DIY origami robots are lighting fast

It doesn’t matter if they’re vacuum cleaners, driverless cars, or autonomous drones, one thing is clear: there’s no escaping the growing world of robotics. And why should we? Robots can be quite fascinating, whether you’re simply having fun with them or enjoy learning how they work. Now thanks to the minds behind Dash Robotics, who thought up the DIY origami bot called Kamigami, there’s an affordable option to do both of those things.

Developed by a team of UC Berkeley Ph.D. engineers, Kamigami is the world’s first lightning-fast, origami-style robots that you can build yourself without breaking the bank. It’s also an educational tool for students eight years and older looking to get a start in robotics, engineering, and biology.

These tiny robots are simple to construct and can travel up to 6-feet per second. Image source: Dash Robotics.

Featuring tool-free construction, simple iOS app control, and an array of sensors that let them work together or against each other, these tiny robots are based on the scientific Dash robot announced in 2014. The new bots have the same core design, and feature the rapid six-legged movement inspired by lizards and cockroaches (they move up to 6-feet per second). Though this time, the robots are more colorful, and they come with interchangeable shells that snap onto the chassis.

To begin, users assemble the Kamigami robots themselves in what the company describes as “an origami-like fashion.” Surprisingly, the process doesn’t require tools, glue, or soldering, and can be completed in less than hour.

Kamigami construction doesn’t require tools, glue, or soldering. Image source: Dash Robotics.

Sitting at the core of the product is a small circuit board combined with an array of 10 sensors, including a light sensor, IR sensor, gyroscope, and accelerometer. When completed, the robot measures 4.5 inches long. It also has a rechargeable battery with 30 minutes of microUSB charging providing 45 minutes to an hour of use.

To control the mini bots, users will use a mobile app, which connects via Bluetooth. The robots can be controlled up to 100 feet away, and the app includes a drag-and-drop interface to assign behavior and characteristics to make each bot unique. There are also individual and team modes included, and players can designate the effect of their Kamigami’s IR signal on another player’s robots, providing competitive and cooperative functions. According to the company, the iOS app will be ready in January, with an Android version following in March.

Program your robots to work together or against each other! Image source: Dash Robotics.

Of course, the Kamigami robots must hit the Kickstarter goal in order to make it to the market. If you’d like to reserve a unit, visit the Kamigami Kickstarter page – fortunately they’re not too pricy, coming in at $49 with a single shell. If all goes according to plan, the units will ship in March, but if you pay extra, you’ll be seeing yours in January.

Source: Kickstarter