Bots

Charlie Headband

Winner of the 2016 Adafruit PI Zero Contest!

This ongoing project explores the intersection of Robotics, Genetic Algorithms and Procedural Generation. Combining these techniques, low-power controllers like the Atmel ATTiny85 serve as a platform for robotics applications of Evolutionary Computing.

While it began on the ATTiny85, it is intended to be indifferent to hardware. As a winner of the Adafruit/Hackaday.io contest, it will be exploring the Raspberry PI Zero platform next.

Complete project coverage at Hackaday:

hackaday.io/diemastermonkey

Components

Atmel ATTin85 (brain)

8 mhz processor

8k ram

4 I/O pins

3.5v board voltage

Miscellaneous components

The bot does not care what is connected

C Language

An Arduino-based exploratory robot with several built-in modes and a crapload of peripherals. Basically it's my all-in-one platform for exploring robotic navigation and control schemes. The code is in Ardunio C. This is probably the most tricked-out bit of gear I've ever designed.

Components

Arduino Mega 2560 (brain)

16 mhz processor

54 I/O pins (15 pwm)

5v board voltage

Arduino Motor Shield

Controls the high-power drive servos

Also powers proximity detector's "sweep" servo

Arduino Wifi Shield

Provides rudimentary TCP server

Used for "RC"-style drive mode

Low-Power GPS Tranceiver

Yes, it knows where it is!

Currently supports only "return home" command.

Parallax Ultrasonic proximity rangefinder

Mounted on a servo, giving 180's sweep range

Charlie uses it to avoid collisions and gauge a safe speed

Parallax 12x24 mono LCD display

Displays the control menu, or real-time data during operation

Bonus: Includes a speaker which is used for run-time feedback

SparkFun 8-way mini joystick

Used for navigating menu, other controls

During operation, acts as a "panic switch"

4 x Continuous Servos

Yes, Charlie has 4 wheel drive! It helps a lot on varied surfaces.

They're not super accurate, but they are very strong and fast!

Specs pending

7.8v 300ma LiPo rechargeable battery

Re-purposed from my old cordless phone

Plus: Various other support components including dips, regulators, status LEDs, wiring blocks, push buttons, etc.

Modes of Operation

Charlie has several different running modes, allowing me to experiment with various techniques in one while maintaining stable operation in the others, as the bot develops.

Ghost

Initiated immediately on any valid motion command received by wifi

Accepts speed increase, decrease or absolute: "+2.3", "-0.5", or "=3.0"

Accepts turn in proportions of (tuned) servo motion: "-0.5" for left 50% turn, etc

Course

Accepts a step-by-step motion sequence from the LCD panel and Joystick

Replays course infinitely

Optionally avoids obstacles

Wander

Wanders randomly, avoiding obstacles. Fun for demos!

Scout

Like, wander, but systematic.

Intended to discover "topology" of current environment