I’d like to introduce a project that I’ve been working on for a couple weeks now.
I’ve got it modeled up and the chassis pieces have been sent off to be laser cut. I’ve got another company working on some of the custom brackets i’m using, so this thing should be coming together pretty soon.
The wheels that i’m using are from Acroname, and if anyone wants the SolidWorks 07 files for anything you see in this assembly, just let me know.
Also, thanks to whomever created the models of the Servo Erector Brackets and the SSCII. That saved me some time!
Here are a couple pics, let me know what you think.
The IR Illuminators are from Polaris Video, and each has a range of about 20’. They also feature built in photocells, so they will turn on when it gets dark, and back off when there is enough light.
I’ve still not decided on what microcontroller to use. The goal of this project is to have a remote operated vehicle that will give feedback to the user based on various sensors.
This project is really just to see if I can make it work.
I’ve built a robot that’s pretty similar to this one, but it was just controlled via RF. I found that when driving the bot by using the camera, that it was actually pretty difficult, especially when manuvering around obstacles. You lose your sense of depth.
So, I decided to throw some sensors in the mix. I plan on creating a program that will display the video feed from the camera, as well as the data received from the sensors. That will make it a lot more fun and capable. Also, I plan to make it become fully autonomous when you send the signal to do so, or if wireless communication is lost.
Also, the chassis is being made out of Lexan, and it’s costing about $30 total, and it’s being laser cut right here in town.
And the metal brackets are being made free of cost. Its a company hook up thing…
Everything else is just parts that you can buy off the web.
This evening I will take some pictures of the bot I previously created and post them up for you guys to take a look at.
Ah, I see. I’ts really interesting indeed, and I guess I speak for us all when I say I love pictures.
I know about a few places around here were I live where they work with metal, turning, milling etc… My moms fionce knows some of the people too, so I guess I could get both metal or some of their services relatively cheap if I need something. It’s interesting though.
Before I start out on my own I will have to check out some of the lynxmotion robots. And maybe get some higher education before I start on my own.
Sure this isn’s just something you will learn while using the robot?
Any particular reason you are using IR illumination instead of regular lighting? IR is good for fixed survellance cams that want to remain hidden, but it’s value on a robot is some what questionable.
As far as driving a bot without stero-vision, its not impossible, but it is more challenging.
Just try wearing an eye patch for a day.
I decided on IR for the simple fact that it’s more “stealthy.” 8)
Also, if anyone is interested in copying this design, each chassis (upper and lower) can be cut out of a single piece of Black Lexan that Lynxmotion sells.
Wow! The last two pictures in the first post are simply amazing! Those were exported using SW? I thought the last one was real for a second.
Looks like an interesting project. You can easily control the SSC-32 (im guessing SSCII was a typo?) with the Basic Atom or a PICmicro. Both are easy to work with. I find the PICmicro to be a cheaper solution. Like $5-10 for a micro + $15 for a basic serial programmer.
Thanks! Those were rendered with Photoworks, which is an add-in for SolidWorks. That’s what I do all day for the Company I work for, so prototyping in CAD is just second nature to me.
Glad you caught that typo! I did mean SSC-32. I’m leaning toward the Atom for control, but i’m still open to other options at this time. I’ve still got quite a bit of research to do. I’m getting the mechanical side of it complete, then I will move on to the software side.
I’ve actually got 3 different laptops. The big Dell in those pics is like my portable desktop pc. Its big, heavy, and powerful. The VAIO is the one I take with me when I travel, and I also use it in conjunction with the Dell. And my HP laptop stays in my Landcruiser and functions as a GPS/Carputer…
This is primarily an indoor bot, HOWEVER, the drive servo mounting brackets can be mounted to the bottom of the chassis, and this provides a bunch of ground clearance.
I like to keep it low, so that it can go under things that most bots couldn’t.
Also, with all 4 wheels driving it, it has a lot of power. It can easily push a 2 liter bottle of soda around the kitchen (the bottle is standing up of course, not just rolling around).
It fits under beds and should even fit in the vent system of a house, so you could do some inspection.
I’ve actually got 3 different laptops. The big Dell in those pics is like my portable desktop pc. Its big, heavy, and powerful. The VAIO is the one I take with me when I travel, and I also use it in conjunction with the Dell. And my HP laptop stays in my Landcruiser and functions as a GPS/Carputer…
