Author: Dan

Technically a brain in a jar.
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What are the six degrees of freedom in a robot arm?

2014-02-20 Dan

First off: Why six?

6 degrees of freedom is the minimum needed to reach a volume of space from every angle. The longer the arm, the greater the volume that can be reached. More than 6 joints and the robot becomes kinematically redundant – it can reach the same spot at the same angle in more than one way. For example, you can pinch your nose and wiggle your elbow at the same time.

In a human arm there are at least six degrees of freedom. If your robot arm can do all of these motions then your arm can do pretty much any job a human can. So here’s a list of what the six degrees are and what they are not. Video after the break. Read on

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Beakerhead & Calgary Maker Faire 2014 – September 5 to 15

2014-02-19 Dan
Man playing tesla coil electric guitar
Photos courtesy of Beakerhead, taken by Neil Zeller

Looking for a good time in Calgary this fall? Something to take the sting out of back to school? Beakerhead and Calgary Maker Faire are just the thing. We hope to be there to meet you, promote robots in education, and maybe even show off some of our robotic creations. Join us!

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DIY Electron Microscope

2014-02-18 Dan

Ben Krasnow builds a lot of wild stuff. I’ve been watching through his excellent videos ever since I got hooked when I discovered that he built his own electron microscope. His science-fu is far, far greater than mine.