit.”

Low-light performance takes a significant step forward thanks to a new sensor equipped with dual native ISO, permitting the use of a secondary (higher) ISO setting to minimize noise. DJI has also incorporated an upgraded noise reduction algorithm within a Night Shots video mode, further enhancing the quality of footage captured in low-light conditions. Additionally, DJI has even introduced a wide-angle accessory lens, offering an expansive 100° field of view, available for separate purchase. This lens seamlessly attaches to the camera, akin to how Moment lenses enhance smartphone photography.

Range enthusiasts will appreciate the enhanced capabilities of the Mini 4 Pro, courtesy of the new O4 video transmission system, which now supports up to 1080p/60fps FHD at distances of a whopping 20 km. While keeping the drone within visual range remains essential, this upgrade fortifies signal strength against radio interference and unforeseen obstacles. On the software front, DJI has also introduced the Waypoints and Cruise Control features to the Mini 4 Pro, a welcome addition previously exclusive to the professional-grade Mavic line. This empowers users to program their drones to follow predefined paths or maintain a direct flight trajectory without constant manual input. You can save camera paths for later, or even draw camera paths with your finger directly on the app or the controller display, guiding the camera in the most intuitive way possible – with your fingertips.

The one area where the Mini 4 Pro somehow holds back is in the battery department. The drone ships with a standard battery that delivers 34 minutes of flight time, which can be upgraded to 45 minutes with the Intelligent Flight Battery Plus. This new battery, unfortunately, pushes the drone above the 250g mark, forcing you to register the drone with the FAA if you want to operate it legally. The Intelligent Flight Battery Plus also delivers 2 less minutes of flying on the Mini 4 Pro than the Mini 3 Pro, which could output 47 minutes.

For those considering the Mini 4 Pro, the base package retails at $759, which includes the DJI RC-N2 Remote Controller (requiring a smartphone), Intelligent Flight Battery, a pair of propellers, and the usual assortment of cables and accessories. An alternative package with the RC 2 controller is available for $959, offering the same contents. For the ultimate flight experience, the Fly More Combo (featuring the RC 2 controller) is priced at $1,099 and encompasses three batteries, three pairs of propellers, a DJI Mini Shoulder Bag, and a Two-Way Charging Hub. Enthusiasts seeking extended flight times can opt for the Fly More Combo Plus, which includes the upgraded batteries, priced at $1,159.

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Having a human patrol the premises that you want to protect is probably the most common security protocol. However, it is still not fool proof and is prone to error and may cost you a lot if you pay an agency or the security personnel directly. Installing security cameras is also another option but can also be expensive. So if you’re going to spend a lot, why not spend it on a robot?

Designer: Ascento

A Zurich-based company has come up with the Ascento Guard, a robot that can patrol your premises autonomously but with more features than your surveillance system. It is a two-wheeled guard that is able to spot intruders, check on doors and windows, monitor the premises, and record property lights. Once it detects an unusual incident, it sends an alarm so a human can go to the area and do what needs to be done. So yes, human intervention is still needed.

The robot comes with thermal and infrared cameras to record and detect incidents, speakers, a microphone, and GPS tracking. It can run at speeds of up to 5 km/hour if fully charged. It has two large wheels and a robot-looking body that seems to have eyes that can stare into your soul. It is equipped with a fall recovery feature so that it can easily move around all kinds of areas and terrains. It can also weather any kind of, well, weather as it is water proof.

As mentioned earlier, there is still a human element needed in case of an incident. So don’t worry that robots like these will eventually replace actual guards. But it is an alternative or a supplement to your security system if needed. I’m still scared that things like these will eventually become our overlords but hopefully companies like these have thought of ways to make sure that the robot uprising will not happen anytime soon.

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How you feel about humanoid robots probably depends on what sci-fi and futuristic movies and TV shows you watched. As someone who considers Battlestar Galactica to be one of the best TV shows of all time, the idea of robots that are almost human scares the heck out of me. Of course the age of robot overlords is probably still a few decades away (or so we think) so for now, we can see these robots as things that can help make our workload easier. So if you’ve been wanting to have a robot officemate, this new NASA-backed robot might show up in your office one of these days.

Designer: Apptronik and Argodesign

Apollo 1 is the first of its kind as it can function on its own in a factory alongside its human counterparts. It is able to lift 55-pound boxes, load and unload them from conveyor belts, place items on shelves, and other lifting and carrying tasks. In terms of how it looks, they wanted to go for something that would not frighten their human co-workers but also not so far from the human experience. They designed something that’s not trying to look human but still feels humanistic. They wanted people like me who are hung up on the sci-fi looks of robots and who are afraid of uncanny valley feels to not feel threatened.

The Apollo 1 is made of metal, plastic, metal actuators, and silver woven fabric, the latter to give the machine a softer appearance and cover up some of the mechanical parts. Its “suit” is white, gray, and orange with its name “Charlie” tattooed on its chest. It doesn’t speak and can only communicate through an OLED screen that is turned off most of the time. It will only “talk” through the e-paper screen to share important information like battery level, current task, or to answer a question. It can also show simple messages and even “emotions and intentions”.

In case you’re looking for some “emotion” from the humanoid robot, it’s programmed to subtly “smile” if a human co-worker passes by. I don’t know if that’s a good thing, at least not for me. From the video shown above, it does have a bit of dexterity and flexibility, although there’s still a lot of room for improvement in terms of its movement and even its design. The creators say that the level of control and responsiveness from its electrical parts, as well as the swappable batteries, makes it stand out from competitors like the Atlas and Optimus.

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There is plenty of rhetoric about upgrading our living spaces to be smarter, not just for convenience but also for efficiency, especially when it comes to keeping power consumption to a minimum. What many of these pieces of advice and marketing materials don’t often say is how many changes you have to make to your house, from internal wiring to replacing furniture or appliances, some of which might be in perfect working condition or well-loved after years of use. These barriers to entry discourage many would-be smart home adopters, depriving them of the benefits and savings that technology can bring into their lives. Fortunately, there are brands that offer innovative products that make the transition so much easier, adding smart capabilities to regular objects or appliances. The new SwitchBot Curtain 3, for example, not only automates opening and closing curtains but also does it without rudely waking you up with noise.

Designer: SwitchBot

Shop Now on their Homepage or Amazon: $81 $89.99 (10% off with Coupon Code “YANKODS10OFF). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

There are quite a few smart curtain solutions out there, some even coming from famous DIY furniture brands. One thing that many of these have in common is that they require you to install new rods and contraptions, increasing not only the risk of damage to your house but also the time, effort, and money required to just get started. SwitchBot is famed for its convenient and intelligent robots that let you enjoy a smart home without having to replace switches, buttons, and blinds, its newly upgraded Curtain 3 robot brings greater strength, quieter movement, wider compatibility, and a more sustainable power solution that could last forever.

Keep it Quiet – At just 25dB SwitchBot Curtain 3 is so quiet you might just forget it’s even there.

Made to be Powerful – SwitchBot Curtain 3 now offers twice the amount of thrust, meaning even heavier curtains can now be pushed and pulled with ease.

The SwitchBot Curtain 3 is twice as strong as its predecessor, allowing it to push up to 16 kg (36 lbs) worth of curtains. Want to bring out your thick luxurious, fabrics for flair or for heating? The SwitchBot Curtain 3 can definitely handle the load, drawing and closing the curtains without breaking a sweat. Most importantly, however, the Curtain 3 can do this impressive feat with an even more impressive silent operation of below 25 dB. Wake up to the natural sunlight streaming into your room and not to the whirring noise of the robot opening the curtain in the morning.

As if it weren’t already convenient, SwitchBot Curtain delivers even more features that keep your mind off menial chores and focus on actually getting things done. In addition to supporting smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, HomeKit (via Matter), IFTTT, and SmartThing, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 offers no less than 8 types of control methods, including voice control with the SwitchBot Hub 2, App control, the SwitchBot Remote, Touch and Go, Sunrise and Sunset modes, timers, and Apple Watch, and light sensor control with the SwitchBot Solar Panel 3. Create automated scenes like opening the curtains at a specific time in the morning, or closing them at the same time as turning off the TV at night. Whether it’s on its own or working with other SwitchBot products like the SwitchBot Hub or the SwitchBot Thermometer & Hygrometer, the SwitchBot Curtain 3 will help cut down on the things you have to mind and do, freeing up time to spend on the more important things in life.

DynamiClamp Design – Fits almost any curtain track, SwitchBot Curtain 3 is compatible with a whole range of different curtain tracks.

All-new Solar Panel 3 – Enjoy unlimited power with just 3 hours of sunlight per day.

One of the best things about the SwitchBot Curtain 3 is that it takes only 30 seconds to install and is compatible with 99% of curtain tracks in use today, whether it’s a conventional rod, a U Rail, an I rail, or even a telescopic rod. The built-in battery means no dangling cords, and its 3,350 mAh capacity means you’ll be able to use it for up to 8 months without worrying about charging. But with the new and improved SwitchBot Solar Panel 3, you can enjoy endless green power to let the Curtain 3 do its job all year round.

Smart home products are supposed to make life more convenient, not add to our stress by making them difficult to install and uncomfortable to use. With the SwitchBot Curtain 3, you get a more powerful but quieter robot that offers unmatched flexibility and control in how you want to use it. Get a healthier wake-up call, a more peaceful sleep, and a stress-free way to live with the SwitchBot Curtain 3, only $89.99 from Amazon and SwitchBot’s official website and a 10% discount for Yanko Design readers.

Shop Now on their Homepage or Amazon: $81 $89.99 (10% off with Coupon Code “YANKODS10OFF). Hurry, deal ends in 48 hours!

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When strolling through a park or a mall, you see a lot of fur parents proudly showing off their pets. You also see a lot of people fawning over cute puppies and dogs and sometimes even running around with them. But would you be willing to run around with a robotic dog that seems to be running on its own without a human controlling it? My first instinct would probably be to run away from it or to think that our robot overlords will actually be canines. But for those who are interested in robotics, this would be something worth checking out.

Designer: Mickaël Achkar at CREATE Lab

A robotics student from the EPFL research insitute in Switzerland has been able to create a robotic dog that doesn’t require control motors and can actually run on its own once you get it started. The bilaterally symmetric robot dog actually uses motion-capture data from real dogs to be able to have a more realistic albeit mechanical motion. This data was usde to guide the design as well.

The robot dog uses various materials like metal rods for its bones, thin steel cables to represent the tendons, and 3D-printed polymer pulleys for its joints. Each of its for legs have three joints that are mechanically coordinated with each other, based on what real dogs’ joints have which lets it run like an actual dog goes. There’s also a pendulum-like counterweight that actually keeps the dog running once you get it started.

For other actions like jumping and stepping over objects, and other broader motions, it still has to use its control motors. The goal of this prototype is to basically modify the passive properties that most robotic designs have so that only simple control systems will be needed. Still, I would probably run away from robotic dogs for now, especially one that seems to be running on its own. But studies and inventions like this can be useful in creating other robotic body parts that are more bio-based.

The post Move aside Boston Dynamics, this robotic dog can run “on its own” once you get it started first appeared on Yanko Design.

Canine-inspired quadrupeds, spearheaded by Boston Dynamics back in 2005, have not really reached homes to be petted but that isn’t stopping manufacturers from spending billions in developing robo-dogs more capable and intelligent.

Latest such creation, boldly stepping into the limelight, wagging its mechanical tail with conviction, is the CyberDog 2. This quadruped wonder is the brainchild of Xiaomi, and it’s not your average robo-pooch now; it has undergone a transformative makeover since the first iteration of the CyberDog.

Designer: Xiaomi

The original Xiaomi CyberDog was inspired by Boston Dynamics’ Spot, but Xiaomi doesn’t want to stand content with mere imitation. The CyberDog 2 emerges with a distinct identity, shedding its initial homage to embrace a more lifelike, canine charm. For this, the robotic stiffness of the CyberDog is replaced with a redesigned body, reminiscent of a Doberman dog, complete with adorable ears framing its head to create the CyberDog 2.

At just 8.9 kg and 36.7 cm tall, the CyberDog 2 packs a woof in a size smaller than that of a grown-up golden retriever. Besides the compact size, what truly sets the CyberDog 2 apart, however, is its newfound agility. Thanks to Xiaomi’s ingenious micro-actuators, the CyberDog 2 gets the ability to perform complex feats like confidently balancing on one leg, giving a handshake, or executing a series of dynamic backflips with grace.

The CyberDog 2 isn’t just about physical prowess. Its intelligence is where it truly shines. Powered by NX processor and two co-processors bolstered by 8 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, the CyberDog 2 has 19 sensors that grant it the power of vision, touch, and hearing coupled with Xiaomi’s AI voice algorithm.

Powered by a built-in battery that boasts 90 minutes of activity before a quick recharge via USB-C, the CyberDog 2 is embedded with decision-making ability and AI simulation to design its behavior for a natural and lifelike persona echoing our beloved furry friends. With Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi for connectivity, the CyberDog 2 can be seamlessly controlled with a remote or a smartphone. While it is time for us to pet this guy in the West, the CyberDog 2 is going to be available soon in China starting at 12,999 yuan (approximately $1,800).

The post Xiaomi CyberDog 2 pushes Boston Dynamic’s Spot back to make idea of robot pets closer than ever first appeared on Yanko Design.

Chinese tech company Unitree has once again amazed the world of robotics with the launch of its second-generation robot dog companion, the Go2. This remarkable robotic creation is designed to follow you around at jogging speeds, perform impressive gymnastic feats, and even engage in conversation using a GPT-enabled system that can write code on the fly.

Designer: Unitree

The Unitree Go2 stands at a compact 40 cm (16 inches) tall and weighs approximately 15 kg (33 lb). It’s sturdy aluminum and high-strength plastic chassis can carry more than half its own weight as payload, making it a versatile companion for various tasks. The robot dog has advanced sensors, including super wide-angle LiDAR and HD cameras, allowing it to map and navigate its surroundings in real-time. This enables the Go2 to walk alongside its owner, avoiding obstacles and adapting to challenging terrains like stairs and rocks. It can run for an hour or two on a battery charge.

One of the most impressive features of the Go2 is its athletic capabilities. With motors that boast 30% more torque than the previous model, the Go2 can perform jaw-dropping jumps, backflips, and even dance on two crossed-over legs. Its exceptional balance allows it to stand on its front two legs and gracefully navigate downstairs.

The Pro model of the Go2 also incorporates a GPT-enabled speech engine, allowing users to have natural language conversations with the robot. Beyond just understanding and responding to verbal requests, the robot attempts to write code for itself, interpreting the user’s intentions and seeking ways to be helpful. While the practical utility of this feature may be limited at the current stage, it showcases the potential for more advanced interactions in the future.

The Go2’s pricing starts at $1,600 for the base model, capable of reaching speeds of 5.6 mph (9 km/h), while the Pro model, priced at $2,800, can go up to 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h). However, the total cost is slightly higher when factoring in additional fees such as the $400 shipping charge and a 25% duty for orders in the USA. Despite this, the Go2 offers an affordable alternative to Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot dog, which costs significantly more, around $75,000.

While the Go2 presents a novel and technologically advanced robotic companion, it may still find its most prominent user base among individuals seeking entertainment and attention. Its ability to capture selfies and pick up items with its robotic arm may be considered practical features. Still, the true allure of the Go2 lies in its entertaining and attention-grabbing capabilities. The capabilities of helping around the house or around with chores are limited as it’s seen replacing getting a glass of water for a quirky dance.

For those seeking an additional layer of security, the Go2 can serve as a guard for your home, showcasing its potential for safety purposes. It can also be helpful for carrying items around and assisting with chores. The absence of the need for constant attention and its self-replicating capabilities add to its appeal as a convenient companion. With user authorization, via OTA Upgrades, the Go2 robot keeps improving and evolving to be smarter as the robot automatically connects to a cloud-based OTA service to upgrade its own programs to continuously improve the user experience.

However, as remarkable as the Go2 is, it cannot replace the innocence and loyalty of conventional pets. Pets often win our hearts with their quirks and acts of loyalty, something that robots may struggle to replicate fully. Nonetheless, the Go2 can coexist with traditional pets, providing a different set of advantages and becoming a complementary addition to the household.

Unitree’s Go2 robot dog represents a significant advancement in robotic companionship, combining agility, conversation, and helpfulness in an affordable package. While it may not replace the charm of a living, breathing pet, it undoubtedly brings a unique blend of technological wonders and entertainment value to those who embrace it. As we continue to witness the evolution of robotics and AI, the Go2 showcases a promising glimpse of the future of human-robot interaction.

The post Unitree’s Second-Gen Robot Dog Companion Opens Up For Pre-Orders : Meet the Go2 first appeared on Yanko Design.

We all yearn for a helping hand around the house, and now, imagine having a robot that personifies daily objects and furniture, providing assistance tailored to their unique characteristics. With their warm personalities and unique appearances, these robots aim to overcome the barriers of fear and unfamiliarity and transform our homes into more convenient and enjoyable spaces. ushering in a new era of integrated living. It is almost like living in the next movie of Toy Story!

Designer: Hyungwoo Lee  (Samsung Design Membership)

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The project originated from a simple curiosity about why robots, capable of assisting humans in their daily lives, have not yet become commonplace in residential areas, despite the remarkable progress of industrial robots. Research revealed that 86% of people still perceive robots as “cold, hard machines” that solely perform predefined tasks, hindering their acceptance as new members of our households. Which I personally relate to. If I had to get a full-blown conventional humanoid at home, it would feel like getting another unknown person at home for whom empathy and privacy are foreign.

To bridge this gap, Bopeep focuses on eliminating human fear of robots. They know that if we want to bring the amazing convenience and usefulness of robots into our homes, we’ve got to get over our robot phobia. That’s why Bopeep takes a different approach. Instead of just talking about how necessary and beneficial robots are, they’re all about creating a friendly and lovable image that melts our hearts.

Introducing the Coexisting Robots:

1. STEP

The Strongest Robot: Designed in the form of a stool, STEP is capable of moving heavy objects and performing strenuous tasks in our daily lives. With its sturdy four legs, STEP provides a robust solution while seamlessly blending into the environment. The position detection camera, cleverly hidden underneath, eliminates any visual discord, ensuring a comfortable coexistence.

2. MINGLE

The Gentle and Courteous Robot: Taking the shape of a side table, MINGLE showcases the gentlest and most thoughtful personality among Bopeep’s robots. Its flexible judgment of situations enables witty serving in everyday spaces, enhancing convenience and enjoyment in our daily lives.

3. TIDY

The Responsible Cleaner: Born as a wastebasket, TIDY serves as both a robot vacuum cleaner and a wastebasket. With its clean personality, TIDY ensures overall hygiene in the house. When users have something to dispose of, TIDY silently approaches with its mouth open, efficiently and quietly performing its duties.

4. CHEER

The Intelligent Mapping Robot: CHEER is the most intelligent mapping robot in the Bopeep series. It creates real-time maps of the house, providing spatial information to other robots while issuing commands. By connecting Bopeep’s other robots to the SmartThings Hub through CHEER, precise movement without expensive LiDAR sensors becomes achievable, significantly assisting in the integration of robots into households.

Bopeep’s robots are carefully designed to overcome the obstacles of their “overbearing presence”. For robots to seamlessly blend into our daily lives, they should not draw excessive attention to themselves or their existence. These robots have a very humble approach to tasks which fosters a smooth integration into our daily lives.

Furthermore, Bopeep’s robots bring vitality to human life through appropriate judgments in various situations. Unlike traditional robots that rigidly adhere to their predetermined purposes, Bopeep’s coexisting robots engage in small, human-like actions that resemble behavior, fostering a more natural interaction and integration into our lives. For instance, outside the bathroom, Bopeep may close its “eyes” to respect privacy, while its actual “eyes” are located underneath, eliminating any concerns.

Bopeep becomes a mediator for communication, encouraging positive conversations and new relationships between people. By providing a magical experience where objects come to life, Bopeep adds excitement and fun to daily tasks, fostering affectionate and intimate relationships between humans and robots.

Bopeep revolutionizes the concept of coexistence between humans and robots by introducing coexisting robots that eliminate fear, embrace warm personalities, and seamlessly integrate into our homes. With their unique appearances and practical functionalities, these robots serve as a stepping stone toward a future where humans and robots live together harmoniously. Let us embrace this integrated world, where robots become trusted companions, adding convenience, joy, and warmth to our daily lives.

The post Furniture meets robotics in this future vision where your helpers are cute, multifunctional designs first appeared on Yanko Design.

Advanced robots we speak of are countless and come with their own set of expertise. None though are versatile enough to even reach the dexterity of any living species on the face of the planet. The constant pursuit to make them lifelike in a versatile set of conditions is still on and the Massachusetts-based Boston Dynamics is the place to look up.

California-based Caltech has its eyes set on a dextrous robotic machine capable of adapting to unpredictable landscape and weather conditions. Though not as advanced as the Spot dog robot, the Multi-Modal Mobility Morphobot (M4) can go from an agile car on the road to a standing bot when bigger obstacles arrive, and then into a flying quadcopter when land is simply unscalable. Quite smart I must say!

Designer: Caltech

M4 robot is the brainchild of Mory Gharib, a professor of aeronautics and bioinspired engineering at Caltech, in association with Alireza Ramezani, who’s an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern University. The inspiration for the Nvidia Jetson Nano CPU (affordable miniature computer) powered bot comes from animals like meerkats and walrus.

When moving forward in four-wheeled mode the rectangle-shaped robot can crouch by lowering its stance or lock rotation of the wheels to move them in pairs. In another configuration, it can climb steep slopes with ease or stand upright balanced by propellers to scout the way ahead. To turn into a flying machine, all the wheels turn sideways and align horizontally to the plane for lift-off.

According to Caltech, the bio-inspired robot employs artificial intelligence to scout the environment for its autonomous movement without any human involvement. That level of dexterity could be very useful for exploring the dusted surface of Mars or used in rescue missions. Of all the modes, the four-wheeled mode is the most energy efficient, and detailed specifications of the robot-like maximum flight time or two-wheeled locomotion time are not known right now.

Complete details of the ongoing research on M4 are available on Nature Communications and as per Alireza Ramezani who’s the corresponding author of the study, the aim of this project is to “push the boundaries of robot locomotion by designing a system that showcases extraordinary mobility capabilities with a wide range of distinct locomotion modes.”

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