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We are pleased to bring you our all new 2013 Robot Magazine Buyers Guide. This Guide identifies some of the hottest new products on the market, and it covers a broad range of robotics parts and pieces, including both hardware and software. Take a look at these products and ask yourself, which of these may have your (or your robot’s) name on them? Get your hard-copy version which is available in our May-June 2013 issue; you can order this issue by clicking here.
Robobrothers
Robophilo Humanoid Robot Kit
www.robobrothers.com
Price: $399 (kit); $499 (ready to walk!)
RoboPhilo is an excellent entry level humanoid kit designed for students age 15 and up. Programmable and controllable by a real-time infra-red (IR) remote, RoboPhilo can demonstrate built-in actions and be programmed by its user to do anything a humanoid platform can do. This 20 degreeof- freedom humanoid robot has limitless possibilities for learning and fun and includes a graphical software interface.
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Dexter Industries
Wifi Block
www.dexterindustries.com
Price: $110
WifiBlock is a Wifi device for the LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT. With this powerful device, you’ll get real-time access to your robot using Wifi. You’ll be able to pilot your robot using your PC and perform real-time datalogging operations. Create a smart home prototype, send messages over the Internet or even build your own NXT based wireless weather station.
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CH Robotics
UM6 Orientation Sensor
www.chrobotics.com
Part No.: CHR-UM6
Price: USD $199.00
The UM6 Ultra-Miniature Orientation Sensor measures orientation in all three dimensions at 500 Hz using a combination of rate gyros, accelerometers, and magnetic sensors. By combining data from all three types of sensors, the UM6 produces orientation measurements that are resistant to vibration and immune to long-term angular drift. Learn more at www.chrobotics.com
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Hydra Power Supply
www.chrobotics.com
Part No.: Hydra
Price: USD $198.00
The Hydra from CH Robotics is a triple-output power converter; grab the closest battery or AC/DC adapter, plug it in to the Hydra, and you’ll immediately have access to three independent, software-configurable DC output voltages to power your system. The Hydra’s outputs can be controlled from your computer, from your smart phone, or even from a microcontroller – like an Arduino! The Hydra is packet with other exciting features. Visit our website to learn more! www.chrobotics. com
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Minds-i
250 Piece Basic Construction Set
www.mymindsi.com
Part No.: CKN-BC01-250
Price: $75.00
The 250 – piece set of assorted MINDS-i construction Elements and Connectors can be purchased stand-alone, or combined with other MINDS-i kits to enable you to design, build, operate and re-create most anything your mind’s eye can envision. Includes twohundred and fifty pieces of Standard, and 45 degree angle beams, support arms, transitions, and various lengths of connectors.
Super Rover 2-In-1 Kit With Electronics
www.mymindsi.com
Part No.: CKE-AV06-002
Price: $589
The ultimate in Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles (AUV) —try the 4×4 Super Crawler or the 6×6 Rover, the most rugged in the MINDS-i collection. Explore add-on modules such as transmitters, micro-controllers and a never-ending array of sensors. Comes with all the necessary components, electronics and hardware needed to assemble the 6WD ATV, or the 4WD Super Crawler. Differentials, wheels, battery, charger, everything included. Upgrade modules include solar panel option.
4×4 Robot 3-In-1 Kit With Electronics
www.mymindsi.com
Part No.: CKE-TR04-001
Price: $419.00
The 4×4-robot kit comes with three suspension options to take on even the toughest terrain. Assemble one of three 1/10 scale 4×4 Robot Chassis at a time: the Rock Crawler, Leaf Spring, and Independent Suspension. Explore various add-on modules such as transmitters, micro-controllers and a never-ending array of sensors to make your kit do just about anything you can imagine.
Arduino 2-In-1 Robot Kit
www.mymindsi.com
Part No.: PTT-ARD2-001
Price: $299.00
Build the Hexabot or the Line Follower. The Hexabot uses cam driven legs to navigate around the room avoiding objects with touch sensors, while the Line Follower uses “light sensing” QTI sensors to follow a path laid out. Includes Arduino UNO, Parallax Ping))) sensor, all hardware and easy to use visual instructions for building and programming.
Arduino Autonomous Upgrade Module
www.mymindsi.com
Part No.: EMC-ARD1-001
Price: $249
MINDS-I Arduino UNO Module kit is designed for autonomous navigation using the 4×4 and 6×6 chassis. With just a few connectors mount and program this controller. The set includes easy to use visual instructions with “Quick Start” Programing guide. The Arduino Uno is a micro controller based on the Atmega328. It has 14 digital input/output pins (of which 6 can be used as PWM outputs), 6 analog inputs, a 16 MHz crystal oscillator, a USB connection, a power jack, and ICSP header, and a reset button.
Crustcrawler Inc.
AX-12A/AX18A Smart Robotic Arms
www.crustcrawler.com
Part No.: Multiple
Price: USD From $399 (hardware kit)
Crustcrawler’s lineup of the AX series Smart Robotic Arms features rugged, all aluminum construction for high kinematic accuracy, smart actuators with position, voltage, current and temperature feedback; sensor engineered gripper designs with multiple gripper options; 5 and 6-axis designs, single wire actuator connections and open source architecture. With its dual axis actuator design, the AX line of smart robotic arms also provides the most powerful lifting capability of any arm in its class. With all of these key features, the AX series of Smart Robotic Arms from Crustcrawler is the number one choice among customers in the educational and light industrial markets around the world.
SG5-UT And SG6-UT Robotic Arms
www.crustcrawler.com
Part No.: Multiple
Price: From USD $299.00 (hardware kit)
Crustcrawler’s SG series of robotic arms features rigid, all aluminum construction, popular PWM servo control, sensor engineered gripper designs, mounting plates for power supply connections and control boards and a high resolution 60 tooth gripper gear train. The SG series is available both in 4 and 5-axis designs and its design can accommodate the latest high torque servos offered from HitecRCD.
Crustcrawler Robotics Studio
www.crustcrawler.com
Part No.: N/A
Price: USD $199.00
Crustcrawler Robotic Studio provides complete control of the AX series of Smart Robotic arms with just a mouse and requires no programming experience. Features include full robotic arm axis control, gripper control and record and playback functions for storing, retrieving and playing back custom robotic arm movement sequences. With the loop feature, movement sequences can be repeated indefinitely. For more advanced users, Crustcrawler Robotics Studio also comes complete with the full version of DSP Robotics Flowstone software.
Firgelli Technology
L12-R
www.firgelli.com
Part No.: L12 Series
Price: From USD $70
Firgelli Technologies L12-R actuators are an innovative solution to move your RC or Robotics project or any parts thereof. Small, powerful and RC receiver-ready, the L12-R comes in 9 different stroke and gearing configurations!
Tormach LLC
Tormach PCNC 770
www.tormach.com
Part No.: PN 32084
Price – From $6850
The Tormach PCNC 770 is a personal CNC mill designed with the hobbist/inventor in mind. For engineers, makers, and tinkerers. Prototype and fabricate your own designs from steel, aluminum, plastic or virtually any material. Cut brackets and body panels, create custom actuators and end effectors, or make sprockets and other drive train components. Prototype circuit board traces and electronic project boxes or mill forms for carbon fiber layup. Learn more at www.tormach.com/robot.
Holmes Hobbies
Torquemaster BRXL
www.holmeshobbies.com
Category: Motor Controllers
Part No.: HH-TMBRXL
Price $99.99 regular, $109.00 (epoxy water-proofed)
The Holmes Hobbies TorqueMaster BRXL is a 25v brushed ESC using PCM control. 1.2mOhm ON resistance in forward/reverse mode, 0.6mOhm forward only. Passive drag and Active Holmes Hold ensures your motor does not move unless wanted. 50x39x21mm, 45.6 grams, Castle Link compatible.
Robottwinkee
Sphero
www.robottwinkee.com
Part No.: SPHERO
Price: $129.99
Sphero is like nothing you’ve seen before. It’s the first robotic ball gaming device that you control with a tilt, touch, or swing from your smartphone or tablet. You can even use Sphero as a controller for on-screen gameplay. Sphero delivers a unique mixed-reality experience with single and multi-player apps that let you engage in the virtual world and play in the real one. It’s the ball evolved.
Intelitek, Inc.
EasyC V4 For Cortex
www.intelitek.com
Can easyC handle complex programming challenges? Ask Programming Skills World Champion Joshua Wade, VRC Team 1103. His robot is the highest-scoring Vex robot ever, winner of multiple programming skills awards, and powered by easyC. easyC’s full text editor enhances the intuitive drag-and-drop interface, allowing experienced programmers full control of code. easyC is the ultimate choice for competition robots!
63-2060-4001 – single seat license $75.00
63-2060-4010 – 10 Seat Lab License $375.00
63-2060-4020 – 20 Seat Lab License $700.00
Maxbotix Inc.
Ultrasonic Sensors
www.maxbotix.com
Part No.: MaxSonar
Price Range: $29.95 – $119.95
MaxBotix Inc., manufactures ultrasonic sensors and rangefinders that are perfect for robots. The sensors feature various combinations: 1mm to 1 inch resolution; indoor or outdoor packaging; multi-sensor operation; USB, TTL, I2C, RS232, Analog Voltage, Pulse Width, and Analog Envelope interfaces; temperature, voltage, and target size compensation; auto calibration and noise rejection.
RTL Fasteners
Miscelaneous Fasteners, Screws, Bolts, Wingnuts, Etc.
www.rtlfasteners.com
Part No.: Multiple
Price: Variable (small orders available)
We supply hard to find small fasteners at very fair prices. Our fasteners are top of the line quality and usable for a whole range of applications from robotics to RC airplane building. Visit us online to check out our fastener assortments and individual hardware packs.
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SDP.SI
Timing Belts And Belt Pulleys
www.sdp-si.com
Part No.: SDP-SI 002
Mechanical Components When You Need Them! For 50 years SDP/SI has been designing and manufacturing small mechanical components. We maintain a large inventory to meet customer demand when needed. Timing Pulleys, metal and molded from 1 mm pitch to 10 mm pitch and Urethane and Neoprene Timing Belts. Request the latest free SDP/SI catalog!
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Servo City
SPG785A Top Mount Servo Power Gearbox
www.servocity.com
Part No.: SPG785A
Price: From $119.98 (servo included)
The all metal external gears multiply the torque and resolution of the stock Hitec HS- 785HB servo. Dual ABEC-5 ball bearings housed in a 6061 T-6 aluminum structure support the 3/8-inch stainless steel output shaft. The .770-inch clamping hub allows for various attachments to be mounted to the gearbox. Patented.
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Heavy Duty Linear Actuator (115 Lb Thrust)
www.servocity.com
Part No.: HDA2-5
Price: $129.99
All-aluminum body and metal drive gears ensure tremendous durability and reliability. The internal potentiometer provides positioning feedback and limit switches prevent overrun at the mechanical limits of the stroke. Several stroke lengths and ratios are available. The actuators have an operating voltage of 6-12VDC and have an IP65 rating.
Boca Bearings
Bearings
www.bocabearing.com
Part No.: Varying
Product Price: See http://bocabearings.com
Miniature Bearings for Industry, Hobby & Recreation
Boca Bearing Company, headquartered in Boynton Beach, FL, is one of the most trusted names in ceramic bearing and lubrication technology. The reduction of rolling resistance and conservation of energy has been the company’s hallmark since 1987. Boca Bearing Company is a one-stop-shop for everything from prototyping to production. Never a minimum order and wholesale accounts are available.
Solutions Cubed
Open Source Hardware Modules
www.solutions-cubed.com
Price: Starting from $10.00
Solutions Cubed sells open source hardware modules for robots and projects. These modules may be used for object detection, motor control, accelerometers, USB to serial conversion, IR to serial conversion, and much more.
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Vantec
Dual Forward & Reverse “Director” Dual Speed Control Series
www.vantec.com
Part No.: RDFR47 E
Price: USD $589.97
Vantec manufactures high-power speed controls for DC PM motors. Unit shown controls two motors and is rated at 9-47 VDC, 70 amps continuous each motor and is packaged in a heavy duty aluminum extrusion. No fans required. Vantec also features up to 39-channel remote Radio Control systems for mobile battery powered robots, servos, and servo amplifiers with an RC or computer interface.
221 Robotic Systems
Sasquatch Robot Controller
www.robotopen.biz
Part No.: SAS-001
Price: $199.99
Sasquatch Robot Controller, Powered by Arduino. A feature-rich control platform that enables Ethernet based operation of mobile robots. The Sasquatch runs the Arduino stack and can be programmed using Arduino development tools. It includes popular interface features like Anderson Power Poles, 0.1″ hobby-style pin headers, 6V power to all PWM channels for use with servos, 8 robust relay outputs capable of 500mA per channel, quadrature encoder inputs and feedback LEDs.
The system comes bundled with an Operator app that allows communication with the board and a direct interface with many USB gamepads. This is the perfect controller for hobbyists interested in complete control of their robotic creations.
Robotopen Solenoid Shield
www.robotopen.biz
Part No.: ROPS-001
Price: $64.99
An Arduino compatible shield that allows full control of 8 solenoid outputs at 250mA each. This shield can be used alone or combined with our other RobotOpen shields to customize your robotic creation. This shield operates at 12-24v.
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Get your hard-copy version which is available in our May-June 2013 issue; you can order this issue by clicking here.