Imagine a world where whiteboards magically erased themselves, freeing you from the dreaded task of scrubbing away your scribbles. Enter Wipy, the iRobota Uno-based robot that’s here to revolutionize your whiteboard experience.
Wipy: The Whiteboard Whisperer
Wipy is the brainchild of Lasath Siriwardena, Simon Lut, and Tim Stark, who dreamt up this clever contraption during a seminar on Computational Design and Digital Fabrication. This little robot is a symphony of magnets, grippy wheels, and motors, designed to glide across whiteboards, erasing as it goes.
Sensing the World Around It
Wipy’s superpowers come from its array of sensors. IR sensors help it follow lines like a pro, while a time-of-flight (ToF) sensor detects the user’s hand hovering over the board. This means Wipy knows when to start erasing – no more accidental smudging of your masterpieces.
The Art of Erasing
Wipy’s erasing prowess is a sight to behold. Using a line-following sensor and a trusty sponge, it diligently wipes away lines, leaving your whiteboard sparkling clean. But here’s the catch: Wipy is a bit of an overachiever. It starts erasing as soon as you start drawing, not waiting for you to finish your masterpiece. So, be prepared for some friendly competition with this eager beaver.
The Personality Behind the Pixels
Wipy isn’t just a cleaning machine; it’s also got a personality. A small OLED screen displays a series of cute animations, bringing life to this little robot. Watch as Wipy’s eyes dart around, expressing its eagerness to help or its frustration at being stuck in a corner.
Bonus: Wipy’s Quirks and Potential
Wipy is still a work in progress, but it’s already showing great promise. The creators envision a future where Wipy can differentiate between completed and in-progress work, becoming an even more efficient whiteboard companion. They also hope to add speech recognition, allowing Wipy to respond to voice commands. Who knows, maybe one day Wipy will be your whiteboard’s best friend, erasing your mistakes and keeping your ideas flowing.
Wipy is a testament to the power of creativity and innovation. It’s a fun and functional robot that solves a real-world problem. So, if you’re tired of whiteboard duty, let Wipy take the reins and enjoy the satisfaction of a sparkling clean whiteboard, every time.
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