Projects

SuperRobot

This project was already started by robobuggy and lfannes before robobuddy was born; the overall goal is to produce a wifi-enabled robot that can be controlled from a PC. It should be able to control the robot without direct visual contact, e.g., via a webcam with images streamed to the PC. If SuperRobot can be steered from our home office into the playhouse in our garden, the project is accomplished, and we will be rewarded with a new robot platform, namely the Wild Thumper.

This project has already following stages completed:

  • Selection of robot kit: Rover5

  • Powering the robot via a lipo and controlling the motors via an H-bridge with an arduino

  • Controlling the arduino via a serial USB connection from a fixed PC and/or Raspberry PI using the link:d9 protocol

  • Reading inputs from a joystick and translating them into link:d9 messages

  • Enabling wifi on Raspberry PI

  • Webcam selection (PS2 cam) and testing on Raspberry PI

  • Integration of the webcam, arduino, Raspberry PI and lipo via makerbeams is done

Todo:

  • Integration of H-bridge and wiring

  • Programming of the control center

  • Winning the award!

RAMIT

RAMIT is planned to be a Robust robot built from AutoMotive Industry parts, with a Tank-like design. The basic idea started already a few years ago, the following design is envisioned:

  • Windscreen wiper motors to drive the tank treads. These motors are cheap, run on 12V DC, are robust and come with reduction box installed. On the down-side, these motors are probably not very efficient.

  • Bicycle or motorcycle chains as treads. These are basically for free, can be easily adjusted, and cog-wheels exists in all sizes

  • Motorcycle 12V battery, or a sealed lead-acid battery for power

  • Body chasis welded together from pipes

Todo:

  • Build body chasis, and mount the motors

  • Find a suitable H-bridge