Robots
Robots are the main star of the show at AREX 2016! Stating the obvious aren’t I. haha.
So the first robot we saw is this:
Okagi Robotics – Lisa and Susan
Very interesting and nice of the robots to bring the deserts to us. But it still feels stiff and not interactive enough, though she does say “Hello.. please excuse me..”, when we were standing in front of her picking on the dessert. Maybe it’s the eyes.. red with pupils hanging in the middle makes it look fierce.
These robots from Okagi move along (what it seems like) magnetic strips taped on to the ground, this will be their fixed path to move around.
NAO
NAO is a humanoid robot, developed by Softbank Robotics, a Japanese company. Their corporate history is very impressive, as we can see that the Founder and CEO, Mr Masayoshi Son, has some powerful sense of what is the Next Big Thing. They seem to be always ahead of time.
(https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/101830/000119312513228092/d541834d425.htm)
So Softbank thinks robots is the future, we think the same and we are more convinced “nao” than before.
3D Printers
This is the largest 3D printer we have ever seen, called the Big Rep, showcased by Chemtron Pte Ltd.
It has a 1 metre-squared work platform, that allows users to print big objects such as the table stand (gradual pink to red colour), signage (beware of dog), and very sturdy stools (bottom right hand side of the picture in yellow and black).
They also have a Digital Light Processing (DLP) printer, that prints very fine models suitable for jewellery casting and dental modelling – http://www.chemtron.com.sg/3d-printers/envisiontec-perfactory-vida-3d-dental-printer/
Last but not least, they showcased their MarkForged Mark Two 3D printer that can print nylon with Kevlar, or with carbon fibre and glass fibre. Metal inserts can be inserted midway of the print.
Takeaway
Definitely a good experience to see so many different robots built for different purposes. Creativity is limitless. This exhibition has inspired us to continue to innovate and work towards building a smart nation.