The team headed down to McCormick Place on September 13th to see the equipment at IMTS. This show is truly amazing. Robotics, 3D printing (additive manufacturing) and CNC (subtractive machining) were very prominent in the booths. Shown on the left is an example of a robotic hand which was constructed with a human form factor. As it turns out, the human hand has many advantages when gripping and sensing objects. This is also a very expensive solution, which is why you don't see it very often. You have to love evolution though.
The robotic manufacturing centers were very entertaining to watch. Many of them included a "show-off" phase in the demo where the robot just played around in sort of a dance. You can't help but be entertained watching these robots sort and store pieces at unbelievable speeds.
The robotic manufacturing centers were very entertaining to watch. Many of them included a "show-off" phase in the demo where the robot just played around in sort of a dance. You can't help but be entertained watching these robots sort and store pieces at unbelievable speeds.
3D Printed Electric Vehicle
While it was too late in the week to see the process, IMTS used a huge 3D printer to print a car during the show. The Printer extruded a roving of plastic that was about 3/16 inch diameter (high build rate, low resolution). They then took the parts to a booth which had a robotic router which surfaced and polished the parts to size. The car looked fantastic. It was driven outside on Saturday morning, where these pictures where taken.
3D Systems Sculpting Software and Haptic Stylus
We spent quite a bit of time in the 3D Systems booth checking out their various printers, scanners and sculpting software. They can print in metal or plastic with amazing resolution. The haptic stylus was a lot of fun. Since we had just recently been playing with 3D CAD software, playing with their software was interesting for comparison. What really impressed us was how the drawing package interacted with the stylus. As your drawing tool (mouse) comes in contact with the object, you can feel resistance, like you are touching it. By playing with the tools, you could turn the mouse into a cutting or removal tool and cut openings or tunnels through the "clay". By going back to stylus mode, you could then pass the cursor through the tunnel and actually feel the sides as you slid through. You could also add material, stretch it, smooth it, do round overs, bevels etc.
3D Systems is a big supporter of FIRST and education of students in general. Their cube printers and consumer level software put these tools at affordable costs levels. This is a company to watch.
3D Systems is a big supporter of FIRST and education of students in general. Their cube printers and consumer level software put these tools at affordable costs levels. This is a company to watch.
No it isn't Craig Breedlove's Spirit of America from the 1960's, but it is a car designed to go over 500 mph. The main distinction is that in achieving these speeds, this car is wheel powered. The owner, driver and designer was with the car when we came by. It was interesting chatting with him.
Whether these robots are dealing cards or sorting batteries, they certainly impress. It makes us proud to see what the future holds for members of our FIRST teams.
We are including some very short videos of the robots in action. You can watch them here or follow us on our YouTube channel.
We are including some very short videos of the robots in action. You can watch them here or follow us on our YouTube channel.
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