Dennis Hong and his eight master robots.

RoMeLa is a big reason why Virginia Tech is a heavy hitter in the research engineering world. Hong and his team, along with associated labs at VT, compete at the DARPA Urban Challenge, MAGIC, RoboCup, as well as their own Blind Driver Challenge. Part of what makes their approach to robotics so interesting is that it often attempts projects that seem off the beaten path. The Whole Skin Locomotion robots (6:25 in the video) turns the robot into a tread, and they even have a prototype chemically-powered version (6:41). The IMPASS robot uses dynamic spoke length to give a new take on the wheel (2:51). Their robotic hand (RAPHaEL at 7:08) uses air pressure, which we’ve seen before, but it only costs around $200 to make! Even the ideas we see often such as the humanoid DARwIn (8:37), the tripod STriDER (0:26), CLIMBeR (4:43), and snake-like HyDRAS (7:47) are impressive in their field. Watch and see:

I’m even somewhat impressed with Hong’s description of why his lab is a success. True, almost anyone could have come up with his five points: inspiration, open discussion, education, hard work, and fun. Still, not everyone would have bothered to spend a third of their lecture time highlighting those points. It speaks to Hong’s unstated but overarching sixth tenant – passion. Despite the non plussed looks in the audience (the camera operator needs to be shot) Hong’s a very inspiring speaker, and you can tell by the creativity and success of his team that his passion is shared at RoMeLa.

Rest assured that as Virginia Tech continues its pursuit in building the next generation of awesome robots we’ll keep you posted. I’m definitely interested to see if RAPHaEL could provide a low cost competitor to the other high-tech prosthetic arms we’ve seen recently. I wonder when they’ll release more clips on the chemically powered snake-bot. Ooh, and I can’t wait to see the tripod walker actually live up to its concept videos….Yeah, who am I kidding, I’ll be watching them all.

[screen capture and video credit: TED]
[source: RoMeLa, TED]

The RepRap II, aka Mendel, is a marked improvement over the first generation printer.

Innovators are rarely satisfied with the first draft, even when that draft is revolutionary. RepRap, the open source 3D printer team that hopes to one day develop fully self replicating machines, has released its second generation device. Known as Mendel, the new printer is physically smaller and weighs considerably less than its predecessor (called Darwin) but is also able to create larger objects. The design has also been altered to make it easier to build and less prone to jams. You can find the files to build your own Mendel on Sourceforge. We’ve got some great RepRap videos for you after the break: Mendel’s first piece, an explanation of the improvements in Mendel, and Adrian Bowyer showing the (partially) self replicating factory of RepRap machines.

As we’ve discussed before, RepRap isn’t the only open source 3D printer, and it’s not even the only 3D printing team we admire. But, worldwide, RepRap might be the most famous. That fame leads to attracting more users, and more users means more complaints. Which is a good thing. After all, one of the big advantages of open source design is the chance for everyone to pitch in and help improve it. Mendel replacing Darwin is just the first step. Like their namesakes imply, these machines are in a constant state of evolution. Bowyer and the rest of the RepRap user base aren’t just aiming for 3D printing perfection, they’re also moving towards replication. A machine that can build anything, including itself, will revolutionize manufacturing, the economy, and the world.

Mendel’s first print from Rep Rap on Vimeo.

Mendel’s improvements over Darwin from Rep Rap on Vimeo.

Multiple RepRaps from Rep Rap on Vimeo.

Of course, the dream of self replication is still a ways off. While many, if not all, of the plastic pieces in Mendel can be printed on the machine, the metallic support rods, the electronics, and many other components cannot. Darwin boasted 60% of its parts could be created by the device itself, so it will be interesting to see if Mendel’s ratio is higher. Hopefully that information will be released soon. In the meantime, go download the designs for Mendel, purchase the approximately £350 in needed parts, and get to printing. The first one to send me a plastic model of Mendel, printed by a Mendel, wins.

[photo credit: RepRap]
[video credits: RepRap via Vimeo]