mimicArm: Learn to Code Your Own A.I. Robot

What is mimicArm?

mimicArm is a programmable collaborative A.I. robot. Using a building block approach to teaching, users will learn complex robotics programming in a gradual frustration-free way. As soon as it's constructed mimicArm works in manual mode and can execute pre-programmed example programs. Thanks to the intuitive nature of mimicArm, children as young as five can start using mimicArm right away.

When the user is ready to start programming on their own mimicBlock offers a simple drag-and-drop programming environment. More complex programs can be written in C to perform more complex robotic tasks. Learn more about mimicArm here. There are plenty of educational robots out there, but mimicArm is the only true k-12+ robot available. No other educational robot combines the simplicity required for young students with the capability required for more experienced users.

What Does mimicArm do?

As a programmable A.I. collaborative robot (or cobot), mimicArm is a fun way to learn robotics and the foundations of programming robot/human interactions, robot decision making, and machine learning. mimicArm is fun and engaging from the very start. As soon as mimicArm is assembled the user can start using mimicArm in manual mode. Adding the scribbleBot attachment is even more fun.

When the user is ready to start programming, pre-programmed examples ensure that users are able to start fast. The mimicBlock graphical programming language makes it easy for kids to load and alter programs from our website or write programs of their own. (You can download mimicBlock BETA now to see how it works). mimicBlock is similar to other programming curricula commonly used in classrooms and STEAM camps across the world, so it makes a great complement to other tools the user might be using. After learning the basics in mimicBlock more advanced programs can be written in C. These examples get pretty sophisticated, and you can learn more about them here.

What Makes mimicArm Unique?

In manual mode mimicArm uses our patent pending Posi-Feel(tm) technology (learn more), which gives the user intuitive haptic feedback and allows sophisticated delicate manipulation not possible on other servo based robots. This not only provides intuitive feel, reducing operator frustration, but also allows the user to manipulate a variety of objects, from strong and heavy to very fragile. The inputBox (included in our Deluxe kit) comes pre-programmed to allow the user to use different inputs to interact with mimicArm right away. As the user learns to program mimicArm to perform ever more complex tasks they can develop a unique personality for their mimicArm based on the programming choices they make.

There are other robots designed to teach programming, but only mimicArm is uniquely designed to teach interaction between robot and human. Through its unique design and combinations of sensors mimicArm is able to sense it's environment in such a way as to understand what a human is asking it to do. At the simplest, mimicArm can tell if it has grabbed a block it's been offered, while at it's most complex mimicArm is able to detect and reach for blocks, sort by size, communicate it's status, and receive instructions through a microphone or button. It's a great choice for everyone from robot novice to veteran programmer.

Never programmed before? No problem! When you're ready, our simple yet powerful programming software gradually eases you into programming concepts and our downloadable experiments start simple to guide you every step of the way. The mimicArm circuit board takes care of the tough control system tasks so the user can program with simple intuitive commands like robotMove or robotGrab. The experiments incrementally increase in complexity until you're able to program using genuine C code just like the professionals, and your mimicArm becomes a genuine collaborative robot, capable of making decisions and learning. Want to pick up delicate objects without breaking them? mimicArm can do that. Want to record and playback a dance? mimicArm can do that. Need a shop assistant to hold your soldering iron? mimicArm can do that too. Add our available accessories and even more possibilities emerge.

inputBox opens up a world of interactive possibilities inputBox opens up a world of interactive possibilities

mimicArm is the only k-12 educational robot available. mimicArm leverages the popular Arduino microcontrollers and programming environment for nearly infinite expandability as the user’s abilities grow. Want to make mimicArm remote controlled? Use the remote included in our inputBox! Want to record and playback your motions? Use the inputBox microSD card! Want mimicArm to detect and move blocks? Use our IR Distance Sensor! Check out our Experiments Page for examples. Using these capabilities you can take mimicArm from a simple manually controlled robot all the way to an artificial intelligence machine capable of decision making and human interaction.