Robotics and Virtual Reality for Rehabilitation:
Rehabilitation Robotics: systems and products
- Adroit - by Vikash Kumar, University of Washington (USA) Adroit Hand-muscle actuator unit: "Fast, strong and compliant pneumatic actuation for dexterous tendon-driven hands" "Real-time behaviour synthesis for dynamic Hand-Manipulation" "Synthesis of Complex Behaviors with Optimal Control"
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- Argo Medical Technologies Ltd. - ReWalk "ReWalk is an alternative mobility solution to the wheelchair for individuals with severe walking impairments, enabling them to stand, walk, ascend/descent stairs and more. ReWalk is a new realization of the powered exoskeleton concept and provides user-initiated mobility; it consists of a light wearable brace support suit, which integrates actuation motors at the joints, an array of motion sensors, a computer system based on sophisticated control and safety algorithms and tailored rechargeable batteries."
- AIFWD - Artificial intelligence (AI) Forward (information sent by Ms. Elizabeth Miller, Ms. Becca Robinson and Prof. William Moore) "At AIFWD, we’re focused on driving artificial intelligence forward. AI is already making a huge impact in the lives of billions of people every day, and its influence will only grow in the coming years. Despite its ubiquity, however, at the moment the power to determine the course of future AI innovations is held by a select few. According to Stanford's 2021 AI Index Report, 8 out of every 10 tenure-track faculty members in the world’s top computer science departments are male, with females accounting for less than 18% of new CS PhD graduates in North America. In the US, this lack of diversity extends to race and ethnicity as well, with African Americans and Hispanics making up less than 7% of new AI PhD grads. We're looking to change this: our mission is to work towards ensuring that as AI grows, it better reflects the people it serves and benefits from their unique perspectives. We see the place of greatest impact at the beginning: education. The more people from diverse backgrounds that have the skills and expertise needed to break into AI, the greater the chance this field will start representing everyone."
- Berkeley - Ekso Bionics: For the Human Endeavor "Ekso is the bionic exoskeleton that allows wheelchair users to stand and walk. Ekso Bionics is committed to applying the latest technology and engineering to help people rethink current physical limitations and achieve the remarkable. Originally Berkeley Bionics, Ekso Bionics was founded in Berkeley, California in 2005."
- Best Coding Bootcamps: Introducing Coding to Young Minds (information sent by Ms. Elizabeth Miller, Ms. Becca Robinson and Prof. William Moore) "Introducing young minds to coding can be highly beneficial, as it not only familiarizes them with computers and the fundamentals of coding but also engages them in the process of unraveling how things function. It benefits both their mathematical and reading skills and helps to lay a robust academic groundwork beyond the realm of technology alone. This comprehensive educational approach makes teaching coding in schools an excellent idea, allowing children to develop broad and useful skillsets from an early age. Best Coding Bootcamps believes that by combining industry-leading transparent research with concise information about coding education providers coding education providers, students will be better prepared to achieve stronger employment outcomes after graduation. We are committed to regularly refreshing our quantitative and qualitative research in order to best match both new and experienced developers with the right coding boot camps based on your individual motivations, coding skills, budget, and aspirations."
- Bionik Laboratories "BIONIK is a global pioneering healthcare company on a mission to supply quality-of-life solutions to those with movement impairments. Our goal is to enable the growing millions of people with movement-impairments to lead fuller and more independent lives by fostering hope, recovery and independence with evidence-based technologies, spanning the continuum of rehabilitation care.
- Bosch Rexroth AG: Motion Simulation Technology (update: 2016) "3dof & 6dof Motion Platforms:
The Company's product portfolio includes three InMotionRobots for rehabilitation following stroke and other neurological conditions and four products in varying stages of development. Resulting from groundbreaking research at the Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the InMotion robots provide effective, patient-adaptive therapy, intended to restore upper-extremity motor control for a broad range of neurological conditions and recovery stages, including early recovery from acute stroke."
In motion simulation, Rexroth offers electrically driven 3dof and 6dof motion platform solutions. The 6dof platforms, eMotion-1500 and eMotion-2700, are designed for today's middle payload range in the electric driven motion systems product line. The hydraulic 3dof platforms, cMotion-16500 and cMotion-33000, are used for Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainers (CEET's). The proven in-practice design is a synergy of our Drive and Control skills and profound application knowledge.
eMotion - 6dof Motion Platforms: The electrically driven 6dof linear actuators, eMotion, are developed and manufactured within Rexroth. These motion platforms are suitable for payloads up to a maximum of 1500kg and 2700kg on top of the platform.
cMotion - 3dof Motion Platforms: The hydraulically driven 3dof linear actuators, cMotion, are developed for Cabin Emercency Evacuation Trainers (CEET). These motion platforms are suitable for narrow and wide body aircrafts with payloads up to a maximum of 16,500kg and 33,000kg."
- Cyberdyne Inc. (JP) "Cyberdyne, making full use of "Cybernics" - an integrated technology of human, robot and information systems, will tackle and solve social issues via R&D and implementation of "innovative technology coexisting with people", and will create a "New Industry" based on these solutions. As a result, new pioneers with experience in this new design process will emerge from Cyberdyne. CYBERDYNE Inc. was established in June, 2004, in order to disseminate the research result of Professor Yoshiyuki Sankai, University of Tsukuba, for the benefit of public. CYBERDYNE Inc., not only materializing technology for practical use, but also builds up strong research and development system in order to hear authentic voices of end users and makes a further leap. Consequently, CYBERDYNE Inc. will launch creative products."
- DEXMART (UE): dual-arm and hand robotic "DEXMART" is an acronym and stands for "DEXterous and autonomous dual-arm/hand robotic manipulation with sMART sensory-motor skills: A bridge from natural to artificial cognition". DEXMART is a large-scale integrating project which is funded under the European Community's 7th Framework Programme. The project started on the 1st of February, 2008 and will last for four years. DEXMART has the ambition to fill the gap between the use of robots in industrial environments and the use of future robots in everyday human and unstructured environments, contributing to reinforce European competitiveness in all those domains of personal and service robotics where dexterous and autonomous dual-hand manipulation capabilities are required.
- Festo AG & Co. KG: ExoHand – human-machine interaction "Festo placed great emphasis on man-machine interaction at the Hanover Trade Fair 2012. Whether it was about new operating concepts, possible applications or future uses, with its 2012 highlights from the Bionic Learning Network, Festo presented visitors with new perspectives for tomorrow's world of work and production.
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ExoHand: from assembly to medical therapy
The ExoHand could provide assistance in the form of force amplification in connection with monotonous and strenuous activities in industrial assembly, for example, or in remote manipulation in hazardous environments: with force feedback, the human operator feels what the robot grasps and can thus grip and manipulate objects from a safe distance without having to touch them.
Due to the yielding capacity of its pneumatic components, the ExoHand also offers potential in the field of service robotics. In the rehabilitation of stroke patients, it could already be used today as an active manual orthosis."
- Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition (ihmc) "Robotics has experienced a big resurgence in the last decade. This has been fueled by the success of unmanned vehicles and by research advances such as those demonstrated by self-driving cars. Though many amazing robotic feats have been demonstrated, many challenges remain.
- Hocoma (CH) - Lokomat, Andago, Armeo, Erigo, Valedo (update: 2015) "Hocoma is the global market leader for the development, manufacturing and marketing of robotic and sensorbased devices for functional movement therapy. The Swiss based medical technology company was founded in the year 1996 as a limited liability company by the electrical and biomedical engineers Gery Colombo and Matthias Jörg and by the economist Peter Hostettler. Hocoma develops innovative therapy solutions working closely with leading clinics and research centers."
IHMC researchers are pushing the envelope of what is possible in the domain of robotics. We have an interdisciplinary group composed of expertise in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, computer science, mathematics, physics, human factors, and interface design"
- IMT - Interactive Motion Technologies InMotion Robots are the result of groundbreaking medical engineering research at the Newman Laboratory for Biomechanics and Human Rehabilitation at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
- Motion Systems (PL) "We specialize in designing and manufacturing of professional motion platforms, modular simulator components and bespok solutions for simulation. The idea of establishing Motion Systems was born out of passion for racing sports of its founders. For the last ten yeras we have built a team more then sixty qualified specialists at the Polish facility. From here, in-house, we desigin and supply motion products using our own ideas and technology. The Motion Systems range of products are sold, reliable and efficient, checkout our buy page to find your perfect motion base or software."
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- Quanser Innovate Educate Quanser-Haptic - Stroke Rehabilitation Therapy
- Reha Technology (CH) "Robotic technologies for rehabilitation of upper and lower extremity neurological movement disorders:
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Reha's robotic-assisted therapy devices maximize functional clinical outcomes for adult and pediatric patients with neurological impairments resulting from stroke, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, infantile cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s, amputees, orthopedic disabilities, as well as other traumatic conditions. Reha’s ambition is to improve the quality of life for those who have been injured or disabled by illness or accident."
- ReHyb - Rehabilitation based on Hybrid neuroprosthesis (EU) "About the ReHyb project The ReHyb project will develop a hybrid upper-limb exoskeleton that uses its own sensing and novel actuation capabilities for generating the digital twin of the user. The advanced cognitive system will interface the digital twin to plan and control the hybrid exoskeleton so that the control system sympathetically respects user’s neuromechanical and psychological status, and intelligently assists the user’s motion. The cognitive capability accomplishes the robotic system to predict user behaviour and derive personalised interaction strategies by accessing to the digitised knowledge about the user. The hybrid of powered exoskeleton and FES on the user's arm and hand allow the assistive interaction at the behavioural and muscle levels, which increases the interaction efficacy by improving the user model and wearability of the system, while an advanced control algorithm ensures all interaction strategies are executed safely and robustly. Our mission Bringing together all disciplines related to hybrid neuroprostheses for rehabilitation. Our mission is to develop an upper-limb exoskeleton to allow elderly to maintain a healthy and active living environment."
- ReWalk Robotics "ReWalk Robotics is an innovative medical device company that designs, develops and commercializes powered solutions which provide gait training and mobility for individuals with lower limb disabilities. Our mission is to fundamentally change the Quality of Life for individuals with lower limb disability through the creation and development of market leading robotic technologies. We currently offer solutions for stroke rehabilitation and spinal cord injury: ReStore ReStore is a powered, lightweight, wearable soft exo-suit for use in the rehabilitation of individuals with lower limb disabilities due to stroke. ReStore is a versatile and efficient gait training solution that provides both dorsiflexion and plantarflexion assistance to facilitate functional gait training. The ReStore Exo-Suit received CE marking and FDA clearance in 2019. ReWalk The ReWalk systems enables the device user to sit, stand, walk, turn and has the ability to climb and descend stairs*. ReWalk users are able to independently operate the systems. ReWalk received FDA clearance to market in 2014. It was the first exoskeleton in the United States to earn this clearance. CE and additional regulatory approvals exist in select geographies."
- Robotpark (TR) World's Largest Robot Resource:
- Robot Suit HAL (Hybrid Assistive Limb) "HAL is expected to be applied in various fields such as rehabilitation support and physical training support in medical field, ADL support for disabled people, heavy labour support at factories, and rescue support at disaster sites, as well as in the entertainment field."
"Robotpark is founded in 2014, within the technopark of Istanbul in order to organize its studies on the development of Robotic Technology. Being Turkey's first Technological Development Center that specialize on Robotics, Robotpark also aims to be:
- One of the major Robotic Information Centers throughout the world.
- A supplier of Robotic Products.
Robotpark is a platform which opens its doors to all Academics, Students, Entrepreneurs, Universites, Institiutes and all Individuals and Corporations."
Virtual Reality:
- Motekforce Link: (Motek Medical + Force Link) "In July 2014, the companies Motek Medical and Force Link merged. The new company, Motekforce Link, combines more than fifteen years of experience in high-quality rehabilitation technologies and real-time feedback, using virtual reality techniques.
Who We Are:
Sometimes in our lives a setback in movement and mobility, due to disease, trauma, or aging, adversely affects our quality of life. To regain mobility, restore and improve human performance, Motekforce Link draws on 15 years of experience in rehabilitation technology and virtual reality.
Who Are The Patients?
Motekforce Link products are beneficial for patients with the following balance and movement disorders: Neurological Disorders (stroke, cerebral palsy, parkinson's disease, traumatic brain injury), Orthopedic Disorders: (amputees, osteoarthritis, musculoskeletal disorders) and Geriatric (elderly with increased risk of falling).
The High-Tech Road To Recovery:
By combining various technologies, human movement performance can be studied. To do this, researchers use tools such as (instrumented) treadmills, motion capturing, movable platforms, robotics, and sensor technologies. Synchronized data streams are available in real-time to develop and run applications using the D-Flow visual programming software."
- Computer Assissted Rehabiliation ENvironment (CAREN)
- Gait Real-Time Analysis Interactive Lab (GRAIL)
- ReGait - Gait Training
Rehab. Robotics: universities and research projects
- A Guide to Robotics Technology, by Lisa Richards (thanks to Beth Loomis, young scientist) "Robotics involves the design and creation of robotic systems. A robotic system has the capability of performing tasks and duties for humans to simplify life and streamline work processes. The people who design robotic systems are robotics engineers with specialized training in electrical and mechanical engineering."
- Arizona State University - Biomechatronics Laboratory "Our Biomechatronics Lab is dedicated to improving quality of life by enhancing the functionality of artificial hands and their control via human-machine interfaces. Our research is intended to advance the design and control of human-machine systems as well as autonomous robotic systems."
- Arizona State University - Human-Oriented Robotics and Control (HORC) Lab "As robots are getting closer to humans, the HORC Lab focuses on the design, development and control of robotic devices that will help and collaborate with humans in every-day life. Research in the lab ranges from fundamental understanding of human motor control to novel designs and control architectures for robots that physically interact with humans."
- Bio-Inspired Robotics Laboratory - ETH Zurich "Swiss Federal Institute of Technology: The Bio-Inspired Robotics Lab (BIRL) offers both semester and thesis projects for master students. The research topics and contents are essentially open to the students as long as they are challenging and within the scope of BIRL research."
- École Polytechnique Fédéralé de Lausanne - BIOROB: Biorobotics Laboratory "The Biorobotics Laboratory (BioRob in short, formerly the Biologically Inspired Robotics Group, BIRG) is part of the Institute of Bioengineering in the School of Engineering at the EPFL. We work on the computational aspects of movement control, sensorimotor coordination, and learning in animals and in robots. We are interested in using robots and numerical simulation to study the neural mechanisms underlying movement control and learning in animals, and in return to take inspiration from animals to design new control methods for robotics as well as novel robots capable of agile locomotion in complex environments."
- Exoskeleton Report "Last updated: November 11, 2020 Welcome to the ExoskeletonReport.com, a website exclusively focused on supplying you with news and resources on the emerging technological field of exoskeletons, exosuits, and wearable robotics (basically, wearable devices that exert a force on the user). The Exoskeleton Report LLC became incorporated in 2016 and until now has been entirely a volunteer effort. This places the Exoskeleton Report in a unique position: we are not beholden to any specific company, laboratory, or organization. We have the luxury of staying objective and independent while the exoskeleton industry grows and matures. However, over the past five years, the number of players and products has increased significantly, and we will explore avenues to be able to hire and pay full-time staff while maintaining our editorial practices. Our vision remains on helping the exoskeleton industry continues to proliferate and evolve, and we do that by: 1. Providing hype-free articles concerning only the exoskeleton industry. 2. Remaining objective. 3. Place the news in context. 4. Establish a web portal for the exoskeleton industry. 5. Become an entry point for new buyers, users, and regulators for exoskeletons and exosuits. 6. Differentiate the exoskeleton industry by category, application, and placement on the body. 7. Assist with standards and terminology. 8. Act as a catalyst for the exoskeleton and exosuit industry by creating a central meeting point where everyone is welcome. 9. Influence the media narrative, "if people are afraid of robots, how would they feel if they are expected now to wear one?" 10. Educate on what this technology can do, and sometimes more importantly, what it can't do."
- Fondazione Don Gnocchi (IT): Riabilitazione Robotica e con Tecnologie Avanzate L'innovazione al servizio della medicina riabilitativa "I passi in avanti compiuti dalla tecnologia e dalla robotica hanno consentito negli ultimi anni alla medicina riabilitativa di applicare nuovi e più efficaci sistemi di trattamento. Oggi in alcuni Centri della Fondazione Don Gnocchi innovative applicazioni robotiche permettono di aumentare l'intensità dei trattamenti, propongono scenari sempre più stimolanti e motivanti per il paziente, consentono di realizzare protocolli personalizzati e di misurare in modo oggettivo le risposte, migliorando il risultato di ogni progetto riabilitativo. L'efficacia di dispositivi personalizzati La riabilitazione robotica e con tecnologie avanzate è utile a persone con difficoltà e deficit nei movimenti delle braccia e delle mani, problemi del cammino e disturbi dell'equilibrio. È indirizzata in particolare a pazienti con patologie neurologiche (esiti da ictus, sclerosi multipla, morbo di Parkinson, malattie del midollo spinale, polineuropatie...), ma anche a pazienti con patologie ortopediche che compromettono il cammino, il movimento degli arti superiori o l'equilibrio. La terapia è caratterizzata da un’elevata flessibilità di applicazione: le soluzioni proposte possono essere facilmente integrabili in situazioni della vita quotidiana, rendendo il trattamento motivante e variegato. Ogni dispositivo robotico può essere inoltre personalizzato e adattato alle esigenze del singolo paziente."
- Mihailo Pupin Institute, University of Belgrade "Robotics Laboratory is a part of Mihailo Pupin Institute in Belgrade, Serbia, which is a member of University of Belgrade. The basic activity of Robotics Laboratory represents research and development in the area of robotics and control of large-scale dynamic systems."
- MIT Leg laboratory "The Leg Lab at the MIT Artificial Intelligence Lab is dedicated to studying legged locomotion and building dynamic legged robots. We are specialists in exploring the roles of balance and dynamic control. We are interested in simulating and building creatures which walk, run, and hop like their biological counterparts."
- MuJoCo - advanced physics simulation "MuJoCo stands for Multi-Joint dynamics with Contact. It is a physics engine aiming to facilitate research and development in robotics, biomechanics, graphics and animation, and other areas where fast and accurate simulation is needed. It offers a unique combination of speed, accuracy and modeling power, yet it is not merely a better simulator. Instead it is the first full-featured simulator designed from the ground up for the purpose of model-based optimization, and in particular optimization through contacts. MuJoCo makes it possible to scale up computationally-intensive techniques such optimal control, physically-consistent state estimation, system identification and automated mechanism design, and apply them to complex dynamical systems in contact-rich behaviors. It also has more traditional applications such as testing and validation of control schemes before deployment on physical robots, interactive scientific visualization, virtual environments, animation and gaming.
- PolyPEDAL, UC Berkeley, Professor Robert Full: The Science of Motion "We conduct direct experiments to discover how structures, systems or the whole animal works. We subject animals to a variety of performance events that involve some aspect of locomotor performance. We measure the performance of an animal under a controlled condition and then vary one parameter and make another measurement. For example, we have measured the cost of locomotion and endurance for animals that run continuously and compare them to running intermittently at twice the speed, but resting half the time. We then speculate on the mechanism resulting in performance differences."
- Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago: Machines Assisting Recovery from Stroke MARS-RERC - Machines Assisting Recovery from Stroke (MARS) is a center of excellence established by funding from the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research's (NIDRR) Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) program. Our research focuses on robots for rehabilitation therapy after hemispheric stroke, which is the most common neurological disorder that requires intensive and prolonged rehabilitation. Devices that assist the therapist in providing rationally based, intensive and long duration stroke treatments can also be used to monitor progress and help improve functional performance.
- Rehabilitation Robotics Jumpstation - UK Rehabilitation Robotics denotes the use of robotic systems as an enabling technology for physically disabled people. The Rehabilitation Robotics Jumpstation serves as a starting point for the exploration of this technology.
- The Catholic University of America - CABRR CABRR: Center for Applied Biomechanic and Rehabilitation Research
- UC Berkeley - Robotics & Human Enginnering Laboratory "Our group develops robotic and mechatronic devices that enhance human movement, motor learning, and rehabilitation. Many of these devices are exoskeletons that attach to the arms or legs of people with a stroke or a spinal cord injury and assist in rehabilitation exercise of arm movements or walking. We have also developed a robotic wheelchair that can assist children and adults with a severe disability in learning how to drive a powered wheelchair.
- University of California, Irvine - Biorobotics Laboratory "Our group develops robotic and mechatronic devices that enhance human movement, motor learning, and rehabilitation. Many of these devices are exoskeletons that attach to the arms or legs of people with a stroke or a spinal cord injury and assist in rehabilitation exercise of arm movements or walking. We have also developed a robotic wheelchair that can assist children and adults with a severe disability in learning how to drive a powered wheelchair."
- University of South Florida - CARRT CARRT: Center for Assistive and Reabilitation Robotics Technologies
- Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB): Robotics & Multibody Mechanics Research Group "The main research topics of the Robotics & Multibody Mechanics (R&MM) research group can be divided into physical human-robot interaction (pHRI) and cognitive HRI (cHRI). Core technology since 1995 is the design and control of variable impedance actuators for embodied intelligence principles as safety, energy efficiency and adaptability."
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MuJoCo was developed by Emo Todorov for Roboti LLC. Initially it was used at the Movement Control Laboratory, University of Washington, and has more recently been adopted by the wider research community. The engine has enabled a range of research projects highlighted in the Gallery page, as well as numerical benchmarks summarized in the Benchmark page. The software is available at the Download page. Additional resources as well as support are available on the Forum. There is also extensive Documentation formatted as an online book.
MuJoCo aims to combine the best ideas from robotics and multi-body dynamics, and augment them with new mathematical models and numerical algorithms where necessary."
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"The CABRR works in coordination with the Biomedical Engineering department of the Catholic University of America and the research department of the Medstar National Rehabilitation Hospital.
CABRR is devoted to studying musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, and sensory systems, with the goal of better understanding the mechanisms of injury, disabilities, and the process of functional recovery. Specifically, we strive to advance the diagnosis and treatment of neurological and musculoskeletal pathologies by utilizing fundamental engineering principles, scientific methods, and sound clinical practices."
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The Austin project represents a series of technologies that lead to low cost and therefore accessible exoskeleton systems for individuals with mobility disorders.
The Human Universal Load Carrier (HULC) is the third generation exoskeleton system. It incorporates the features of ExoHiker and ExoClimber.
Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX): The Berkeley exoskeleton system provides soldiers, disaster relief workers, wildfire fighters, and other emergency personnel the ability to carry major loads such as food, rescue equipment, first-aid supplies, communications gear and weaponry with minimal effort over any type of terrain for extended periods of time."
"The Center for Assistive, Rehabilitation and Robotics Technologies at USF is a multidisciplinary center that integrates research, education and service for the advancement of assistive & rehabilitation robotics technologies. Researchers from various departments & colleges at USF including the College of Engineering, the School of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, the College of the Arts, and the College of Behavioral and Community Sciences collaborate on various projects."
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Rehab. Robotics: teaching tools
- All About Circuits (AAC) "Since its founding in 2003, AAC has grown into one of the largest online electrical engineering communities. We are a positive, open community of engineers that enjoy sharing knowledge and ideas. Our community takes pride in educating electrical engineers as they grow their experience and knowledge. We'd love to hear from you! If you are interested in advertising on AAC, please fill out our contact form."
- EEPower "EEPower is a digital publication focused on the power electronics industry. The publication features technical articles, design tips, and application notes from the industry's leading power electronics engineers and application experts. EEPower was formed to bring in-depth technical articles and practices regarding the latest technological trends in power electronics using modern digital content delivery methods. Content categories include electronic assemblies, integrated circuits, passive components, power converters, semiconductors, as well as test and measurement. In addition, a market insights section provides industry directions and viewpoints. EEPower was designed from the ground up to focus solely on digital content delivery. The latest web technologies are integrated allowing visitors to use virtually any device to access the publication's content."
- Electronics Point "Electronics Point was founded in 2005 by a young electrical engineer located in the UK while at University. His efforts over the last decade have helped it become a community where members can discuss, advise and debate electronics-related topics. We look to promote the community through technology commentary, community research, and interviews with the engineers who are designing the future. We aim to explore up-and-coming components, designs, and consumer products and assess the pending progress of the industry as it relates to the hardware engineer. We want to uncover the people behind the hardware, better understand their lives and habits, and knit together a community of big-picture thinkers."
- littleBits Electronics: What is littleBits? "littleBits (spelled lower case L, upper case B, all one word) modules are tiny circuit-boards with simple, unique functions (the 'circuit designs') that are engineered to snap together with magnets. No soldering, no wiring, no programming Modules each have a unique function (light, sound, sensors, buttons, thresholds, pulse, motors, etc.) and the modules snap together to make larger circuits. Just as LEGOs allow you to create complex structures with very little engineering knowledge, littleBits modules are powerfully small, intuitive, blocks that make creating with sophisticated electronics a snap."
- Maker Pro - Your Electronics Projects, From Concept to Creation (information sent by Mr. Reynand Collado) "Maker Pro is a place for makers to design and collaborate with one another, with the goal to take their product to market. Want to be the next Fitbit, Nest, or Pebble watch? Post your project publicly to share your knowledge and receive feedback from the community, or you can mark it as private and keep your information proprietary. Collaborate with partners or fork your project, allowing other makers to create their own versions of your work. Use our revolutionary commenting tool to ask a question or add your thoughts on a specific part of an article or project. Visit our education section for articles and projects that will help you build your skills, choose the right components for your project, and even make your own tools."
- RoboCore - Brasil "A RoboCore é uma empresa Ltda., que desde 2005 busca desenvolver a tecnologia de uma forma criativa e inovadora. Realizamos competições, feiras, congressos além de palestras/cursos na área de robótica e atividades extra-curriculares. Caso tenha interesse em realizar um evento por gentileza entre em contato conosco através do info@robocore.net e entraremos em contato. Um dos objetivos da RoboCore é difundir a tecnologia a fim de que todos tenha a oportunidade de acesso às informações. Na 'Home' de nosso site disponibilizamos alguns arquivos em 'Downloads Indicados', que são uma importante fonte de informação para quem gosta de robôs. Esporadicamente realizamos palestras em escolas, faculdades e em eventos para divulgar a robótica além da importância de atividades extra-curriculares. A RoboCore está se dedicando em encontrar uma forma periódica e efetiva para realização de mini-cursos para montagem de robôs, iniciação em microcontroladores, etc., portanto caso seja este o seu interesse por gentileza fique atento aos informes no site ou entre em contato conosco."
- Solarbotics - Your BEAM Robotics Resource "Solarbotics has kits for any skill level, as long as you're not scared of a soldering iron (which we can teach you to use)! Nobody does documentation better which means you won't be left wondering how to put these parts together, and our 100% satisfaction guarantee means you have no risk of failure. We also stock unique parts for robot builders, so if you need gear motors, solar cells, or just simple parts that you need to know will work, check us out. We stand 100% behind everything we sell. Solarbotics has been operating for more than 15 years focused on BEAM robotics. This means we know what we're doing very well, and you'll see from our online documentation, video, and photos that we want to bring you the best products we can."
- Speedway Motors, Inc. - All About Electronic Circuits for Kids (information sent by Noah - young engineer - and Ms. Hannah Miller) "Turning on a lamp or flipping a light switch is probably something you do daily without even thinking. Devices such as lights and radios have electrical parts inside of them that allow them to work. These parts have to be put together so they make a complete electric circuit. Without an electric circuit, electricity can't get where it needs to go. ■What Is an Electronic Circuit? Electronic circuits are simply pathways that transmit electric current, or moving electricity. These circuits make it possible for lights and appliances to work. Electric circuits have to have a source of power, wires that the electricity flows through, and a device that uses the electricity. These three parts have to be connected directly for the electric current to flow. ■Parts of a Circuit Electric When you're powering something small, you might use a battery as the source of electricity for an electric circuit. The wires that carry the electricity are usually made out of metal and covered in a plastic coating. Metal conducts electricity well, and the plastic coating around the metal wiring doesn't: It insulates the electricity so it stays in the wire and won't hurt anyone or cause a fire. Electric circuits also have switches, which make it possible to control the flow of electricity through the circuit. Flipping a switch to the "on" position makes the electricity flow to the device. Flipping a switch to the "off" position breaks the circuit and stops the flow of electricity. ■Series Circuit ■Parallel Circuit ■Series-Parallel Circuit ■Closed, Open, and Short Circuits ■Measuring Electricity"