Modular robotics studio

In situ robotic automation in construction is challenging due to constantly changing environments, a shortage of robotic experts, and a lack of standardized frameworks bridging robotics and construction practices. This work proposes a holistic framework for construction task specification, optimization of robot morphology, and mission execution using a mobile modular reconfigurable robot. Users can specify and monitor the desired robot behavior through a graphical interface. In contrast to existing, monolithic solutions, we automatically identify a new task-tailored robot for every task by integrating Building Information Modeling (BIM). Our framework leverages modular robot components that enable the fast adaption of robot hardware to the specific demands of the construction task. Other than previous works on modular robot optimization, we consider multiple competing objectives, which allow us to explicitly model the challenges of real-world transfer, such as calibration errors. We demonstrate our framework in simulation by optimizing robots for drilling and spray painting. Finally, experimental validation demonstrates that our approach robustly enables the autonomous execution of robotic drilling.

Service robots have been applied in an increasing number of scenarios, including homes, hospitals, offices, schools, hotels, etc. To ensure the usability of the interaction interface and process in the application of service robots, the design of human-robot interaction in the application of service robots involves various interaction modalities, different robot forms, and different physical behaviors of robots in space, etc. This makes it challenging to have low-cost, high-fidelity prototype methods that support design exploration in the early stages of service robot application design.Currently, many rapid prototyping techniques have been applied to the design exploration stage in the design of service robot applications, such as paper prototypes, storyboards, video prototypes, etc. However, these methods have limitations, including low fidelity and being out of the environmental context. Researchers have also been exploring new prototype methods to meet the design exploration and testing requirements for HRI design. Some studies have explored the use of VR test HRI prototypes, and most of them focus on the technical aspect, and the performance of HRI capabilities. Other studies focus on specific HRI design aspects: interactive mechanism, anthropomorphic appearance, social acceptance, and so on. Approaches focusing on these aspects are not suitable for prototyping and testing the overall interaction scenarios of service robot applications.Based on the characteristics of virtual reality technology, this paper aims to explore how virtual reality technology can be used to support multi-user collaborative design of service robot applications in a virtual environment. To address this issue, this paper proposes a system for supporting collaborative design of service robot applications. The system framework and implementation will be described in detail in the paper. Specifically, the system enables multiple users (designers or stakeholders) to enter a virtual environment in real-time using head-mounted VR devices. Users can select appropriate environment model assets based on the target application scenario and perform bodystorming "on site". Using a modular robot building tool, users can add virtual robots to the space and add or delete functional components, as well as adjust the position, size, and orientation of the components. The system's Wizard-of-OZ module allows users to control the robot's movement and component status. The Graphic UI is embedded into the physical display of the robot via WebView and supports the simulation of the Graphic UI interaction process. After completing the initial application concept ideation and virtual robot design, users can use WoZ and Role-Playing techniques to perform the human-robot interaction process to evaluate and optimize the interaction design. In addition, the recorded video of the performance can also support subsequent design discussions.The system is implemented using the Unity game engine, and users interact with the system using the Oculus Quest headsets and controllers. The design activities case based on the system will be evaluated and discussed to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the system. Further, we discuss the limitations of this work and the future research directions for supporting the design of service robot applications using virtual reality.

InflatiBits is a modular construction kit that enables playful exploration of pneumatically actuated kinematic systems. The kit contains different building blocks based on soft robotics principles such as soft inflatable air-chambers, constraining elements, air-connectors, pressure sources, and sensor modules. The elements can be combined and actuated manually or through an optional Arduino-based control board. The board contains a motorized air-pump, solenoid valves and allows for connecting the sensor module to achieve more complex behaviors and motion patterns. The InflatiBits modules and connectors are compatible with standard Lego parts, enabling children to integrate them into existing playing environments.

Precise fiber coupling and lens alignment are critical in modern photonic systems. AIXEMTEC GmbH has developed a modular construction kit tailored for automated fiber coupling and lens attach processes. This unified platform combines modular hardware, software, and process components to enable submicron precision and high flexibility. It supports both active and passive alignment strategies and accommodates single-mode and multi-mode fibers, micro-optics, and standard connectors. Through an intuitive user interface, users can configure automated sequences for positioning, dispensing, UV curing, and inspection—streamlining adaptation to new tasks. The system’s modularity accelerates development and reduces time-to-market for customized photonic devices. With pre-defined alignment algorithms and vision-based referencing, the platform ensures repeatable, high-yield results suitable for prototyping and industrial production. Example use cases highlight its efficiency and precision, making it ideal for transitioning from R&D to series production in photonic packaging applications across datacom, quantum, and sensing domains.

A Novel Reconfigurable Assembly Jig Based on Stable Agile Joints and Adaptive Positioning-Clamping Bolts

We introduce a modular construction kit for rapidly assembling multi-copter unmanned aerial systems (UAS). The kit consists of voxelized building blocks based on a discrete, face-baced decomposition of a cuboctahedral lattice using a circuit board substrate. These voxel building blocks provide the structure of the vehicle, but also create electrical connections for routing power as well as command and control signals. Functional modules including propulsors, power storage, and command and control are designed to interface with the cuboctahedral lattice to create a complete vehicle. We use the system to assemble a 2.6 kg quadcopter UAS in 22 minutes, flight test the resulting vehicle, then disassemble it into components ready for reuse. We examine how the system scales to larger designs, and compare build times and performance with a comparable commerical UAS and equivalent designs built using additive manufacturing.

The paper covers the analysis of peculiarities of the educational object-spatial environment of a preschool educational institution. The author analyzed the theoretical studies according to which it is found that the insufficient level of activity of preschool age children caused by the contradiction of developmental environment to the peculiarities of development of a child’s own position. The developmental environment does not encourage a child to the independent behavior and creativity manifestation. This fact impedes the emotional-evaluative perception and comprehension of the required information, the mastering of different methods of its getting, the ways of actions for the experience assumption, and the manifestation of the desire to implement this experience. The system of work on modeling of the educational object-spatial environment is poorly represented in practice of preschool education. The paper presents the approach to the organization and modeling of the object-spatial environment using the modular construction kits and the requirements to their creation. The author considers the special aspects of modular construction kits, the requirements to their use by the preschool age children and specifies the rules for their structural assembly. The author reveals the principles of creation of modular construction kits and presents the recommendations for a teacher on their use for the organization of different activities for children. The algorithmic prescriptions on the modular construction kits assembly are of interest. Modular construction kits are designed for joint and independent activities of preschool age children. The author pays attention to the modeling of the object-spatial environment where children can search, be involved in the research process, organize play, motor, and cognitive activity, easily change from time to time the play material, and model the space of a group room at their own wish as well in a preschool educational institution.

A convenient assembly method for the virtual modular robot is put forward, proposed assembly method does not need the designers to specify explicitly constraint relation of components but rather establish them automatically according to the defined assembly information and the matching algorithm of connectors. The key technology of the assembly method is studied, a hierarchical representation of robot component is proposed to express necessary assembly and simulation information, the 3D picking method of model is realized by introducing a picking ray which takes the viewpoint as a starting point and goes through the clicked point to compensate lack of depth information, as well as the fast matching algorithm based on square area comparison is set up to quickly determine assembly point. Finally, this assembly method is realized with the key technology solved and an application example is given to show its effect.