Gizmo

What it does

Gizmo's modular robot system fights industrial e-waste and makes automation accessible. Its modules are easily repaired or adapted for new tasks, ending costly obsolescence. This brings powerful, flexible automation to small workshops and innovators.

Your inspiration

Why, despite what science fiction films have long predicted, do we still rarely encounter robots that genuinely improve our quality of life? We believe the reason lies in the absence of the very trait that made smartphones so widespread — universality. We aim to bring this same principle into robotics by designing a system capable of supporting us in essential, everyday tasks — but not limited to just those. Our goal is to create a robot that can be used to build other, more complex machines. In this way, a single construction can serve multiple functions without the need for a radical redesign of the original robot.

How it works

Gizmo are modular robots that can be connected in series or in parallel, forming machines tailored to specific tasks. The operator defines their topology and selects a master unit responsible for communication (PLC or PC) and emergency system shutdown. A key feature of the solution is flexibility: users can design entire machines digitally and test them before physical assembly. Thanks to standardized components and an intuitive connection system, Gizmo-based constructions can be easily modified, integrated with legacy equipment, and adapted to changing needs. A failure doesn't halt operations — simply replace the faulty module. This is an accessible, scalable solution for small businesses and innovators, redefining how we think about automation and system repairability.

Design process

The initial concept involved modules with three motors arranged 120 degrees apart. We tested two types of connections: spring-based and ball joint. Unfortunately, both had significant drawbacks — at large deflections, they did not provide linear control, which made stable robot operation difficult. To solve the problem, we simplified the drive mechanism by using a cross-link connection of servo horns with a 180° range of motion. This eliminated control issues and simplified the design. The current version of the robot consists of two motion segments and one control segment. Each motion segment contains a single servo connected with metal horns and enclosed in a protective tube, which also ensures continuity of electrical signals between robots. The control segment integrates both motion segments, houses sensors and user interfaces, and includes bumpers that protect the electronics from damage.

How it is different

Our project stands out for its exceptional versatility, making it an innovative solution on the market. A machine built from Gizmo robots offers remarkable flexibility, serving both as a precise manipulator and a simple mobile robot. Its modular design allows it to adapt to various work surfaces and environments, significantly increasing its versatility and usefulness across a wide range of applications. An additional advantage is the ease of repair and maintenance. In the event of a unit failure, the faulty robot can simply be replaced with a new one, greatly simplifying the servicing process. As a result, machine downtime is minimized and operational efficiency is maintained. Our project not only introduces technologically advanced solutions but also places strong emphasis on ease of maintenance and adaptability, making it a unique choice in the modern robotics systems market.

Future plans

In the next stages, we plan to enhance the mobility of machines composed of Gizmo robots and fully automate the connection process through a module self-recognition feature. This will allow an operator equipped with only a PC to freely configure machines within a defined workspace. In parallel, we are developing a new version of the robot’s design and a reconfiguration system that will enable dynamic machine assembly without human involvement. We also plan to implement flexible actuators inspired by soft robotics.

Awards

SITE – Award in the Best Poster category granted by the Program Committee https://www.facebook.com/elektryczny.pw SpaceConnect – Project awarded at the SPACE CONNECT 2025 conference https://esabroker.pl/sckonkurs25/