I'm still working on TOTT Bot, the robot that takes out the trash. I've built a chassis with Actobotics parts, but want to rework it before I post more.The more I think about it, the less I like the idea of grabbing and tilting or even lifting the trash can. I'd kind of like to explore turning my trash cans into trailers that the robot can hook up to and drag to the curb.
I'm also working with the creator of OpenMV to bring them to market as it were. We'd both love to see a really low cost machine vision module in the hands of hobbyists. One that is capable of 25fps face detection, real time color blob detection, USB support and more. Look for more updates over the next several weeks.
That's not all...
I've developed a compact RoverPower module that combines a 5V supply with battery voltage and current monitoring that will replace my AttoPilot and Pololu 3.5A step down switching power supply.
Don't get me wrong, I love the Pololu supply. I have three. I recommend them all the time. But for my Rover I wanted to consolidate. So why is RoverPower a better configuration?
- One compact board instead of two ungainly ones
- It has mounting holes
- I2C enabled because we never have enough ADC ports
- 5V 1.5A supply with multiple output ports
- User configured oversampling for low noise high resolution
- Small at about 0.96" x 1.2"
- Use any connector, not just Deans
- Should handle 4S and 60A
- This will cost notably less than AttoPilot ($19.95) and do more
A revision to RoverMux is in the works. The new version is simpler, just plug in and go. The BEC jumper (see above) is history. Revision 0.4 also fixes a missing AVRISP trace.
I've become intrigued by Freescale ARM processors of late; they seem to pack a whollop with great price-for-performance ratios, really fast ADCs and more. And the Freedom boards seem a bit more usable than the daunting double-row-of-pins you get with a Discovery board.
I'm also working on a large display day/time clock for my mom. I've run into some snags with the enclosure but as soon as I get that wrapped I'll post up the build.
For the TOTT Bot, have you considered making a robot out of a wagon, and simply putting the trash cans on the wagon? That might be even simpler than making trailers out of the trash can.
ReplyDeleteThat would be simpler. Interesting idea! I'll give that some more thought. Thanks!
DeleteAwesome projects! I'm looking forward to hearing more. On the RoverPower module, a 3.3V option would be nice -- there is more and more 3.3V stuff these days (like every GPS out there).
DeleteYou have a point. I was thinking about my own use case: run 5V to the RoverBaseboard which has onboard 3.3V regulator. That way the baseboard can supply 5V to the odd GPS or LCD screen and 3.3V to everything else. I'll look into it some more. It may be hard finding a 1.5A regulator that comes in both 5V and 3.3V. I suppose I could just use an LM317 with different resistors, couldn't I?
DeleteMy son and I are avidly reading your posts. We are going to attend the local dallas robotics club. I'll have to tell them about your work and see what they think!
ReplyDeleteI'm thinking that a bottom-heavy robot that simple lifts the trash like a 2-fork loader and then secures with arms on the side might be the simplest...but what do I know. I'm a noob. :)