Fritz in action (via XYZbot & Kickstarter)
Robotics can be a very interesting area for many kids. Legos has paved the way with their robotic kits, however, finding others, or even less expensive ones is a challenge much like searching for gold. Startup company XYZbot, founded by Kerwin Lumpkins and Steven Gentner, is looking to change all that. They have created Fritz, a robot head that is fully customizable and powered by an Arduino.
Almost like a desktop peripheral, Fritz fits nicely on any desk and can be controlled through a computer app or even with a joystick. According to the creators, the head is roughly human sized and proportioned accordingly. As of now, the project is on Kickstarter and a basic Fritz can be secured through a $140 pledge. For $163 you can get an acrylic Fritz or for $215 you can get the advanced Fritz.
Both models work off the Arduino Uno R3 board along with a servo motor shield. The fact that this works using an Arduino makes it even better for kids to learn. The basic model uses five micro servos, which control the eyes and the jaw. On the other hand, the advanced model has a wider range of moveable parts. Advanced Fritz uses 13 servos (11 micro and 2 standard) and has moveable eyelids, eyebrows, neck, and lips. In addition, both models also have a text to speech feature. A user can type text into the computer app and when the speech is played back, the Fritz moves its lips and jaw in sync with the speech.
Fritz will also be completely open source if it is fully funded. So, for those who have access to a laser cutter or 3D printer the parts can be printed easily and only servos will have to be purchased. They currently have $22,622 pledged with a goal of $25,000 and 21 days to go still. It can introduce them to programming through the Arduino and can teach them the basics of animatronics. Furthermore, the face can be colored, painted, or accessorized for a more personal Fritz. If kids are lucky enough to get one, the parents will most likely also be having some fun making Fritz move. As Lumpkins stated, “If Fritz is not successful, oh well, it is still the coolest thing I have ever worked on.”
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