If you have any Hexbug Spiders gathering dust or would like to create your very own autonomous creatures, a new piece of hardware created by Brad Knox called bots_alive can transform any Hexbug Spider into an autonomous creature.
The new hardware comes complete with its own smartphone companion application that currently supports iOS and Android and provides the small toy mechanical devices with their own lifelike artificial intelligence.
Transforming Hexbug Spiders
The bots_alive kit is designed to breathe new life into your Hexbug Spiders by equipping them with advanced AI capabilities. This transformation is achieved through a combination of hardware and software. The hardware component includes a small beacon that attaches to the Hexbug Spider, while the software component is a smartphone app that processes the data and controls the spider’s movements.
The smartphone app uses the phone’s camera to track the position of the Hexbug Spider and the obstacles around it. This allows the spider to navigate its environment autonomously, avoiding obstacles and exploring its surroundings in a lifelike manner. The AI algorithms used in the app are designed to mimic natural behaviors, making the Hexbug Spider appear curious and unpredictable.
Innovative AI Technology
Watch the video below to see how a Hexbug Spider can be transformed when a little artificial intelligence is added.
Our goal is to make robots whose behavior appears alive more than any machine you’ve interacted with. bots_alive robots hesitate, look around curiously, and make mistakes. They’re unpredictable. All of this comes from a new category of character artificial intelligence that we’re pioneering. It started at the MIT Media Lab in research by founder Brad Knox.
The AI technology behind bots_alive is rooted in research conducted at the MIT Media Lab. This research focuses on creating robots that exhibit lifelike behaviors, making them more engaging and interactive. The bots_alive AI is designed to make the Hexbug Spiders behave in ways that are not entirely predictable, adding an element of surprise and excitement to their movements.
Each kit is priced at $35 if you already have your very own Hexbug Spiders and supports transforming the spiders into autonomous creatures. Also, if you pledge within the first three days of the Kickstarter launch, you will receive a free gift worth $15, which includes 10 obstacle vision blocks.
The bots_alive kit is not just a toy; it is an educational tool that can teach users about robotics and artificial intelligence. By experimenting with the Hexbug Spiders and the bots_alive app, users can gain a better understanding of how AI works and how it can be applied to create autonomous systems.
In addition to the educational benefits, the bots_alive kit also offers a fun and engaging way to interact with technology. The lifelike behaviors of the Hexbug Spiders make them entertaining to watch and play with, providing hours of enjoyment for users of all ages.
Source: Kickstarter
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