Note: I am still documenting this process, so come talk to me if you are interested!
Buy the parts
A Note About Neato Base: make sure you buy an XV series robot. The models are all basically the same from the point of view of creating a modded robot (most of the differences lie in the vacuum components). You should try to get a newer model Neato if you can. The newer models have a better firmware version than the older models (no upgrade is yet available). The cheapest option is the factory reconditioned XV-12 (available on Amazon) which is guaranteed to perform like a new Neato XV-12 (which I assume means it has the latest firmware). TODO: update when I get these in.
Required Parts:
Neato XV-12: $179.99
Lime Fuel 6000 mAh battery pack: $29.99
Raspberry Pi B+: $39.99
Raspberry Pi Camera Module: $27.50
Raspberry Pi Memory Card: $8.22
Wireless Adapter for Pi: $8.75
USB to Mini-USB cable: $1.73
Additional Parts for Convenience:
USB Wall Charger: $12.99
Additional Micro USB Cable for Battery Pack: $9.99
Parts to Scavenge (prices and links provided if you wish to buy these):
Adhesive backed Velcro: $2.79
Packing tape: $3.49
High density foam for camera mount (approximate 2" by 2" by 1"): $3.59 (Note: I am not totally sure this is the right type of foam. You need something that you can easily cut that is high density and doesn't deform too much under impact. I suggest going to a crafts store and buying it there. If you find a good product, please e-mail me so I can update this page).
Total price for required components: $296.17
Total price for convenience components: $22.98
Total price for scavenge components: $9.87
Modify Neato Base
Remove the brush and vacuum motor: depending on the model of Neato that you buy these instructions will differ. Check out these resources (resource 1, resource 2) for more information on how to disassemble the Neato.
Disconnect the internal speaker (if you find the Neato's beeps and boops annoying): the previous links will help with this as well. The speaker is labeled P14 in this diagram of the Neato PCB. Unfortunately on newer Neatos you will void your warranty by performing this modification (there is special tape covering two of the screws that must be removed to access the speaker connector).
Install the Software on the Pi
TODO: include the SD clone here (need to remove wireless authentication stuff)
TODO: setup wpa_supplicant.conf
Create Camera Mount and Connect to the Neato USB Port
TODO
Add Neato Packages to Your ROS Install
TODO (see setting up your environment page)
Starting it all Up
TODO: reference starting up the Neato page