Robots are predicted to be the next big thing. We all dream of a world where robots can interact and help humans in their daily lives. But the reality is that robotic technology is still far from reaching that.
Even though it’s a little slow but evert positive movements needs to be appreciated so that the research can continue to grow. The latest breakthrough in the robotic world is the HEXA robot made by Vincross.
Initially the robot was designed for multipurpose, but Tianqi Sun, CEO and inventor, decided to change Hexa’s focus after seeing sunflowers that withered and died stuck in a shady corner. He then realized something and choose his blog to explain the new approach.
“Passive plants. It doesn’t matter if they are cut, burned or pulled from the earth, they are silent and accept whatever happens to them. They have the smallest degree of freedom among all beings in nature. ”
Empathy towards green life inspired Sun to put plants on HEXA and program them to become plant keepers. Apparently, the results were very satisfying. The robot does his job as a plant keeper in a proper manner.
The only mission of this little robot is to treat the succulent plants on its head. HEXA will “chase” the sun or retreat to the shade as needed, all day long.
When in the sun, the head part of HEXA can rotate 360 degrees fully to make sure each leaf absorbs the light. When the plants need to be watered, HEXA will do a quite funny dance to get the attention of the users.
With six legs that are sturdy and flexible, HEXA can move anywhere – in any direction and around any object in its path. This robot is even quite nimble to navigate in unexpected steepness. Like if you have to suddenly step over a gap between two table surfaces.
HEXA also has a variety of sensors, including infrared sensors, proximity sensors, and 720p cameras with night vision which can be very useful if you want to task it like a watchdog at night to check every sound. This robot also features built-in WiFi.
Even though it’s not a gnome, the tiny creature occupying a garden in the myth story, HEXA does a very good job of looking after your plants rather than just standing there.
The company offers two versions of HEXA, the standard version has a price tag of $949 while the other one with Wireless Charger capabilities is $999.
Specs
- Sensors: 720P camera with night vision; 3-axis accelerometer; distance measuring sensor; infrared transmitter.
- Maneuverability: Each leg is equipped with three motors and three DoF. Its head can spin endlessly.
- Processor: Dual-core ARM Cortex-A9 @1GHz
- Interfaces: USB, audio input & output, I2C, ADC, GPIO, 5V / 3V3 power outlet
- Storage: 8 GB
- Battery: 45-180 minutes (continuous use), charging time 2.5 hours (charging cable) or 4 hours (wireless dock)
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n, HEXA can act as a Wi-Fi access point.
- Dimensions: Height 4.72 inches, diameter 20 inches.
