Hackaday · Creativity & design

Hackaday Europe 2026: Taking Robots Outdoors

Erin Kennedy's Hackaday Europe 2026 talk encourages builders to take their robots beyond the lab, focusing on practical design for outdoor environments and public interaction.

Kennedy's work involves robots designed for outdoor interaction and environmental cleanup. Her talk covers challenges and solutions for building robots that can survive diverse conditions like beaches and water.

For sandy environments, strategies include moving slowly, elevating motors, and designing bodies that shed sand. Underwater robots face pressure and water ingress issues, addressed with double-o-ring cable glands and marine epoxy.

Underwater retrieval can be aided by a Nalgene bottle with a radio. Long-term underwater challenges include leaks and barnacle accumulation, requiring robust seals, durable hooks, tethers, and bright colors.

Air-inspired robots, like a wind-propelled rover for Mars exploration, showcase innovative design elements for rolling locomotion. "Magic toboggans" can serve as sails, but builders must prepare for uncontrolled movement by staking down robots.

Interacting with the unpredictable outdoor environment, including people and animals, adds an element of adventure. Essential supplies include hydration for humans and spare batteries for robots.

The talk emphasizes the reward of sharing robot projects with the public, normalizing robot hacks by making bots appear friendly or beautiful. Aesthetics play a significant role in public engagement.

The presentation inspires building robots for harsh outdoor environments, drawing parallels to BEAM robotics. With accessible 3D printing and motors, creating outdoor robots is becoming more feasible.

AI-samenvatting op basis van de bron.