Overview of the Major Parts

With the brain in hand (ok, not exactly in hand since it is on a multi-month back order) we could still get the parts and configure my laptop as a linux machine to get started on the development.    So here is what we are going to use as our robot platform:

The Brain:   We already know that the Raspberry Pi is going to be the brain but we need a mission for the robot.   I am not looking to do rocket science so my mission is reasonably simple.   In the first state I just want to be able to control the robot via a web interface.   Clumsy but it will get things working.  Then in an autonomous mode I would like the robot to be able to map a room.

The Platform: The Rover 5 was my choice of a platform.  A treaded two or four motor system with encoders for distance measurement.  A simple platform for the rest of my stuff!

Platform - Rover 5

The Nervous System:   While the Raspberry Pi features a pretty good low level peripheral interface I needed more so enter an Arduino Mega.   This provides the spinal cord and then enter an Explorer PCB for the rest of the nervous system.

Nervous System - Arduino

Nervous System - Explorer PCB

Sensory System:  The Explorer PCB provides current sensing, encoders, and four corner proximity sensors.   To this I am going to add an ultrasonic range finder on a pan/tilt mount and a compass for direction finding.   Finally, a webcam on the pan/tilt mount will connect directly to the RPI.

Almost all of the bits-and-bobs that I show and talk about on this Blog were purchased from the RoboSavvy UK Store.   They have good prices, fast dispatch, and good customer service the one time I needed it.