VIAM Rovers

Introduction & Overview

This is the VIAM Rover page where we are building the VIAM capable Rovers and Robots

WORK IN PROGRESS

I'm working on this module, but it's not at the top of my priority list.  That's because I have passed this section in my class this year, or we have not got to it yet... either way, I'm way behind.  ALSO my ADHD and ability to fucus on projects because other "shiny" projects keep getting in the way does not help... If you wanted to help shape my priorities, you could connect with me here on my "How To Support My Curriculum Development" page

VIAM Rover and Robots

Viam is the modern robotics platform.

VIAM brings the revolutionary power of modern software to computers that interact with the physical world.  

Whether you are building a robot, an IOT device, or an industrial automation system, with VIAM you can go from paper, to prototype, to production, to scale in record time.

Unify hardware & software prototyping

VIAM provides a single interface to configure robots and expose APIs. Common hardware is abstracted into types such as ‘motor’ or ‘arm’. Hardware engineers simply select the model they’re using, and VIAM automatically configures their robot. Viam supports hundreds of common drivers and provides an SDK to easily create additional drivers. Each piece of hardware can be independently changed, and every robot automatically updates its configuration. Once configured, you can test hardware in VIAM’s control UI, and software engineers immediately have intuitive APIs to start writing code.

Sponsor Shout Out

I would like to thank VIAM for their generous support of my classroom and curriculum development.  Because of their support, I have 4 Rovers.  Thanks

The software platform for smart machines

Flexible. Powerful. Scalable. - VIAMis a comprehensive open source platform that simplifies the building, monitoring, and data management of smart machines.

From industrial robots to autonomous vehicles to smart home appliances and IoT devices — VIAM is transforming the way software powers hardware for any device with sensing, compute, and actuation.

(If you would like to sponsor this, or other Modules or presentation, please contact TopClown@STEAMClown.org  or check out my "How To Help Page"

  • Unit: Robot Club - Rovers & Python Hardware
    • VIAM Rovers - Lessons, Projects, Technology & Resources
  • This is a LEARNING Activity : Lesson / Lab

Sid Bar for Teachers: This Module or lesson is how I teach in my class. Many of the lessons might be specific to my class, but you could probably adjust them for your class.  I'll try to make them a neutral as I can, so they can be used in any Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science, or any other Engineering / Technology class.  Let me know how I can make that better. I'll try to keep this unit current and relevant.  Please let me know if any resource links are broken or not accessible.  Use this email link to let me know what is broken @ TopClown@STEAMClown.org 

Caution & Safety  Considerations:

Primer:  "Aaron, I can imagine no way in which this thing could be considered anywhere remotely close to safe. All I know is I spent six hours in there and I'm still alive... You still want to do it?"

Robots and Resources

Party-Rover-0

Mr. Burnham

VIAM Robot/Rover #1
(Name Your Rover)

VIAM Robot/Rover #2
(Name Your Rover)

VIAM Robot/Rover #3
(Name Your Rover)

VIAM Robot/Rover #4
(Name Your Rover)

VIAM Robot/Rover #5
(Name Your Rover)

New Links & Resources:

These are resources, that have been added in the last few weeks.  They were found by your teacher or fellow students.  Take a look.  There are linked here, but also will be listed under an appropriate heading below too...

VIAM Support / Docs / Resources:

Links to DIYROBOCARS RC Car Conversions Resources

Getting Started - Lessons, Projects, & Labs

Introduction To VIAM and the Rover Hardware

Introduction To VIAM and the Rover Hardware

Introduction To VIAM

VIAM Introduction, is a Presentation and Lesson introducing the VIAM company, what they do, their goals, and opportunities. A Deep dive into resources on their web site and how to find information to setup your Rover. 


Rover Hardware - Let's Build A Rover 

High Level Hardware Introduction

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the Hardware of the VIAM Rover, and show that most rover designs could be used.  It's a very high level, where students can see the big features.  There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover Hardware - Install a Raspberry Pi 4/5 On The Rover Chasse:

The following is the instructions to install a Raspberry Pi 4/5 on a VIAM Chasse.  3 of the Chassis we have in class, are the new


Rover Hardware - Install a Raspberry Pi 3B On The Rover Chasse:

The first thing you need to verify is that you have an OS installation on a Raspberry Pi (or Other Python capable device, like a NVIDIA Jetson Nano).  You can run the viam-server on a 32 bit Raspbian OS on a Raspberry Pi 3B, but you will not be able to run the VIAM SDK.  To run the SDK, you will need a 64-bit OS targeting a Pi4 or better. See the setup for the Raspberry Pi 3B and Raspberry Pi 4 or better below.


Rover Software - Install a Raspberry Pi 4/5 with 64 bit OS:

The first thing you need to verify is that you have an OS installation on a Raspberry Pi (or Other Python capable device, like a NVIDIA Jetson Nano).  You can run the viam-server on a 32 bit Raspbian OS on a Raspberry Pi 3B, but you will not be able to run the VIAM SDK.  To run the SDK, you will need a 64-bit OS targeting a Pi4 or better. See the setup for the Raspberry Pi 3B and Raspberry Pi 4 or better below.


Rover Software - Install a Raspberry Pi 3B with 64 bit OS:

The first thing you need to verify is that you have an OS installation on a Raspberry Pi (or Other Python capable device, like a NVIDIA Jetson Nano).  You can run the viam-server on a 32 bit Raspbian OS on a Raspberry Pi 3B, but you will not be able to run the VIAM SDK.  To run the SDK, you will need a 64-bit OS targeting a Pi4 or better. See the setup for the Raspberry Pi 3B and Raspberry Pi 4 or better below.


Rover Software - Install a viam-server:

After installing your OS on the Raspberry Pi (or Other Python capable device, like a NVIDIA Jetson Nano), you can setup the viam-server. Please see the presentation/ Tutorial 


Mechatronics Engineering - VIAM Rover / Robot - Labs: Flashing an LED with your viam-server app

Minimum Rover Features

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the minimum Hardware needed to run a Rover with the VIAM interface.  It will have a set of lessons to build and verify each feature. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover - Power System

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the minimum Hardware needed to run a Rover with the VIAM interface.  It will have a set of lessons to build and verify each feature. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover - Drive Train & Motor Controllers

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the minimum Hardware needed to run a Rover with the VIAM interface.  It will have a set of lessons to build and verify each feature. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover - Camera

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the minimum Hardware needed to run a Rover with the VIAM interface.  It will have a set of lessons to build and verify each feature. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover - GPIO

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the minimum Hardware needed to run a Rover with the VIAM interface.  It will have a set of lessons to build and verify each feature. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover - <Other>

ADD Intro Text Paragraph - This Lesson is coming soon - This lesson will be a introduction to the minimum Hardware needed to run a Rover with the VIAM interface.  It will have a set of lessons to build and verify each feature. There will be a short slide deck, and then some research assignments/quiz (Canvas)


Rover Software:
 Let's Connect To A Server In New York, Via the Moon & Back

Mechatronics Engineering Introduction - <topic>

This Lesson is coming soon - click here to be notified when it's available - Professional Development Newsletter

VIAM Rover and Server Setup


Random Stuff To Sort


Mechatronics Engineering - VIAM Rover / Robot - Steps To Start A Rover:


Mechatronics Engineering - VIAM Rover / Robot - Labs: Driving in a square (SDK)

Mechatronics Engineering - VIAM Rover / Robot - Rover Connections based on VIAM Rover:

Mechatronics Engineering - VIAM Rover / Robot - Lessons,  Lectures, Labs:

Teachers - Unit, Module and Lesson Plans


Mechatronics Engineering Introduction - <topic>

This Lesson is coming soon - click here to be notified when it's available - Professional Development Newsletter