Dtto 3D Printable Modular Open Sourced Transformer Robot

Dtto robot is just cool! See it here in the video presentation:





Project description:

The Dtto v1.0 Robot is a modular transformable robot designed to be versatile, flexible and self-reconfigurable. The idea of modular robots is that they can adopt any shape they want, by changing the position and the connection of their modules.

This robot is aimed for research on modular self-reconfigurable robots and educational purposes. It is designed to allow multiple modules to communicate, mechanically connect and disconnect and to work collaboratively in the locomotion, self-reconfigurability and efficient movement.

The versatility of the robot will allow it, in the future, to be able to perform rescue operations, exploration of unknown environments and space exploration.

In future works, the modules will have built in camera, ultra-sound sensor, gyroscope, accelerometer, magnetometer… The possibilities are endless.

Dtto key features:

• Small and self-contained robot
• Fully 3D printable
• Self-reconfiguration capabilities
• Bluetooth + Radio communication
• Multiple locomotion modes (snake, wheel, walker...)
• Rechargable batteries
• Simulation model validated
• Cheap modules (<55 USD)
• Open Source Hardware and Software
• FIRST OPEN-SOURCE SELF-RECONFIGURABLE MODULAR ROBOT!

Dtto is made from modules:

Hackaday project homepage:

https://hackaday.io/project/9976-dtto-explorer-modular-robot

Dtto GitHub:

https://github.com/otrebla333/Dtto-Modular-Robot


Dtto was inspired by high-end MTRAN3 robot system:

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Cambits use 3d printed enclosures for modular camera system

Shree Nayar and Makoto Odamaki, scientists at Columbia University, developed a modular camera system made with 3d printed enclosure named Cambits. Electronics is the main part of technology and 3d printing is just gives the structure and housing. Still, very interesting piece of engineering and research.

There are five different type of Cambits: sensors, light sources, actuators, lenses, and optical attachments. The blocks can easily be assembled to make a variety of cameras with different functionalities such as high dynamic range imaging, panoramic imaging, refocusing, light field imaging, depth imaging using stereo, kaleidoscopic imaging and even microscopy.





CU project homepage:

http://engineering.columbia.edu/computer-vision-laboratory-develops-cambits-modular-imaging-system

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Dollo Modular RepRap

Dollo is another RepRap with high percentage of 3d printed parts and that can be printed with 1 kg of filament. Since it is modular it could have been expanded and re-arranged. Interesting design but it looks like the development stopped.




Dollo project homepage where you can download the files for it:

http://dollo3d.com/

Build instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Dollo-3D/

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3D Printable Modules for Full Size DIY Furniture

Stewart Allen designed 3d printable modules that will enable you to print full size furniture like chairs, tables, shelves etc.
It will take some time to print it and I would like to see a price comparison with store bought furniture but there is much more pleasure in making your own stuff :-)

All the modules can be found here:

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:834089

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UberBlox construction modules for your home manufacturing machines

UberBlox are modular building blocks for any type of machine ranging from wheeled robot to CNC mill. You can create anything you want.

Pick and Place delta robot made with UberBlox

UberBlox description from the company page:

UberBlox is a new high-quality metal construction set and prototyping system for makers to build rigid structures and automated machines.

At the heart of the system is a new single-connector locking mechanism which uses a common small tool to quickly and precisely lock each block to the next. The firmly connected blocks provide accurate, strong and rigid frames for a wide variety of structures and complex machines such as robots, CNC machines and 3D printers.

In addition to the basic blocks, the system includes a growing catalog of compatible and reconfigurable parts, including moving components, sub-assemblies, motors, electronics and controllers based on popular boards such as Arduino and Raspberry Pi, for a complete solution to the building needs of today's sophisticated maker.

Here is short video overview of UberBlox:



UberBlox homepage: https://uberblox.com/

They will be on KickStarter soon ...

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FLUX multitool Delta 3d printer

Flux is a new delta 3d printer that has easily exchangeable tool heads and integrated 3d scanner. Currently available tool heads are 3d printing head and laser engraver head with several modules under development like: a dual extruder, a ceramics extruder, and a pastry extruder.

It is on Kickstarter now

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2117384013/flux-all-in-one-3d-printer-unlimited-elegant-simpl

Currently, 38 days before campaign end, it has $348,923 pledged of $100,000 goal.

Flux certainly has minimal and cool design:

Comparison chart of Flux with devices it replaces:

Flux technical specifications:

Flux company page: http://flux3dp.com/

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Cubespawn is developing modules for your home factory

CubeSpawn is an open source project with the mission to bring automated manufacturing to individuals and small business. It is an open source flexible manufacturing systems (FMS).
They want to develop several machine modules with different functions like 3d printer, laser cutter, saw, lathe, drill and mill which are connected by transport system or conveyor belt. You could make your house own micro factory.
The project is ambitious and I wish them success.

CubeSpawn production cell module under development

CubeSpawn production cell of linked modules connected with motor driven pallet transports system that moves production objects between stations

CubeSpawn homepage: http://www.cubespawn.com/

RepRapWiki page: http://reprap.org/wiki/CubeSpawn

Update:

here is new video by James Jones, one of the key people of CubeSpawn. He explains secondary effects of CubeSpawn, How it reduces the need for freight, lowers production costs through recycling, democratizes access to making essential things, like emergency response resources or prosthesis and distributes open source hardware through digital templates.

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Nomad modular and scalable 3d printable DIY drone

Nomad is project in development of modular 3d printable aircraft measuring one meter in wingspan powered by electric motor. Future versions will be up to 50% larger and able to carry a GoPro camera in their nose. 

Nomad is a project by CaptainObvious   

From project description:

This is the Nomad, a new design I'm working on for a travel UAV/FPV airplane. This version has a wingspan of almost one meter, so it's relatively small. After I've completed and test flown I plan to make a 30/50% larger version to carry a GoPro camera in the nose for aerial photography.
The airplane is meant to be modular, the nose and tail sections are joined to the center section with nylon screws, the wings and stabilizers are detachable and even the wing panels can be kept separate to simplify repairs and testing new design ideas.

• The wing sections are meant to be printed in a "Spiral Vase" mode, the internal spars and/or printing settings should be adjusted so that the printing head makes the spars by moving in from the bottom of the wing until touching the inner surface of the top of the wing, so there is only one seam at the bottom.

• I have carefully modeled the fuselage parts so that most of them will print as a two perimeter shell using a 0.4mm nozzle, except where more thickness is needed.

• The wings need two carbon fiber tubes, 8 and 3 mm diameter, the stabilizer also uses a 3mm carbon fiber tube spar.

• The plane will use one brushless motor mounted on the tail with a 6" propeller.

• Things left to do: flaperons, rib between the straight wing panels and the tapered external panel, optional nose wheel, camera turret and internal brackets and supports for servos and electronics.

All files are available at: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:272478

For more 3d printed drones take a look at:

http://diy3dprinting.blogspot.com/search/label/drone

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Robjects 3d printable modular robotics building system by Jaidyn Edwards

Description by the Robjects designer, Jaidyn Edwards:

Robjects simply mean 'Robotics objects'. You can 3D print various connectors and blocks that interlock with each other to make bigger and more complex designs than what hot glue and foam board is capable of.

Prototyping robot designs can often be frustrating. Whilst I do love hot glue and double sided foam tape, they can leave a nasty residue on your parts.
To solve this I wanted to come up with a system that allowed me to turn my robotics components (Servos, Arduino etc.) into a modular system that would allow me to quickly prototype designs, but also make those designs permanent.

Robjects is what I came up with.
Through a series of male and female dovetails your parts will simply slide together. This way you can layout your whole robot design, be it a 6WD beast, or a 2WD obstacle avoider. Once you are happy with your design M3 nuts can be places in the male dovetail nut traps. M3X20 socket head screws can then go through the female dovetail into the male dovetails nut trap.
Robjects are still very much a work in progress.

There are a lot more blocks that need to be modelled and I am still considering different connector options. I am putting them up on Thingiverse now because I need your help. I've only just made a 3D printer of my own and I don't know how the system will work on others, my tolerances may be wrong, the numbers could be way out of line. So far all my pieces fit perfectly and the set screws hold them together like a rock.

http://www.duino-robotics.com/

http://www.duino-robotics.com/robjects.html

Robjects on Thingiverse: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:238755

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3D Systems and Motorola partner on project Ara modular smartphone

Motorola (owned by Google) and 3D Systems partner up on modular 3d printed Ara smartphone. Idea behind it that you will able to make a custom smartphone with exchangeable and upgradeable modules.
Update: will not be 3d printed, look below for the link!




Here is a video on why it is not going to work:



http://motorola-blog.blogspot.jp/2013/10/goodbye-sticky-hello-ara.html

http://www.3dsystems.com/press-releases/3d-systems-and-motorola-partner-modular-custom-smartphone#.Up0F98TuJ8E


From 3d Systems page:

As part of this agreement, 3D Systems plans to substantially expand its multi-material printing capabilities including conductive and functional materials. The company also plans to combine additive and subtractive manufacturing methods, and deliver an integrated high-speed production platform. Pending successful completion of the development phase, 3D Systems is expected to manufacture 3D-printed Ara smartphone enclosures and modules as Motorola’s exclusive fulfillment partner.
Motorola and 3D Systems, the inventors of the cell phone and 3D printer, respectively, have previously partnered on the MAKEwithMOTO tour, a series of make-a-thons at the nation’s top engineering and design schools aimed at exploiting the power of open, hackable smartphone hardware and 3D printing to begin seeding an open hardware ecosystem.

Update (11.4.2014.):

Here is video update on project Ara with more images:




Update 2:

Here is even more on project Ara





Update 3:

Here is the first prototype and hands.on with Ara smartphone:


Update 4:

Looks like the Ara will not be 3d printed. It is a setback for the entire 3d printing technology fied:

http://projectaraforum.com/blog/project-ara-modules-wont-use-3d-printers/

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Video of several interesting modular CNC movements configurations

Interesting movement modules that can be used in several configurations. I guess they could be used with 3d printers also ...




Source: http://www.youtube.com/user/SashkoSS?feature=watch

Video claims some sort of patent but that may be questionable ...

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Waelice 3d printed wall lamp

Waelice is interactive 3d printed wall lamp by French NoDesign. It has modular 3d printed elements which can be mounted however you want and modular electronic/lightning active elements.

Waelice : interactive modular lamp from NoDesign on Vimeo.

Via
http://www.designboom.com/design/waelice-3d-printed-wall-lamps-by-nodesign-saint-etienne-biennale-2013/

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