Bitcraze: Innovation and Social Robotics with Crazyflie
Bitcraze is a pioneer company in the field of aerial robotics, known for its modular and open-source platform Crazyflie. This platform is used in numerous research areas, including:
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Swarming: coordination of drones in training.
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Autonomy: development of algorithms for autonomous flight.
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AI Edge: integration of artificial intelligence on board.
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Vision and Navigation: use of sensors for environmental perception.
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Mapping and Coordination: creating maps and managing groups of drones.
However, Bitcraze is not limited to technology: it also explores the human aspects of robotics, seeking to understand how drones can interact with people in natural and meaningful ways.
Drone Gymnasium: A Living Laboratory for Social Robotics
The Drone Gymnasium is an innovative project that serves as a "living laboratory" to explore how drones can integrate harmoniously into environments shared with humans. Inspired by science fiction, this experimental space was created in collaboration with the KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Digital Futures and RISE.
An Environment for Innovation
In this environment, students and researchers use the Crazyflie platform not only as flight hardware, but as social agents in motion. The goal is to design robotic experiences that go beyond technical functionality, exploring how drones can communicate and interact with people in intuitive ways.
Crazyflie: The Platform for Social Robotics.
At the heart of Drone Gymnasium is the Crazyflie platform, a modular, open-source nano-quadcopter drone. Its lightweight structure and customizability make it ideal for experiments in shared environments.
Technical Features.
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Compact Size: weighing only 29g, suitable for indoor environments.
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Modularity: compatible with a wide range of sensor and actuator decks.
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Open-Source: documented software and hardware to facilitate customization.
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Safety: designed to fly in confined spaces safely.
These features allow researchers to test emergent behaviors, such as interactions based on light or sound signals, and to explore how drones can be perceived as "present" rather than invasive.
Future Applications of Social Robotics
The work done in the Drone Gymnasium paves the way for many future applications of social robotics, including:
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Personal Assistance: drones that interact with users to provide daily support.
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Education: using drones as interactive teaching tools.
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Entertainment: creating immersive experiences with drones as the main actors.
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Social Research: studying the dynamics of interaction between humans and robots.
These applications could transform the way we interact with technology, making drones an integral part of our daily lives.
Bitcraze Products.
For those interested in exploring aerial robotics, Bitcraze offers a range of products, including:
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Crazyflie 2.1+: the basic drone for experimentation.
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Crazyflie 2.1 Brushless: advanced version with increased autonomy and carrying capacity.
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Crazyradio PA: transmitter for long distance communication.
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Decks: add-on modules for sensors, actuators and other features.
These products are ideal for laboratories, universities, and robotics enthusiasts who wish to further their knowledge and skills in the field of aerial robotics.
@Credit BITCRAZE
