2013 to-do list. Tell us what you want

[cbenson]

2011 Overview:

I think something that would attract more users to the Servo erector set would be to build a retail box of just that a advanced servo erector “set” include the SCC-32 with a option to upgrade to that nice new arc-32, Then include 6 high toque mid range servos and a bunch of random brackets, tubes, and hubs. Call the box a Starter pack and shoot for around a sub 500 price tag and I think you will have something that can go head to toe with most kits out there. throw in a few projects that can be done with the kit and so forth.

This might be already on the roadmap

Carry a larger array of batteries, I mean li-ion packs and cells as well as a few others with a few nice 70-100dollar chargers to keep them up, also think about carrying dean plugs. we need more power for are batter sucking brat bipeds and arms, we need lighter more energy density packs

Looking into it. LiPos are not as “robust” as NiMh but the prices are coming down a lot, and they certainly allow for a higher discharge rate and capacity for the same weight. Hitec is releasing a range of 7.4V servos as well.

The arc-32 is nice. Are you to retire the scc-32? also I think a Archer type biped made by Zenta would be nice in a kit form. Maybe as a option for the biped scout.

Not any time soon - it’s a great controller. There is a new version of the SSC-32 planned and we got Jim’s prototypes for it (well done to all those who worked on it!). We’ll include some images here as we get closer to production.

Some good battery monitor/UBEC/cut offs specifically designed for the ABB/SSC32/ARC32 would be nice. Something with adjustable cutoffs so can be used on many different config (LiPo)

Not sure… thoughts?

Arduino based SSC-32 Shield. Same logic, code, different form factor.

Interesting. We’ll get through the new SSC-32 first and then look into this.

I’d like to see a longer ASB-11 offset bracket. I’ll compare the ASB-11 to the ASB-09 and would like to see the longer one be like the ASB-10 is to the ASB-09 as far as length goes.

Not sure about this one - what do you guys think?

Bring back the old grippers! Bring back a variety of grippers, ones that involve only a single mini/micro servo to operate…

Did the A-style gripper help with that?

My ultimate wish for an Arduino compatible robot controller would be an Arduino Mega 2560 setup with 3 pin headers, plus separate headers for I2C, SPI, and all UARTS. This would not have to be a competitor for the ARC-32. It would just push the Arduino technology more into the robotics space. A controller like this could bring a lot more people into robotics using a somewhat easier to manage, not to mention Open Source, development environment. It would be sort of like a super RoboDuino.

I’m guessing now that the “ideal” would be based on the Arduino Due rather than the MEGA or MEGA ADK? Personally, it would be nice to find a controller that is capable of simple vision processing but has a large enough user community to make it readily accessible, supported and adopted. The RoBoard might be a good start, but it’s not open source.

A shield for the Mega that will bolt up to our bots. We will make a mega board of our own after we finish the other microcontroller projects we are working on now.

Jim sent us the prototype and it’s well done. Worry is that there are so many other shields out there now which compete with this.

A Botboarduino Jr. that has our 3" x 2.3" footprint but retains the Arduino shield connectors.

Still want it?

I was wondering if the idea of creating a new line of ses brackets to accept Dynamixel AX-12A servos was ever considered? These servos are in a class of their own.

Yes. Currently under consideration.

SES brackets for Dynamixel servos

Obviously since Dynamixel servos start at around $140 (for the RX-24F) and up ($500 for the MX-106R), a 3DoF hexapod would be $2520 in servos alone. Granted, they would allow you to make some pretty large robots (including humanoids).I’m sure everyone would love to see these types of robots…

Quite a while ago, it was mentioned on the forums that a WIFI solution was in the make. Something easily plugged into the SSC-32 that’ll hook you up to WIFI, making your creations easily accessible from anywhere.

You can now connect a WiFi shield / module to the BotBoarduino. There’s no “WiFi shield” option for the SSC-32, but the two can be connected via the Tx and Rx lines.

If there are things I may have missed, feel free to include them in a reply…

2013 Sneak Peeks

You saw the new 3-R Body Kit - Round Mega Size, so you know there’s a new 1/4 scale leg and a huge robot (biggest yet) on their way.

New brackets to continue the SES lineup

So… what things would you like to see?

[keyboard]

Hello,

I would love to see a tutorial, code, app about connecting your robot, (chr-01, Thex, rover, and biped) via bluetooth, wifi to your Smartphone or tablet (eg. android, iphone).
It would be nice for people with multiple robots not to have a controller for every robot and we could make and code as many buttons as we need.

Kind regards,
Codemaster

[innerbreed]

Are the Monthly Competitions returning in 2013.?

[cbenson]

We certainly like competitions here and we’ll see what we can do. Likely not in the coming months, but we’ll likely get the community’s opinion about possible competitions.

[linuxguy]

@CBenson

I’m guessing now that the “ideal” would be based on the Arduino Due rather than the MEGA or MEGA ADK? Personally, it would be nice to find a controller that is capable of simple vision processing but has a large enough user community to make it readily accessible, supported and adopted. The RoBoard might be a good start, but it’s not open source.

Yes, yes, and YES! I’d stand in line to get an Arduino Due type board setup like the BotBoarduino (a reall SWEET little board!).

@CBenson

You can now connect a WiFi shield / module to the BotBoarduino. There’s no “WiFi shield” option for the SSC-32, but the two can be connected via the Tx and Rx lines.

Adafruit has this real sweet WiFi shield for the Arduino that I want to try with my BotBoarduino. I think this would be a real great combination if it works out, for smaller robots.

8-Dale