One of the goals of this design was to create the cheapest swarm robot possible. Using DFRobots new CheapDuino and some microservos modified for continuous rotation it is possible to make a batch of 10 of these bots for around $100 USD. Even at this price the robot has a lot of functionality with room for expansion. Here's what I've managed to squeeze in for 10 bucks.
Features:
- Differential drive. (modified 9g micro servos)
- Wheel encoders.
- Bump switch in each corner.
- Rear mounted gripper for manipulating objects or other members of the swarm.
- Transmit and receive infrared data to other members of the swarm.
I've wanted to play with swarm bots for some time now, but the cost added up very quickly
Interacts with other members of the swarm. Shows what a CheapDuino can do.
- Actuators / output devices: 9g micro-servo modified for continuous rotation, 9g servo gripper
- Control method: autonomous
- CPU: CheapDuino(ATMega8)
- Power source: 4x AAA NiMh 850mAh
- Programming language: C++, C
- Sensors / input devices: Bump Switches, Infrared Tx/Rx
- Target environment: indoor
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://community.robotshop.com/robots/show/s-w-a-r-m