Hello! First post here.
I believe I have an idea, so far that NO ONE has mentioned. It either is so deep inside the dark web or I just haven't found it yet.
My idea of what I'd LOVE to start, (but I'm entry level but willing to learn) is a Autonomous Rover, with the base of a box or similar design. Here's the catch that makes this so unique. With sensors to detect objects all around it, I want it to be just like the robot, small in design though, just like Ironman has in the movies. So that's the concept I share, but this is what I want it to be able to do.
Features:
1. Follow me, track color.
2. Detect obstacles.
3. Hold small objects in a claw.
4. Has storage for the claw to store stuff it finds.
5. Is able to move easily.
6. Send SMS alerts to your phone.
For a visual concept:
The front sensor has a head that looks left to right.
The body is a box on tracks or wheels.
A claw and arm on top, being able to reach inside the box frame to store and pick up objects.
Cost:
Can anyone find me a link? Or even good parts? I'm so into this that I'll give 10 bucks PayPal for just information on how to start. I need links to good parts!
turtlebot
go to youtube and look at the turtlebot videos and you will see most of what you have described
Brainstorming
1. Follow me, track color.
There are a variety of methods to create a robot which follows something moving - outside this tends to be GPS (mounted both on the robot and the object being tracked), while indoors you might get away with IR. Tracking color in 3D space tends to require a camera, whereas on a surface you can get away with a color sensor. Take a look:
https://www.robotshop.com/en/sensors.html
https://www.robotshop.com/en/cameras-vision-sensors.html
2. Detect obstacles.
For indoors - IR and ultrasonic work best (as well as a scanning laser if budget allows). Ourdoos, ultrasonic and scanners work well. Contact (bump switches) work in both cases. Cameras are great but require more complex programming.
https://www.robotshop.com/en/infrared-light-sensors.html
https://www.robotshop.com/en/ultrasonic-range-finders.html
https://www.robotshop.com/en/contact-sensors.html
3. Hold small objects in a claw.
Just need a gripper, and as you described one or two additional degrees of freedom (a small arm).
https://www.robotshop.com/en/catalogsearch/result/?q=gripper&order=relevance&dir=desc
4. Has storage for the claw to store stuff it finds.
Up to you how to design this.
5. Is able to move easily.
Indoors on smooth floors - 2WD is simple and effective, while outdoors on rougher terrain, 4WD, 6WD and tracks.
https://www.robotshop.com/en/wheeled-development-platforms.html
6. Send SMS alerts to your phone.
There are boards to help you do this, along with sample code.
