RESEARCH: Dr. Robot X80PRO - Mobile Robot Development Platform
http://www.drrobot.com/products_item.asp?itemNumber=X80Pro
http://www.soft-tech.com.au/X80/
X80 is a solid 2WD robot platform which has a unique but every effective and interesting architecture. It offers distributed platform which allows the heavy computing to occurred at the networked server/computer rather than everything in the built in computer (usually small and under powered due to the lack of space and power in the body of the robot).
X80Pro is an upgraded version of X80, it has everything X80 has plus extras of 3 more sonar sensors (DUR5200), Tilting sensor, (DTA5102), Temperature sensor (DAT5280), IR remote control module (MIR5538), IR remote controller (DIR5538), the 128x64 mono graphic display (MGL5128) and two stronger (550oz-in, 40Kg.cm) motors.
Mechanical and Control Highlights:
Two 12V motors with over 550oz.-inch(40kg.cm) torque each
7 inch driving wheel
Max speed of 0.75 m/sec
Dimensions:
38.0 cm (15 inch) diameter
25.5 cm (10 inch) height
Weight: 3.5 kg
Large top mounting deck for additional devices such as a notebook computer
Additional carrying payload:
15 kg
40 Kg (Optional, please contact info@drrobot.com for detail)
Pre-programmed fine speed and position control achieved by an integrated PMS5005 module employing two 800 count per wheel-cycle quadrature encoders.
Electronic System Highlights:
Fully integrated WiFi (802.11g) system with dual serial communication channels (max of 912.6 Kbps per channel), supporting both UDP and TCP/IP protocol.
Full color video and two-way audio capability. (CMOS color image module and audio module are fully integrated.)
Battery: 3700mAh with over 3 hours for nominal operation.
Collision detection sensors include 6 sonar range sensors and 7 IR range sensors
2 Pyroelectric Human Motion Sensors
Some Youtube links
RESEARCH: Ubiquity Robotics - Magni
https://www.ubiquityrobotics.com/
Magni seems to be an excellent robot platform based on the ROS (Robot OS). I particularly like the large payload that it can support.
Related resources
RESEARCH: Robotis Turtlebot3 Burger
TurtleBot3 is a new generation mobile robot that’s modular, compact and customizable.
Let's explore ROS and create exciting applications for education, research and product development.
Platform/OS: ROS
Actuators: 2x Dynamixel XL430-W250-T
SBC: Raspberry Pi Model B, 1GB RAM, WiFi
Size: 138mm × 178mm × 192mm
Operating Time: About 2hr 30m
Sensors:
360°LiDAR - Detection distance of 12cm ~ 3.5m
3-Axis gyroscope
3-Axis accelerometer
3-Axis magnetometer
Raspberry Pi Camera Module V2 (not included, but can be attached)
Robotis Product Site
http://www.robotis.us/turtlebot-3/
PROJECT: Micromouse Robot Simulator
(above) a simulated Micromouse simulator (mms) by Mr. Mac World
BACKGROUND - I often hear the difficulty of getting into robotics due to many barriers. The robotics require good understanding of electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and software engineering. However, many people who enter into robotics (and mostly students who are eager to get started in robotics) buy a robot kit just to have it assembled, run a few line following programs, and have it sit in the shelf. I think the right approach is to get him started right into programming robots bypassing all the barrier due to mechanical issues, expensive actuators, and soldering mistakes. An open source micro mouse simulator seems to be the right tool for such use case. A beginner can just download the software package, copy it over to his computer, run the sim app with the choice of pre-made algorithms. Watch how each algorithm deals with the problem differently, and slowly apply his owning thinking and see the impact. As the knowledge grow, he can apply it to the hardware dealing with other mechanical and electrical problems, becoming a better engineer/scientist.
MICROMOUSE SIMULATOR - There are many simulators that are open source. The simulator makes it easy to write and try the maze-solving algorithm without a physical robot. One I chose is the mms (see above pic). mms runs without having to be installed and supports various languages including C/C++, Python, Java, and Arduino C library. Once packaged up, you can just tweak the main code to control the mouse robot and have the status displayed on the text window. This also have a rabbit/fast mode which will help you try your algorithm quickly.
mms Github site - https://github.com/mackorone/mms
PROJECT STATUS: In Progress
I got the application setup on my MacBook & ran the basic code that uses the popular strategy of following the left wall until it found the target (one of the maze that comes with the mms is designed to defeat this popular algorithm)
Currently working on designing an algorithm that mimics the AI Reinforcement Learning by implementing scoring system for the x-axis, y-axis, and movement. Rewarding 1 point as it gets closer to the center (the goal of the maze is get to the center) and loses 1 point as it gets further away from the center. This way the robot will have the tendency to favor moving to the center of the board (this is what a human does when he/she has to find something at the big department store) while favoring quicker search due to the movement counter.
This is just a vague idea, so I will have to write the codes and test it out utilizing the power of fast run mode.
Reference - WIP
One more thing - I always favor adding extra constraints while designing a solution for a tough problem. Below is the YouTube video of a toy robot for solving maze problem. What I really like is the fact the engineer/student did not look for ways to complain or replace the faulty hobby servos that is not accurate. Rather, he found a way to have the robot reset its position by gently bumping in to the wall before turning 90 degrees left or right ensuring accurate turn. I really do believe this way of cleaver thinking and utilizing everything around the problem (thinking outside the box) is what sets a great engineer apart. Great work and I’ve also learned a lot from this video as well.
PROJECT: Yahboom Omniduino Smart Robot (Omnidirectional 4WD Mecanum Wheel Smart Robot Car + FPV Camera)
Omniduino is a mini omnidirectional robot car with ATmega328P chip as the processor, which can easily achieve 360 ° movement in any direction. 5 pairs of infrared obstacle avoidance sensors are distributed around and in front of it, so that it can identify obstacles in the blind zone, thereby achieving a comprehensive obstacle avoidance function. On-board MPU6050 gyroscope , which can automatically calibrates the movement direction of the car through an algorithm. An external WiFi camera PTZ supports iOS / Android mobile APP control and real-time video transmission. It also supports PS2 controller remote control, surround, translation, music light and other funny function. If your child, family or friends are interested in the electronic world and robots, this Omniduino kit will be a great choice and perfect gift for them to start the electronic journey.
Instructions & Lessons
Descriptions - other
wheels option
WORK IN PROGRESS — Build Phase
STATUS: Hardware assembly compete; issue with uploading initial code to the Arduino control board
RESEARCH: NVIDIA Jetson Nano Developer Kit & Jetson Xavier NX
Page moved to the ‘Robot Components’ section.
RESEARCH: DFRobot Romeo - a Robot Control Board with Motor Driver based on Arduino
Page moved to the ‘Robot Components’ section.
RESEARCH: Actobotics Rover Kit
Actobotics has various rover robot frame kits with motors that is solid and snaps together quickly. As the parts are made of rugged plastic, it withstand common dings of operating a moving robot while allowing for easy modificaiton. Below are some of the types of different rovers that can be useful for different projects.
Junior Runt Rover
Dimension: 7 x 4.4 x 2.1 inches
Voltage: 4.5VDC
No Load Speed: 140RPM
No Load Current: 190mA
Max. Load Current: 250mA
Torque: 800 gf-cm
The Junior kit is designed so you can mount a servo for easy addition of scanning sensors, gripper kits, or arms. The kit is mostly snap-together, only requiring a Phillips Head Screwdriver for assembly!
Whippersnapper Runt Rover
Dimension: 7.4 x 7.6 x 3.1 inches
Voltage: 4.5VDC
No Load Speed: 140RPM
No Load Current: 190mA
Max. Load Current: 250mA
Torque: 800 gf-cm
The Whippersnapper is designed so you can mount a servo for easy addition of scanning sensors, gripper kits, or arms. The kit is mostly snap-together, only requiring a Phillips Head Screwdriver for assembly!
Bogie Runt Rover
Dimension: 10.7 x 9.9 x 5.9 inches
Voltage: 4.5VDC
No Load Speed: 140RPM
No Load Current: 190mA
Max. Load Current: 250mA
Torque: 800 gf-cm
The Bogie kit is designed with an awesome Rocker-Bogie suspension making it great for climbing over tough obstacles. With nearly 5” of ground clearance and 5” of flex this little bot is so much fun to drive! Powerful gearmotors driving six high-traction rubber tires gives the Bogie amazing climbing capabilities.
Half-Pint Runt Rover
Dimension: 7.4 x 7.7 x 4.8 inches
Voltage: 4.5VDC
No Load Speed: 140RPM
No Load Current: 190mA
Max. Load Current: 250mA
Torque: 800 gf-cm
The Half-Pint boasts a huge storage chassis that provides ample space for batteries, electronics and other components. The kit is mostly snap-together, only requiring a Phillips Head Screwdriver for assembly!
WORK IN PROGRESS ——
PWM motor controller for Bogie Runt Rover
https://www.robotshop.com/community/forum/t/best-pwm-motor-controller-for-the-bogie-runt-rover/56000
RESEARCH: Dagu Wild Thumper 6WD All Terrain Rover
Chassis Kit:
The kit includes the chassis and wheels & motors (with 2 choices of gears), so you will need to provide the electronics and sensors to meet your needs.
Description:
The most rugged and beefy robot chassis in its price range. The Wild Thumper 6-Wheel platform is the best of both worlds: It takes almost no time to go from un-boxing to rolling chassis, but it's also ready to be expanded on and makes great base stock for a serious 'bot.
Each of the six motors are mounted on independent suspension and outfitted with 34:1 (or 75:1) steel gearboxes (no more stripped gears!). The motors are wired together on a terminal strip inside the 2mm thick anodized metal frame and can be controlled on two channels (left and right). The entire chassis is perforated with 10mm pitched, 4mm diameter mounting holes and there is plenty of room interior to the chassis for batteries, drivers and other support hardware. The chassis comes with 6 of those gnarly Dagu 120mm off-road wheels.
Because there are six motors total, each channel of your motor driver will need to be able to supply a decent amount of current to get things moving. This is a differential drive platform, meaning that a turn in accomplished by simply driving one side faster or slower than the other, or turning the two sides in opposite directions. Because the "pivot point" of this turn is essentially made up of the opposing three tires a gradual turn will require less power than a sharp one and the more power you can source, the more maneuverable your platform will be.
Made from 2mm thick anodized aluminum plate with stainless steel and nickel plated brass fittings. It is provided with 6 powerful steel geared motors, spiked tractor tyres and a "Super Twist" suspension system to keep all wheels on the ground. This chassis will let your robot go almost anywhere. Each unit comes pre-assembled in a colour printed box. Wheels only need to be fitted with supplied allen key. A simple printed manual is included.
Specifications:
Rated voltage: 6V DC (Min. 2V- Max. 7.5V)
Stall current: maximum 5.5A
Maximum Locked current of 5.5A
No load current per motor: 350mA
Motor RPM: 10000 + / - 5%
Gear Box speed ratio: 75:1 or 34:1
Output shaft speed: 295rpm + / - 5%
Stall torque is 4Kg/cm
Locked-rotor torque: 4Kg/cm
Maximum load: 5kg
Spiked tractor tires
"Super Twist" suspension system
Daegu Product Support - https://sites.google.com/site/daguproducts/
WORK IN PROGRESS ——
Pololu posting on Wild Thumper 6WD
https://forum.pololu.com/t/dagu-wild-thumper-6wd/11836
Controller for WT 6WD
https://www.robotshop.com/community/forum/t/controller-for-wild-thumper-6wd/25988
Wild Thumper Controller
https://sites.google.com/site/daguproducts/home/tutorials/understanding-wild-thumper
http://cdn.sparkfun.com/datasheets/Robotics/Wild%20Thumper%20Controller%20Instructions.pdf
RESEARCH: NASA Open Source Rover
JPL Open Source Rover
Github
Other articles
https://opensource.com/article/18/12/nasa-jpl-rover-build-your-own
https://aws.amazon.com/blogs/robotics/join-the-aws-jpl-open-source-rover-challenge/
https://www.wevolver.com/wevolver.staff/nasa.jpl.open.source.rover/master/blob/Overview.md
Amazon - User Manual
DYI Project - Youtube
Rover Competitions
Rover Robot - Research Phase
Misc
Frames
Wild Thumper 6WD Chassis -
Dagu Rover 5 Tracked Chassis -
Yhabooms SMT32 Visual Tracking Robot - https://category.yahboom.net/collections/ai-robotics/products/stm32visualcar
Sparkfun Wild Advanced Autonomous Kit - https://www.sparkfun.com/products/15303
Lynxmotion Predator 6WD Kit - https://www.robotshop.com/en/lynxmotion-predator-6-wheel-sumo-kit-no-electronics-sr2-kt.html
Summit XL 4WD - https://www.robotshop.com/en/summit-xl-4wd-autonomous-robot.html
Leo Rover 4WD - https://www.robotshop.com/en/leo-rover-4wd-developer-kit-unassembled.html
Gears Mobile SMP Platform - https://www.robotshop.com/en/smp-four-encoder-version.html
Controllers
Robotshop - https://www.robotshop.com/en/robot-parts.html
Sparkfun - https://www.sparkfun.com/search/results?term=rover
Sparkfun OO - https://www.sparkfun.com/products/retired/11057
PROJECT VISION & GOALS
VISION
Outdoor search and rescue robot research - Not only an important subject in universities, but also leads to the development direction of military applications.
GOALS - 2020
Research on the existing robot platforms and get status of the development
Acquire selected robot platforms (hardware & software)