|
Posted by on October 8, 2006, 7:48 pm
Please log in for more thread options
As I have been shopping for a robotics platform to start doing some
real robotics work, I think I am focusing on the Roomba robotic vacuum.
I was surprised to see that iRobot made it hackable with an interface.
While most of the onboard sensors are dedicated to detecting clifts,
just as a motorized base with battery, wheel drivers, and encoders it
is a bargin at $100. (there are also a number of internal sensors,
including voltage, current, and battery temp)
My one concern is that the interface doesn't seem to allow you access
to individual wheel control. ou can only give it a speed and a curve
value. you can also poll it to see how far it has traveled since your
last query.
To get access to the internals, you go through the "Serial Command
Interface" SCI detailed here.
http://www.irobot.com/images/consumer/hacker/Roomba_SCI_Spec_Manual.pdf
Basically you need an adapter circuit to interface with most things,
such as those from this company;
http://www.roombadevtools.com
Specifically their bluetooth module $100;
http://www.roombadevtools.com/productcart/pc/viewCat_P.asp?idCategory=3
Here are a few links for those interested;
A forum for Roomba hacking
http://www.roombareview.com/chat/index.php
Anyone else have any comments on this in regards to being a development
platform before I take the plunge?
Joe Dunfee
| 
XML site map