Would it be possible for the Makeblock mBOT to be operated by another Arduino based device that would record physiological information from an individual (e.g. muscle tension). For example, could increasing or decreasing muscle tension drive the robot? The physiological input would be recorded and visualized on a computer where I’m hoping could then signal the robot.
I know very little about arduino programming and hardware but I’m willing to learn if this robot is the appropriate device (since it’s bluetooth) to achieve this project.
any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated
thanks
Susie
Hi Susie,
The good news is that almost everything is possible with Arduino!
Like you said, the module has Bluetooth connectivity so you could use another Arduino module with Bluetooth host capabilities and use this Arduino board as the master.
We have those products that can do Bluetooth master:
Arduino Bluetooth Master-slave Shield
Bluetooth Master-Slave module for Arduino
There will be some development required. If you are not familiar with Arduino, it might not be easy at first but it will be a good way to learn. It might be a good thing if you know someone with some Arduino knowledge as this is more than a basic project.
If you are interested in measuring muscle activity, we have the sensor module that could be interesting for you: MyoWare Muscle Sensor
It can easily be connected to an Arduino.
We hope this will help you, don’t hesitate if you have any questions.
Best regards,
Hello Simon,
Thank you for the quick reply and the information. Do you think it would be simpler to arrange the system without the Master slave components. For example, could I program the robot to move forward when the physiological parameter reaches a certain threshold as measured by the computer? Would this still require the first arduino divide to have Bluetooth host capability?
My interpretation of your suggestion is that the first arduino device (muscle tension detector) would directly signal the bluetooth enabled robot. If that is the correct interpretation, would creating a program that would activate the robot if and only when a certain signal was received (by the computer from the first arduino device) be simpler? Or would that not work? I’m sorry for the rudimentary questions but this is all new technology to me.
Thanks again!
susie
Hi,
If you do direct communication from the computer to the mBot, then you would not need the other Arduino with the Bluetooth host module. The Computer would be the host in that case.
You can see Bluetooth as a communication channel like a telephone. You can say anything you want, the important thing is that both person at each end of the channel speak the same language.
When the mBot is connected to a computer via Bluetooth, the control application on the computer sends command on the Bluetooth channel. What you will need to do is make an application that “speaks the same language” as the current computer application. So if you want the robot to move forward when one muscle if flex, your application will need to read the muscle value, and when it is above a desired level, send the “Move Forward” command via Bluetooth. For that, you will have to find the communication protocol used by MakeBlock.
This is a lot of information, we hope we did not confuse you too much. The bottom line is, a lot of programming will be required. If you have no programming knowledge, you should find someone who does to help you.
Best regards,
Thank you very much.
It’s all been very helpful, I’m glad to know the robot can be connected with another device.
I am hoping to get help with this in terms of programming and you’re suggestions were a great start,
Take care
Susie
