Robotics Startup: Arduino & Raspberry Pi Mobility with Plywood

  • Thread starter Thread starter jedishrfu
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around a robotics startup that has developed a robotic cat using Arduino and Raspberry Pi technology, constructed from laser-cut plywood. Participants explore the implications of this technology in terms of functionality, comparison to real pets, and its potential as a STEM educational resource.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express admiration for the robotic cat's design and functionality, noting its intelligent construction.
  • Others suggest that the concept could be expanded to include other pets, both real and imagined.
  • There are claims that the robotic cat lacks the charm and unpredictability of a real cat, with some participants emphasizing that it cannot replace genuine pet experiences.
  • Participants discuss the educational aspect, mentioning that the robotic cat is marketed as a STEM resource for children to assemble and program.
  • Some participants humorously question the robotic cat's ability to mimic typical cat behaviors, such as knocking things off shelves or chasing laser pointers.
  • Concerns are raised about the aesthetic of the robotic cat, with one participant describing it as resembling a skeleton.
  • There is a mention of practical advantages, such as the absence of a need for a litter box.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that while the robotic cat is an interesting technological development, it does not serve as a true replacement for a real cat. Multiple views exist regarding its functionality and appeal, with some participants appreciating its educational value while others remain skeptical about its ability to replicate the experience of owning a real pet.

Contextual Notes

Some limitations in the discussion include varying definitions of what constitutes a suitable pet replacement, differing opinions on the educational value of the robotic cat, and unresolved questions about its capabilities compared to real cats.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in robotics, pet technology, educational tools in STEM, and discussions on the implications of robotic companions may find this thread relevant.

jedishrfu
Mentor
Insights Author
Messages
15,688
Reaction score
10,494
Here's a video on a recent robotics startup:



It features mobility using an Arduino and optionally a Raspberry Pi using laser-cut plywood.

Looks like @Evo can have more kittens for her collection.
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: rootone, QuantumQuest, Greg Bernhardt and 2 others
Computer science news on Phys.org
Saw that in the mail from Arduino. Quite intelligently built (though I have no fascination for cats). The work has taken them quite a long time to complete, I believe.
 
Quite impressive !

And it won't leave freshly dead rats under the kitchen table !
 
No substitute for a real cat. I don't even prefer cats over dogs. Just no substitute for a genuine actual cat. Try giving catnip to that robotic thing. Not so impressive. Where's the fun?
 
symbolipoint said:
No substitute for a real cat. I don't even prefer cats over dogs. Just no substitute for a genuine actual cat. Try giving catnip to that robotic thing. Not so impressive. Where's the fun?

It’s touted as a STEM resource. Kids can assemble it and program it to do tricks...
 
Very cool but not quite there yet in terms of actual cat replacement :biggrin:
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: QuantumQuest
Greg Bernhardt said:
Very cool but not quite there yet in terms of actual cat replacement :biggrin:
Yeah, can it knock things off of a shelf for no reason?
 
Isn't it gruesome? It looks like a skeleton cat?
 
  • #10
But will it chase a Laser pointer?
 
  • #11
No need for litter box and no poo poo to clean
 

Similar threads

USB tethering the Raspberry Pi 5 to Android Phone (no DNS)
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Electronics Physics experiments with Arduino and Raspberry Pi
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Raspberry Pi board projects and advice?
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
6K
Electronics Can a Social Distancing Robot Help Us Stay Connected?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Raspberry Pi bluetooth audio problem after upgrade
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Making a robot to help around my farm
  • · Replies 38 ·
2
Replies
38
Views
4K
Electrical Raspberry Pi Zero W receiver / transmitter
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Construction Project Idea involving Thermodynamics, Robotics and AI?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
12V Tractor Battery supply: Losing Power Supply
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
Computer Recommendations: Project inspiration w/ a budget
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K