Designers and engineers have more control than ever in creating, disrupting, and transforming–and while in the past there may have discomfort regarding what role robots might play in ‘controlling’ our lives one day, it is obvious that humans have nurtured the growth of such technology; in fact, robotics have been engineered by humans and directed into an amazing, symbiotic relationship–one that is progressing in a positive direction in manufacturing and innovation.

Evolving Together: Robotics and 3D Printing Technology

The robotics industry is expected to grow further in connection with 3D printing, a technology that is highly complementary; in fact, some consider additive manufacturing to be a robotic process in itself. Robots for manufacturing can be 3D printed, and further, they can even be used to replicate more 3D printed parts. 

As is the case with most types of digital fabrication, the possibilities are endless, and designers and engineers around the globe are taking full advantage of the benefits, whether iterating numerous parts, or manufacturing high-performance components.

Rapid Prototyping of 3D Printed Robotics

In combination with other technology like 3D printing, opportunities for advancement are infinite. For designers building models or industrial prototypes during project development and testing, 3D printing transforms the process. The road to perfecting robotics is faster and easier than ever before with 3D printing and the ability to iterate quickly–in comparison to waiting long periods of time in dealing with traditional manufacturers. Changes can be made expediently, parts are sent right back out for necessary and valuable feedback, and changes are implemented to 3D printed robotic parts in a streamlined fashion.

At Shapeways, every part is analyzed for printability too, ensuring accuracy and repeatability in manufacturing every single time–no matter what the scale of the 3D printed robotics–when designing full-size robots or smaller operating parts. Assemblies can be reduced too, for any type of build, whether involving a DIY project or in producing a large system which must also include 3D printed robotic attachments that grip, grab, or wield items during an automotive build or a construction project, as examples.

Developing Unique Modifications for Robotics Applications

The sky’s the limit in prototyping and manufacturing 3D printed robotics. This is quite literal too. While robotics have been put to use on the ground manufacturing for applications like the automotive industry for decades, soon we may see complex 3D printed robotics systems in aerospace, performing a wide range of tasks required during missions, as well as for performing rigorous outside duties like building habitats. The key is in continued iterating of parts, and in the ability to customize as far as the imagination–and project requirements–can go.

Other extremely important applications for robotics include a complex array of 3D printed limb replacements that can be enhanced with bionics and electronics, incorporating parts with multiple functions into one build. These types of 3D printed robotic hands and 3D printed robotic arms are usually incredibly life-changing for the recipients, and especially for children. Again, the ability to customize prosthetics is key in terms of fit and function, and personalization of items for the users, which decreases self-consciousness immensely and encourages use. 

Introducing Suitable 3D Printing Materials and Technology

Shapeways continues to support robotics designers, make 3D printing materials and technology accessible for building advanced parts, and encouraging customers to turn amazing concepts into high-performance systems. Designers and engineers rely on popular materials like Nylon 12 [Versatile Plastic] with Selective Laser Sintering for serious prototyping, as well as functional, end-use parts requiring materials with high ductility for either flexibility or hardness, depending on the form. Other choices for strength yet lightweight qualities include metals like Steel 3D printed with Binder Jetting or Aluminum via Selective Laser Melting. 

Find out more about the wide range of Shapeways materials and finishes for making prototypes and functional parts here.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways additive manufacturing solutions, and get instant quotes here.

The post Shapeways Continues to Advance in 3D Printed Robotics appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

• Why TPU is such a unique elastomer for 3D printing.
• The benefits of TPU, like chemical and abrasion resistance.
• Why TPU is making groundbreaking strides in applications like automotive and even footwear.
• 3D printing TPU parts with Multi Jet Fusion or Selective Laser Sintering technology.

Created in a German lab in 1937, Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) is now one of those ubiquitous plastic materials that spans numerous technologies in industrial manufacturing, due to the potential for shaping the highly malleable material via a heat source into countless shapes and structures for a wide range of applications. It’s easy to understand why TPU is so popular in 3D printing as well as other traditional types of manufacturing, and why it has become an industry standard no matter the method.

Composed of segmented copolymers, TPU is unique in its chemical makeup. Exhibiting a contrasting juxtaposition in terms of its components, this elastomer features a soft segment, as well as one that is more rigid. Combined, these elements create the rubbery texture found in TPU–leading to simplicity in processing, as well as the material’s mass appeal. 

With deep roots in traditional manufacturing, designers and engineers continue to rely on this special mix of high-grade thermoplastics for methods like injection molding. Common mold designs can be used for creating parts with TPU; however, a handful of additives may be considered for better results, along with processes like drying the material beforehand, molding, and spending time in post-processing.

The Benefits—Where to Begin?

Shapeways 3D prints TPU via both Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technologies, offering multiple benefits over other elastomers. Resistance is at the top of the list for production of durable parts meant to stand the test of time. TPU is highly resistant to impact and wear and tear, but also offers excellent abrasion-resistance–a critical property for mechanical parts that are expected to withstand years of friction as parts rub against each other during use and can begin to degrade. The ability to resist chemicals, along with oils and solvents, and harsh weather and heat, also makes TPU an excellent choice for 3D printing and subsequent industrial use.

Other great features include:

• High elongation at break – A material characteristic measured by comparing where a part breaks after being strained, versus its original length, TPU scores off the charts. Featuring exponentially higher elongation at break–or ductility–than other 3D printing materials due to its elasticity, TPU is especially useful in critical applications because it is both flexible and tough and able to handle substantial deformation to its shape without breaking.
• Superior tensile strength – Defined by how much pulling strain a part can take before fracturing, tensile strength is measured through units of pressure called megapascals (MPa). With a high tensile strength of up to 60 MPa, coupled with good flexibility, TPU can be used for high-performance parts expected to withstand rigorous use.
• Excellent load-bearing capacity – This is an important measurement as it testifies to how much weight a 3D printing material can handle before it fails. Load-bearing capacity is an extremely important factor for applications requiring high-performance products that are expected to last, including larger parts as well as smaller mechanical devices like tubing, hoses, and seals.

With the ability to print highly flexible, interlocking products as well as industrial parts on the large scale, both SLS and MJF 3D printing offer greater design freedom too. This is mainly due to a sophisticated system that eliminates the need for supports during 3D printing, meaning that designers aren’t restricted by the worry of figuring in complex support structures.

3D Printing TPU with Multi Jet Fusion Technology

Shapeways offers Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) for 3D printing Ultrasint® TPU 01, resulting in prototypes and parts that are robust, with strong mechanical properties. Like SLS 3D printing, MJF is powder-based; however, it does not rely on laser heat to melt layers together. Instead, one layer of powder is deposited after the other, 80 microns at a time, with an inkjet array moving back and forth jetting out fusing agents to fuse the powder particles together, and detailing agents to assure good detail and smooth surface texture. 

As the layers melt together quickly via thermal heat with MJF 3D printing, resulting parts are stable and well-defined. A standalone cooling system also helps eliminate challenges like warping, shrinkage, or overall failure in parts. 

Design Guidelines

For this material, 3D models must be within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:

• Bounding Box Min
  • At least 1 extant dimension over 19mm
• Bounding Box Max
  • 284 × 380 × 380mm 

This 3D printing material is available in a gray, natural finish. Explore the design guidelines for TPU further here.

3D Printing TPU with Selective Laser Sintering Technology

Featuring power and speed, SLS 3D printing technology makes it possible for Shapeways to 3D print highly accurate TPU parts that are detailed, with smooth surfaces. One of the oldest 3D printing technologies–aside from SLA 3D printing–SLS is a subcategory of powder-bed fusion and heavily relied on for both rapid prototypes and highly functional end parts. 

The process is set into motion as a small amount of powder is dispersed onto the SLS print bed. A high-powered laser traces the shape of the 3D design into the powder as each layer is 3D printed and fused together at a high temperature just below the melting point.

Design Guidelines

For this material, 3D models must be within the following minimum and maximum bounding box sizes:

• Bounding Box Min
  • 15 x 15 x 0.7 mm
  • X + Y + Z ≥ 15.0 mm
• Bounding Box Max
  • 200 x 200 x 200 mm

This 3D printing material is available in white, with a Standard matte finish. Explore the design guidelines for 3D printing TPU with SLS technology further here.

Typical Applications for Thermoplastic Polyurethane

Automotive

While the automotive industry has been using 3D printing for decades in prototyping, as well as functional parts for both the interiors and exteriors of vehicles, TPU allows for the design of truly personalized components, allowing for consumer-specific comforts. While such options may become much more detailed in the future, today’s manufacturers are hard at work not only using additive manufacturing for critical components but also in focusing on the drivers themselves and developing new luxuries like customized headrests and seats. TPU is often chosen for these parts because of its versatility in terms of softness for one part, yet hardness and functionality for another. There are a variety of different finishes available too for automotive applications.

Consumer accessories  

The 3D printing industry is well known for expanding options to consumers in the area of accessories, mainly due to the enormous potential offered by expanded design freedom and the ability to customize. This is especially true for items like smartphone cases, allowing customers to completely personalize an item, adding exciting and unique touches to a product that is pretty much impossible for most people to live without today. Not only that, these items are durable enough to last for years. TPU is also an excellent choice for adding quality and customization to highly functional items like soft grip systems and rubber mats.

Footwear

3D printing has made a powerful impact within the footwear industry, and on multiple levels. Designers working from their studios or homes are able to make creative new eco-friendly designs on demand and send them to Shapeways for 3D printing services. Large corporations are using materials like TPU to max out designs for epic, futuristic looking running shoes with a range of features meant to propel athletes and everyday wearers forward in terms of comfort and stamina.

There is also the potential for incredibly personalized fit in shoes, beginning with insoles that can be 3D printed to encourage better support and balanced gait, as well as orthotics that can be made to fit and re-sized easily as needed. With rapid production in 3D printing, more durable footwear products can be made that are also more flexible, and lighter in weight. 3D scanning plays a role for much of the footwear industry as the wearer’s measurements can be scanned quickly, making unprecedented strides in comfort, rather than expecting someone to fit into a typical size, or somewhere in between.

Medical devices

Another area where 3D printing is offering enormous impact, TPU is behind the production of numerous medical devices bearing complex, lightweight geometries that may not have been possible before with traditional manufacturing. Products like braces, prosthetics, and implants can be 3D printed after 3D scans are taken from patients, offering them safe, customized devices that are able to stand up to long-term daily use without causing skin irritation. For children wearing prosthetics or orthotics this is an incredible boon, with fittings taking a fraction of the time and without discomfort. While such devices may have taken weeks or even months to arrive previously, at great expense, now they can be made quickly–and changes can be made to designs quickly also.

Robotics

TPU is also suitable for robotics, and especially softer applications which may require extremely flexible parts like connectors, actuators, and simulated fingers, arms, and flex grippers for performing tasks whether on a manufacturing production line or at the individual level. This material can also be used for tires and other accessories attached to moving robots, as well as those that may be performing 3D printing activities on their own.

Sports gear

Because of the protective nature of sports gear, 3D printing technology with TPU is able to play a very important role in helping to prevent injuries in players. Using lattice structures for interior strength and incredible absorption on impact, 3D printed protective gear may include helmets, guards, and more, all with the potential to be heavily customized for the comfort and safety of the athlete.

Ideas for 3D Printing with TPU? Get Started Now

For faster turnaround time and highly customized, production runs at any volume, contact Shapeways to learn more about on-demand 3D printing. Allowing manufacturers to keep a digital inventory of their stock or spare parts, on-demand printing means decreasing or saying goodbye to warehouse space altogether. 

Upload your design now to get started in 3D printing with TPU.

About Shapeways

Enjoy the benefits of this advanced technology and a wide range of materials from Shapeways for 3D printing your creations with accuracy, complex detail, and no minimum or limits in terms of mass customization or single part orders. Shapeways has worked with over 1 million customers in 160 countries to 3D print over 21 million parts! Read about case studies, find out more about Shapeways solutions, and get instant quotes here. 

The post A Comprehensive Guide to Industrial 3D Printing with Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

Partnered with Shapeways, the makers of MTT were able to use 3D printing to cut substantial time and costs in their production process by rapidly prototyping designs and printing strong, end-use ready parts that can resist the elements.

We interviewed Michael Martel from MTT to find out how MTT has utilized Shapeways’ 3D printing technology to ramp up production with speed and efficiency.

What is your name and your role at My Track Technology?

My name is Michael Martel and I’m in charge of the MTT product development.

How did My Track Technology start?

10 years ago my father and I were discussing a product that can enhance human power but as small as possible to be able to go where a person can walk. The main goal was to be able to get someone that is injured out of deep forest and at the same time bring reduced mobility persons to extreme places.

What kinds of customers can MTT benefit?

Our customers are very broad. First, there is the military for rescue and material carrying. Mining for carrying material underground without any fumes and CO2 that has to be ventilated out of the mine. Wildfire suppression help, carrying water pumps and equipment. Also fat bike trails grooming, for agriculture use on wet fields or carrying a freezer in the field for fruits and vegetable harvesting. Replacing a generator on construction sites with MTT-154 onboard 2000W inverter, and much much more. 

How did you find Shapeways?

Four years ago one of my electronic employees bought a cheap FDM printer that he assembled himself. At that time I was very skeptical of 3D printing, I was thinking it was only for toys and figurines. Nevertheless I let him try some joystick parts. I was at the time building it with a laser cut aluminum sheet, bent and welded to make an enclosed case. His part with FDM (PLA) was so successful that we used it for our vehicle for about a year, very amazing. The problem with this part was the surface finish, time to print and resistance to wet environments. I was so impressed by this test that I decided to learn more on 3D printing methods, suppliers and more. This is when I came to Shapeways’ website and was very impressed by the technical information and production capabilities.

I then decided to manufacture a couple of parts at Shapeways and I have never been disappointed since. Shapeways is not the least expensive but I tested many suppliers over the years and I did a lot of cold temperature testing. Shapeways always has the strongest and nicer finished parts. 

Unless you have $100,000 or more to invest in an SLS or HP printer you will never have the quality, robustness, precision and surface finish of a Shapeways part.

What are the benefits of using Shapeways over an in-office printer?

When buying a printer you have an amazing amount of choice offered to you. The problem is to have a printer for all of the applications. The size of the parts, the surface finish, the resistance and the productivity of this printer are all to be considered. Unless you have $100,000 or more to invest in an SLS or HP printer you will never have the quality, robustness, precision and surface finish of a Shapeways part. Shapeways is a one-stop shop for 3D printing projects. They have multiple machines to accommodate all the requirements of all special projects. So for us Shapeways has been a great partner to reach all of our goals, present and future.

What are the benefits of 3D printing with Shapeways over other manufacturing methods?

Speed, cost and simplicity. When our 3D drawing is finished we don’t have to produce fabrication drawings. We just upload the 3D file on Shapeways’ website. Very simple. We also do not have to build a mold for 1 up to 50 parts. It’s very great cost saving. Later when the design is perfect we can build a mold and be confident that the mold will meet our requirements. We are also not limited to a particular shape with 3D printing, practically every shape is possible. Finally, the precision, repeatability and tolerances are better than most of the others manufacturing methods.

“The precision, repeatability and tolerances [of 3D printing technology] are better than most of the others manufacturing methods

What aspect of My Track Technology production do you use 3D printing and Shapeways for?

We are right now moving to production and most of the parts that had previously been tested with 3D printing are now thermo or injection molded. 3D printing saves us an amazing amount of money by testing different designs quickly. When the design is confirmed the mold can be built with the peace of mind that this part works perfectly well.

The other 10 parts that are needed for an MTT-154 2020 will continue to be built with 3D printing technologies. Up to about 100 MTT-154 units per year it totally makes sense to print parts in Nylon. We save the initial cost of the mold and we can design parts that are impossible to manufacture with a traditional mold.

What materials do you use?

Right now we mostly use SLS, with Nylon PA12 (Versatile Plastic), dyed black. We also use rubber like TPU to create custom grommets.

How does working with Shapeways affect the speed of your manufacturing?

In our MTT machine there are about 20 plastic parts. Last year we were in a very big rush to do a test with the US military and we had no time to build 20 molds for every single part. We saved at least 6 months (concept, drawing for molding, mold building and parts production) by 3D printing with Shapeways.

How about any cost savings?

For 20 plastic parts the average cost of a mold is $3500 * 20 = 70,000 USD. This money would have been a very big gamble knowing that we were unsure if these parts would meet the functionality, design and resistance we needed. $70K is a lot of money for a startup. It’s manageable, but $70K without any guarantee that this mold will be useful in the future is unacceptable.

What is the most important aspect of working with Shapeways for you?

First, when we want a strong part I know that Shapeways will not disappoint us. Also the website is very easy to use, and I like the freedom to choose the shipping you want depending on the requirement of a particular project. The quality control is also excellent because I never return a part. Finally, the service when I need information is excellent.

Can you share any current or future goals for My Track Technology?

The goal right now is really to move to production and send machines to the customers that have reserved these vehicles in the past. The product we sell right now is our MTT-154 2020, with the possibilities to have only one unit with a trailer/sled or with the flip of a switch multiple units coupled together for special military and industrial applications.

Finally, we have orders for some small MTT-like robots. The frame will be built entirely in SLS printing at Shapeways very soon.

The next stage in 2021-2022 will be remote control with satellite or 4G and autonomous capabilities.

Efficient Manufacturing with 3D Printing

My Track Technology’s vast range of potential applications will see it become an essential tool for assisting humans in navigating challenging terrains and environments. Using 3D printing has made MTT’s production process much more efficient and affordable and shows how 3D printing can contribute to smarter manufacturing.

Find out how Shapeways can help with your rapid prototyping and robotics manufacturing needs.

The post How My Track Technology Uses 3D Printing for Their Remote All-Terrain Vehicle appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

But how exactly can you mesh robotics and 3D printing into a successful outcome? Here are 4 ways some of the pros have found that work the best. 

To Build Robots

The most common way to do this is to use 3D printing in building actual robots. Of course, the term “robots” may make one think of human-like machines, but robots extend much further than that, from small operating projects to robotics arms and more. 3D printing is incredibly useful when it comes to creating robots, no matter the size or purpose of them: 3D printing makes the process fast and efficient while allowing you to simplify the creation of complex forms. 

To Prototype to Perfection 

Additionally, another great thing about using 3D printing to assist in robotics is the ability to prototype easily. Developing a perfect prototype is the first step in 3D printing your masterpiece, and when it comes to robotics, this can be a lengthy process—and an expensive one! With 3D printing, however, everything is much different—and much better. 

With 3D printing, you’re able to create many different prototypes in order to work out any kinks or flaws before you put your ideas into production. Because robotics can be incredibly complex and detail-oriented, prototyping to perfection is a key step in ensuring ultimate success. 

To Build Drones

Drones are becoming incredibly popular, both among those in the robotics industry and even those who are not! In fact, variations of drones can be purchased everywhere nowadays, from online to in malls and stores. But why buy a drone when you can 3D print a personalized one? 

Many in the robotics field are using 3D printing to make drones that come complete with many special features. When you 3D print your drone, you’re able to fully customize it to your liking, ensuring it performs, looks, and succeeds in all the ways you intend it to. 

To Maintain Consistency in Production

In robotics, machines are often created in batches, all intended to perform the same function. Sometimes they’re used in assembly lines, and other times they’re shipped to different factories or establishes throughout the country. With 3D printing, you’re able to ensure that each machine created will be identical, creating consistency across production, which is vital in terms of efficiency and success.

Want to start using 3D printing for all your robotics needs? Find out how Shapeways can help bring your projects to life and help you reduce costs in the process.

The post How 3D Printing is Shaping the Robotics Industry appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

It’s Cost Effective

One of the best reasons to use 3D printing to create your robots is because of how cost effective it is. Because designing robotics is often a complicated process, costs can quickly build up and pile high. This may prevent you from having the flexibility to try out new ideas, play around with your robots and to have an in-depth editing process. However, because of the cost effective benefits of 3D printing, you’re now able to cut down on prices drastically, allowing you to not break the bank during your robot-creating process and production.

It’s Fast

Speediness is always an added benefit of 3D printing. Whereas traditional manufacturers may take weeks or even months to bring your design to life, 3D printing cuts production times down drastically. Because of 3D printing, you’re able to edit your robot at a much faster pace and ultimately can have it ready for production much sooner than if you’d chosen to use some form of traditional manufacturer.  

It Allows You to Prototype Easily

Prototyping is vital to creating a great robot. After all, with so many moving parts involved, errors are almost inevitable. Because of the efficiency of 3D printing (in addition to the cost efficiency and quick printing times), rapid prototyping is much simpler and conducive to your designing process. With 3D printing, you are able to prototype many times in order to work out every detail of your robot before you put it into production. 

You’re Able to Customize

3D printing also gives you the opportunity to customize your design to your liking. There are no rules or limitations: It’s all up to you. Unlike traditional design and production methods, you are able to choose every detail yourself, making your robot personalized to your liking. This also gives you the opportunity to make a truly unique, forward-thinking and game-changing robot, one that could really put you on the map as an impactful robotics professional. 

Making Complex Ideas Simple

Ultimately, the best part of using 3D printing to create your robotic parts is the fact that it will make this difficult and complex production process much simpler. Simplicity allows for a smoother outcome, and also alleviates a lot of stress that comes with bringing your idea to life.

Now that you’ve gotten a quick look at the benefits of using 3D printing to create your robotics, why not try it for yourself? Print your parts today and see how quick and easy it is to customize your robotics projects.

The post The Benefits of Making Your Robotics With 3D Printing appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

The Story Behind Shape Robotics

It all began in 2011, at the Technical University of Denmark – just outside of Copenhagen. Moises Pacheco partnered with and began collaboration with David Johan Christensen, an Associate Professor and Robot Researcher. It became clear that Moises and David shared the same vision: to develop a robot system that was extremely easy-to-use – even for younger school pupils.

The two developers were inspired by previous projects with modular robots that could repair themselves, as well as a project they had in progress with LEGO®, which was to develop new, digital products. This became Moises’ Ph.D. project, and as the years passed, interest in using the robot system Fable grew ever greater. At the end of 2015, David, Moises and Helene Christensen, a project manager, set up the spin-out company Shape Robotics and Fable was ready for the market. Their mission remains today: to make Fable as widely available as possible to students globally. This has been made possible with funding from the Technical University of Denmark and the Danish Ministry of Education – and they are well on their way. The Fable robotics system has since appeared on the top Microsoft Education Apps list and has also launched successfully with partners in the United Kingdom, USA, Italy, France and Mexico with more being added to the global list at a rapid pace.

Students learning how to build robots. Image by Shape Robotics

How 3D Printing Evolved Our Business

Using 3D printing parts has significantly expanded the usability of our product. Among other things, it gives the students a greater opportunity to use their own imagination to build robots by using the 3D printed parts in their design. Shapeways was the first 3D printing supplier that we discovered. We use the platform for all stages of production, from early stage prototyping to end use products. Now we can easily test different designs, modifying each based on our customers’ feedback and then quickly releasing the update. With Shapeways, we see greater accuracy in the parts we order and we’re able to easily scale up production, ordering any amount we need, no matter how large. For our company, dimensional accuracy is very important; so are aesthetics. Strength is also important, as our products are often being handled by students as early as third grade, which means falling on the floor often.

We’ve tried a number of Shapeways materials, including steel, versatile plastic, and fine detail plastic. The versatile plastic is the best for us, as it is more suitable for the way our products are being used, due to its mechanical properties. The value of versatile plastic and its high quality mechanical properties make this material ideal for our robots. Fable has already come so far but this is only the beginning. We are looking forward to what the future holds for Fable and Education on an even larger, global scale.

Interested in 3D Printing Robots for Your Business?

Find out how Shapeways can help make that happen.

The post How Building Robots Lets Students’ Imaginations Run Wild appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

• Walking, running, climbing, or jumping
• Spatial reasoning
• Holding or gripping objects
• Basic problem-solving

If you’re looking to develop a greater understanding of how 3D printing is being applied to building robots, there are some great educational and fun DIY bots you can build now. Most builds are easy enough and can be completed within one weekend.

PLEN2

The PLEN2 robot

The PLEN Project was created by Natsuo Akazawa in Japan, originally as a Kickstarter campaign. Akazawa’s robot design quickly took off, and today there are multiple iterations of this fun humanoid robot.

The PLEN2 robot stands about 8” tall and has 18 different joints, allowing it to move and articulate fluidly. Customers can purchase DIY kits that include everything needed except the 3d printed body, or complete kits that include the body parts for people who don’t have access to a 3D printer.

Once your robot is ready for action, it can walk, dance, and interact with you. It’s a great starting point for those looking to learn more about robotics and 3D printing.

Otto the Biped

Taking inspiration from everyone’s favorite robot pal, Bob the Biped, Otto is a fun and easy-to-make 3D printed robot that anyone can make.

Otto is an open source robot, so you’ll be able to find all the plans you need for printing and building your own robot with ease. The body and limbs of Otto are entirely 3D printed, and Arduino controllers and mini servos are used to control the robot’s movements.

Once the parts are printed, Otto can be assembled in as little as one hour with just a screwdriver, making it one of the easiest robots to build and learn about. Like most small DIY robots, Otto is primarily designed to help children reinforce STEM skills, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t get in on the fun, either.

EEZYbotARM

For those looking for a robot build that they can customize to tackle different tasks, the EEZYbotARM from Italian designer Carlo Franciscone may be perfect for you. This easy to build robotic arm is easy to print and assemble, and it’s capable of tackling a myriad of different tasks you can program yourself.

This robot requires 17 different 3D printed parts along with a controller, servos, and a few nuts and bolts. Once the printing is complete, this robot can be built in just a few hours. Once the basic robot is complete, you can experiment with different grippers to better equip the robot to handle different tasks.

Poppy Project

The Poppy Humanoid

Created by Matthieu Lapeyre, the Poppy Humanoid is one of the most human-like robots we’ve discussed, and with 25 different actuators, large cameras, and an LED screen, it’s also the most human-like robot we’ve covered.

This robot is designed to be fully hacked for whatever purposes you can dream up, so it’s one of the easiest robots available to program and customize. All of the body parts are 3D printable, and it’s fully open source so anyone can create and customize their own Poppy Humanoid.

If you’re looking to tackle a more advanced robot that you’ll be able to program in tons of useful ways, the Poppy Humanoid may be your best bet.

Kame the Quadruped

In addition to being one of the most adorable robots ever, Kame the quadruped is also one of the most advanced walking robots that you can build yourself.

Each piece of the robot’s body is entirely 3D printed, and it can be controlled with a NodeMCU or an Arduino controller. High-speed servos allow Kame to master any movements you program. He can hop, run, jump, or walk with different gaits.

Kame is a great project for more advanced builders as well as anyone looking for a challenge.

How Some of The World’s Most Advanced Robots Utilize 3D Printing

DIY robots are a great way to get acquainted with the application of 3D printing in the robotics industry. For more sophisticated builds, leading corporations across a variety of industries are beginning to harness the power of 3D printed robots. Let’s take a closer look at how advanced robots are using 3D printing.

Shape Robotics

The Fable robot by Shape Robotics

Fable is a modular construction system that students can use to create their own robots. Shape Robotics utilizes 3D printing parts manufactured by Shapeways to expand the usability of their robotic products. Among other things, it gives the students a greater opportunity to use their own imagination to build robots by using the 3D printed parts in their design. Students can assemble modules together in many different configurations to build custom robot bodies, use inbuilt sensors and program the robot’s movements.

KUKA Robotics

As one of the leading automation specialists in the world, KUKA Robotics manufactures robotics for the automotive, aerospace, and general manufacturing industries. Considering that each industry has unique demands, it’s rare that KUKA can employ the same style of robot across multiple industries.

But 3D printing is making it easier for them to adapt to changes, and they presently use 3D printing to produce the end effectors (the component which grips, grabs, or wields) for their robots to enable them to complete their highly specialized task.

Siemen’s Spiders

Siemen’s Spiders (SiSpis) may look like cute quadruped robots at first glance, but these cartoonish robots mean big things for the growing 3D printing industry. One of the largest concerns of 3D printing has been its ability to scale in size. But these little spiders are up to the challenge, and they’re leading the way for large scale additive manufacturing.

These robots can work collaboratively to create structures and surfaces on a scale that was previously unattainable with traditional 3D printing. For larger jobs, hundreds of robots will be able to work collaboratively, using their onboard cameras and lasers to interpret their environment, determine their working area, and begin working on their assigned tasks.

BionicANT

The aptly named BionicANT takes its cues from the humble insect it shares a name with. These robots work together collaboratively to tackle tasks that would be either too large or too complex for a single BionicANT to handle.

This robot looks exactly like an ant, just several times larger. Each component is 3D printed, and MIDs are used to connect individual components. This also adds a very cool visual appeal to these robots beyond its functional purpose. Each robot is equipped with cameras, sensors, and a radio module, which allows it to communicate with other robots.

Working together, these robots can conquer complex tasks with ease, and it’s easy to see how they could play a major role in virtually every industry moving forward.

InMoov

In the world of consumer robots, InMoov is one of the most impressive 3D printed robots there are. Each component of the robot’s body is entirely 3D printed, and those components are controlled with Arduino microcontrollers. Amazingly, anyone can download the files needed to print their own InMoov robot.

The robot works on the open source MyRobotLab framework, which allows tech-savvy users to customize the robots’ function. InMoov robots can see, hear, speak, and make independent movements. Considering the robot was developed by Gael Langevin, a French sculptor with no prior robotics experience, it’s easy to see the potential for open source robots like this in the future.

ASPIR

The ASPIR robot was developed by John Choi of Choitech, a new robotics startup. This humanoid robot stands just over four feet tall, and every piece of its body is 3D printed. This open-source robot is designed to bridge the gap between prohibitively expensive research-grade robots, and more affordable humanoid robots that anyone can afford.

The robot’s primary purpose is as a positive reinforcement tool and study buddy, and Choi hopes that it will inspire more girls to enter the field of research in robotics, which is currently a primary focus for his team.

3D Print Your Next Robot

3D printing has had a significant impact on the robotics industry. Perhaps best of all, these new technologies are available to everyone, and anyone with a bright idea and some basic robotics knowledge can create their own amazing 3D printed robot.

Ready to get started with your own robot? Find out how Shapeways can help make that happen.

The post 3D Print Your Next Robot appeared first on Shapeways Blog.

3D printed parts meet traditionally manufactured parts in Preceyes’ first-of-its-kind surgical robot

Thijs Meenink had a challenge both enormous and microscopic: create a solution for eye surgeons to perform procedures at a scale never before attempted — a much, much smaller scale. However, the size of the problem he was addressing was huge: untreatable retinal diseases that affect 50 to 75 million people.

Meenink co-founded Preceyes to develop a new kind of precision robotic solution, one that could both assist surgeons and mitigate the risks of human error in the most, well, precise of surgeries: vitreoretinal procedures that take surgical instruments inside the eye. “These are the most delicate, and the most difficult kind of procedures within eye surgery, and even within microsurgery,” he told us. “The stability and precision, plus the smoothness of using a robot really contribute to the abilities of the surgeon.”

Pioneering a technology based around hardware iterations has traditionally been a costly endeavor. For Preceyes, creating a new generation of ultra-precise, first-of-their-kind surgical robots necessitated a new way of working. “The complete system is totally new. There is no part that was already available; the entire system is built from scratch.” Shapeways would play a key role in bringing it to life.

“I started out experimenting with Shapeways over five years ago. First I made one thing, then a few things per month, and it just kind of snowballed. I soon saw how useful it could become.” As Meenink developed Preceyes’ robots, 3D printing became more than a means of creating parts. Without Shapeways, the robots simply would not exist.

“It started with prototyping — just to hold something and get a feel for its shape and mechanisms. And testing to see if things work like you’d thought. But, when you get more familiar with it, you make real products. And you have a lot of freedom. Now, I think we have 60 products made by Shapeways that are in the robotic system, in nylon, aluminum, and stainless steel. In the beginning you aren’t really familiar with the process and the possibilities. I was expecting to receive parts that were very weak. But that changed: the parts weren’t weak, and tolerances have only gotten better and better. They simply work.”

One of the best illustrations of the power of 3D printing in the robots’ continued development are the covers that protect its most delicate operations. “The robot makes weird movements. The space the robot moves in is much larger than the actual robot. With complex shapes enabled by 3D printing, you can make sure that this space is bounded, keeping the system small. This impacts and improves the efficiency of space, cost, and many other things. This is not possible with other production methods — it’s way too expensive to make these covers from metal or plastic using conventional manufacturing. 3D printing is a really perfect system.”

The Preceyes Surgical System uses a revolutionary technique in which the motions of the physician are mimicked at micro scale within the eye of the patient. Meenink is a mechanical designer, so the ergonomics of the human-computer interface would pose a unique challenge. “The surgeon holds the motion controller (or joystick), and the gripper on the joystick must have a very ergonomic shape. I had to work through five or six iterations to get there. All were made by Shapeways. Quickly testing and adapting designs, week by week, easily iterating, works so well with Shapeways.”

“I frequently recommend Shapeways to others. The freedom of design, the speed, the large custom parts, large bounding box, and prices — even up to 100 pieces, it’s still way cheaper to use 3D printing. And there’s no other supplier that has this kind of transparency of production and delivery. It’s always consistent.”

Now, Preceyes is preparing to take its robots to market as “the very first company in the world to make a system for robotic eye surgery that will be available commercially in operating rooms,” but the research and development process won’t end there. And it will continue to be enabled by 3D printing. “When I’m designing something new, I try to put the most 3D printed parts and the least conventional parts. Cost, speed, the ability to combine parts, etc. all play a part. With 3D printing, the possibilities are endless.”

He also reminds us that the promise of medical robotics is just beginning to be fulfilled. And while some fear the power of these technologies, Meenink, for one, welcomes the rise of the bots. “Don’t be scared of robots; theirs are better than human hands. They will not take over the world, but they will assist surgeons for the better.”

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See the Preceyes system in action here:

The post “Don’t be scared of robots” How Preceyes Surgical Robotics Define Medicine’s New Frontiers appeared first on Shapeways Blog.