🤖 Q8bot – Tiny Open-Source Robot with Big Potential

The Q8bot is a compact quadruped robot designed to minimize wiring complexity by integrating all components directly onto a custom PCB. The robot uses eight Dynamixel motors and a Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 microcontroller to achieve agile, wire-free movement.

Features of the robot:
➡️The robot's core structure integrates motor connections and power components directly onto a central PCB.
➡️Powered by eight powerful XL330-M077-T servos.
➡️The 3D-printed frames house 14500 batteries directly, providing a clean, compact design.
➡️Controlled remotely via an onboard ESP32 controller using the ESP-Now protocol.

The robot's open-source design and relatively low bill of materials (around $300) make it accessible for hobbyists looking to experiment with quadruped robot movement and control.

More information:
☠️ The Hackaday article
😹 The GitHub page

#projects #robots #esp32

👉 Meta Digit 360: An artificial fingertip with human-level tactile sensing (open-source)

Recently, several robotics projects have been open-sourced by 🎱 Meta, making them available to the public. Today, we will take a look at Digit 360.

The Digit 360 is a highly advanced artificial fingertip designed to provide human-level tactile sensing by capturing detailed touch data with over 18 sensing features. The sensor uses a unique optical system with more than 8 million taxels to detect fine spatial details and forces as small as 1 millinewton, allowing it to perceive vibrations, heat, and even smell.

This innovation aims to enhance AI research in physical perception, making robots and virtual interactions more responsive and realistic. Meta has open-sourced Digit 360’s code and designs to encourage further research and development across applications like prosthetics, medicine, and VR.

More information:
🔗 The main article
😹 The GitHub repository
📚 The research paper

#news #robotics #meta #sensors

🔋 SPINC - Open-Source Smart Battery Charger

SPINC is an open-source project that combines automatic AA NiMH battery charging with a desk clock functionality. It features a custom PCB with a 🍓 RP2040 at its core, a fast-charging mechanism, and a sleek, 3D-printed design, offering a compact and innovative solution for battery management.

Features of the device:
➡️Automatic loading and ejection of batteries with polarity correction.
➡️Fast charging via DS2712 module for up to seven AA NiMH cells.
➡️High-resolution monochrome LCD clock with LVGL interface.
➡️Custom PCB and servo mechanism for precise battery handling.
➡️Fully 3D-printed design for a professional finish.

SPINC is perfect for tech enthusiasts working with embedded systems. It demonstrates practical applications of microcontroller programming, hardware-software integration, and modern UI design using the 🇳🇱 LVGL library.

More information:
☠️ The Hackaday page
😹 The GitHub page

#projects #raspberry #lvgl

🗺 Laser Vector Scope: A Retro-Inspired Tech Adventure

This project recreates the charm of vintage CRT TVs by designing a mini vector scope that uses a laser to project vector graphics onto a UV-sensitive screen. With 3D-printed components, stepper motors, and an ♾ Arduino-running microcontroller, it offers an accessible yet technical foray into retro-inspired electronics.

Key features of the project:
➡️Utilizes a violet laser to draw on a UV-reactive screen, mimicking CRT phosphorescence.
➡️Stepper motor-driven mirrors deflect the laser beam in X and Y axes for precision control.
➡️Includes a retro-styled case and functional components like mounts and connectors.
➡️Supports analog signal inputs for basic oscilloscope functions and vector graphics rendering.
➡️Features rotary encoders, MOSFET-triggered laser modulation, and external BNC connectors.

The author of the project thoroughly described the building project in his 📺 YouTube video. The project would be especially beneficial for those interested in blending electronics, programming, and 3D printing with a touch of retro flair.

⛓ More information...

#projects #esp32 #arduino