TL;DR:
- Orbbec and Hiwonder have teamed up in the educational robotics sector.
- Hiwonder’s extensive patent portfolio and widespread presence in educational institutions complement Orbbec’s 3D vision technology.
- The collaboration introduces JetHexa ROS Hexapod Robot Kit and JetAuto ROS Robot Car, both integrating Orbbec’s Astra+ 3D camera and NVIDIA Jetson Nano.
- These robots empower students to explore robotics, deep learning, and AI, enhancing STEAM education.
- Key features include adjustable mechanics, autonomous driving, image recognition, and synchronized group performances.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking announcement made at this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Orbbec, a frontrunner in the 3D vision systems sector, unveiled a strategic partnership with Hiwonder, a prominent player specializing in crafting robots tailored for the educational realm. With over 40 technical patents under its belt, Hiwonder’s products have found their way into over 2,000 educational institutions, enriching STEAM education across the globe.
This partnership signifies Orbbec’s formidable foray into the educational robotics industry, aiming to empower students with an immersive journey into the intricacies of robotics. Pupils will have the opportunity to delve into the inner workings of robots, exploring facets such as operational mechanics, sensors, vision systems, mapping, navigation, and human-machine interactions. Two standout offerings in this collaboration are the JetHexa ROS Hexapod Robot Kit and the JetAuto ROS Robot Car, both ingeniously incorporating Orbbec’s cutting-edge Astra+ 3D camera technology. These remarkable creations are fueled by the formidable NVIDIA Jetson Nano and fully support the open-source Robot Operating System (ROS). Leveraging popular deep learning frameworks, harnessing OpenCV for image processing, integrating MediaPipe development, enabling YOLO model training, and capitalizing on TensorRT acceleration, the platform sets a new standard for educational robotics.
JetHexa Hexapod Robot Kit: Distinguished by its Advanced Inverse Kinematics, the JetHexa boasts an array of adjustable parameters, including pitch angle, roll angle, direction, speed, height, and stride. The high-torque smart bus servo ensures precision and responsive feedback, while its self-balancing prowess empowers JetHexa to effortlessly conquer even the most challenging terrains.
JetAuto Education Robot Car: Sporting omnidirectional mecanum wheels, JetAuto effortlessly navigates 360° with exceptional finesse, conquering complex routes with ease. Equipped with a permanent DC motor that features a high-precision magnetic encoder and gearing, it delivers impressive starting torque and seamless speed transitions. Powered by deep learning and AI vision, JetAuto excels in autonomous driving, line following, road-sign detection, and traffic light recognition. An intuitive touch-screen LCD interface facilitates effortless monitoring and debugging.
Both JetHexa and JetAuto robots feature:
- Orbbec’s state-of-the-art 3D camera technology, delivering high-resolution, low-power depth vision for tasks like 3D scanning, mapping, obstacle avoidance, navigation, and much more.
- A versatile USB hub, a multi-functional expansion board, and a high-capacity Li battery.
- Android and iOS applications, complemented by a wireless controller.
- Capabilities such as color recognition and tracking, vision-based line following, target object, and tag tracking.
- Precision in the human body and fingertip trajectory recognition.
- Enhanced sound source localization through a 6-channel microphone array, enabling voice interaction and navigation via voice commands.
- Group control, formation adjustments, and synchronized performances.
Amit Banerjee, Head of Platform and Partnerships at Orbbec, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “Our partnership with Hiwonder brings 3D vision and AI into the classroom with easy-to-use kits. We have a shared goal to make robotics technology accessible to educators, students, and developers, fostering hands-on learning experiences.”
Conclusion:
The partnership between Orbbec and Hiwonder signifies a significant advancement in the educational robotics market. By combining Orbbec’s cutting-edge 3D vision technology with Hiwonder’s educational expertise, the collaboration offers a comprehensive and accessible solution for educators, students, and developers. This strategic move is poised to accelerate the adoption of robotics and AI in the classroom, fostering hands-on learning experiences and shaping the future of education.
