Orion: The Traveling Robot (In Progress: Phase 1- Design)

Let's Make Robots Project Ideas
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HitchBot. Ever heard of him?
He was a simple computer as to where he would be taken by kind people as a ‘hitchhiker’ all around the world. His computer allowed his GPS and Camera to take a photo and send it to the home base, also including where he was.
Sadly, he met his end in the US, being torn limb from limb and thrown into a ditch.
I want to take that idea, but a bit of a step up.
Design One: Self-Moving
Right off the bat, I saw two issues:
One: How would it get a battery?
Two: It can’t move fast at all, could it?
I’m very new to robots, and a 14-year-old, so I need help lol. I believe the first problem could be overcome by solar panels, giving the battery charge. The second I have no clue without draining the battery faster then the panels can replenish.
Now onto the idea design:
I kind of want a screen as a face, to show emotions like the original HitchBot. But this one might show the text (assuming I don’t add sound), and Twitter posts if we go through, etc.
Make a small neck for a smooth transition to an oval-shaped body, and tank-like mobility (Idk what it’s called. The strap around the wheels, moving it forward). Black and white, quite simple.
As for technology, I want it to be able to take a photo every hour and be able to send it to me, along with its location. I imagine it could use Google Maps to set a route, possibly traveling halfway across the state, since it’s very slow. There is the option to attempt a live stream, but I don’t think it’s possible since I’m not even sure it could take a photo without wifi and send it to me. Maybe import a portable wifi machine to it?
Next up, sensors. If something approaches it, it stops and talks/the screen makes some text. If something moves or grabs it, it starts beeping and the screen flashing red, also sending a warning to me. Now the issue is that if something grabs it, how can it get its bearings after being moved?
This is a good idea, but now toward the next design:
Design 2: Hitchhiker
Keep the screen and design, but without the mobility. Also keep solar panels, if needed. To clarify, I mean take away the tracks completely. Keep all the technology, and this time instead of a warning when picked up, it flashes text/audio and a smile, asking to be picked up.
If you have ideas on how to get started on this, let me know! I think it would be a fun project.
I’ll post picture designs later.
If you got questions, I’m open to answering.
Signing off for now,
Strike

Update one: Brainstorm
Alright, I discussed it further with a friend.
Just some more additions: for solar panels we could add a backpack. The panels can be lifted (upon unlocking so the panels dont bounce while moving) and people could put notes and items for others to find OR trash. This idea is so people near it could throw away things :slight_smile:
I found a motor I think might work, but I’m concerned about battery supply. I also stuck with the idea for audio and eyes on the computer screen, for more personality.
I’ll update later tonight probably.
Update 2: Lighting and Crash
If Orion crashes whilst talking to a person, the screen will show this text:
Hi! I’m Orion. I seemed to have had an internal error, whether speaking to someone or just hitting something that wasn’t there before. Give me some time while I get my bearings…
Wheels: Leveled/Crooked
Camera: Online
Elevation: Normal
GPS: Online
Wi-Fi Connectivity: Online

Update 3: Cameras
More design updates!
I saw a thermal imaging camera online and thought that would be a great way for Orion to differentiate between humans and background, and ability to get around objects.
Along with that, I thought of another way if the thermal imaging is proven incorrect. After introducing himself, Orion will wait 15 seconds. If there are no words or the screen is not tapped, he will move on. No time to waste!
The shell design is being worked on. I’ll post the design as soon as it’s finished :slight_smile:
I want to code Orion to be able to tell me how he’s doing; My battery is normal and I am getting power. Or my battery is low and it’s night. I have gone into battery conservation mode.
If he has a conversation, he will send:
“I just had a lovely conversation with [Name]! Here’s the transcript:”
However, this is still far off. I have resources to begin work.
Signing off for now~
Version 1 Design
Orion V1
Tablet for a face, subtitles below eyes when speaking. Round head with speakers as ears, and a rounded back with a flat belly to avoid, if tumbling, rolling off course. A black stripe across the chest to resemble a knapsack, which has a solar panel for a lid, charging the tablet and wheels batteries.
Track wheels. Although this will slow Orion down, it will help him keep his traction. He will turn by stopping one track and pivoting on the other.
Unknown motor for now.
Planning to use Audrino.

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Hello again @Strike :smile:

Actually, I hadn’t heard about him but I did a quick search on google and it looks like a nice little robot, such a shame what happened to him :pensive:

Powering the robot shouldn’t be much of a problem, you could use a battery pack and if you need some guidance with that you could check out the How Do I Choose a Battery? tutorial. I don’t know how much you want him to stay up and running but sounds like you want it to be autonomous so I guess you wouldn’t be able to charge him up so the solar panel idea sounds like a nice option, maybe this products could give you some ideas.

About the speed, that will depend on the motors you choose but by choosing tracked (I guess that is what you meant by tank-like mobility) over wheeled you will loose some speed but gain some traction, you can read more about platform choices on the How to Make a Robot tutorial series (Also, I think this guide will really help you out in your project).

I like the idea of having a screen face to show emotions (and it would be even better if you add sounds). For taking pictures you will, of course, need a camera and you could either save them on an sd card and send them trough internet when the robot finds a connection (you would need a wifi module for that). For sensors there are many options but you will probably need an ultrasonic sensor for measuring distancen and maybe a PIR for detecting motion, you will also need a display for the face and a speaker for the voice.

Finally, in case this is your first project I suggest starting with a simpler design, maybe just a tracked robot with an Arduino as a brain and an ultrasonic sensor as eyes and start adding more stuff to that. You can also find some inspiration in the Robots section where you can also share your project and by doing so, you could be eligigle to participate in the Robot of the month contest! Here are the details.

Good luck with your project and let us know if you need any more guidance :smiley:

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Hey there! After more brainstorming I came up with the first design on paper, which I have not yet uploaded. If you look up, I posted my first update on more ideas. I plan to use the tablet’s speakers (I think I’ll use android) for the voice and animations. Thanks so much for the sensors! Also, any idea on how big this guy should be?
His name is Orion.

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Also I forgot to ask: Is it a good idea to put in a portable wifi thing? Idk what it’s called, but it’s portable wifi. I see them all the time

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That is great, I hope to see the design soon. The tablet idea is nice and I also like the idea of having a place to put notes or trash but that will, of course, require some space so I guess Orion (cool name btw) shouldn’t be too small, but it is up to you how big it is. I’m not sure if you are planning on making the platform yourself or buying a chassis, either way here are some models.

About the portable wifi, I have no experience with those so I can’t say if it’s a good idea or not. If someone has some experience with those feel free to jump in the conversation :grinning:. Anyways, as I said before, I recommend starting with something simple and going up from there, it is great that you have so many cool ideas but for now you should try to focus on the basics, a great place to start is the tutorial I mentioned before:

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Fantastic! Thanks.

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I’m not sure how wifi is going to work, how will someone or Orion enter WEP password for a selected wifi hotspot and how will the bot know which network to join without user intervention? Keep in mind that even free hotspots like Starbucks, McDonalds or even hotels require a user to select the network and click “OK” to terms and agreements.

It’s probably better to go with a cell phone data provider, but then you add a monthly cost to project… but since the entire project has a cost associated with it and it’s going to be sent out into the world unaccompanied, it may be nice to know where it was last seen if it goes offline due to mischief.

You can use something like ARDUINO MKR GSM 1400 that could be configured to upload data to the cloud once a day which can be coordinates and pictures or any other information that you wish. The MKR board could also be utilized as a brain.

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Great to know! The hotspot that Orion would use would have its own password, and stay connected 24/7. The plan was to use the cheapest possible, as he didn’t really need to be using super fast Wi-Fi, just enough to get data.
I’ll check out ARDUINO MKR GSM 1400 later tonight. I appreciate your help!~

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I’m assuming that by wifi hotspot, you mean cellular data plan? Keep in mind that a a 802.11 (WiFi Network) only has a range of approximately 300 feet without repeaters. The bot will lose the network connection once it leaves the general vicinity of where you configure it.

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Yes. I’m still figuring it out, but that’s what I’m planning :slight_smile:

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Right now we’re working on coding. Having issues with object avoidance-- I think the sensor I got isn’t working properly. That’s possible.
Otherwise, we have just started and got the main components together to be able to code it now, and just encase it with the robot.
I’ll update as this project goes along.

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@Strike what are you using as a brain? and which sensor isn’t working properly?