After discovering ROS (http://www.ros.org) I embarked on building my first robot.
The basic frame or chasis is basically a 1 foot by 1 foot x 7 inch box made from 1/2 inch plywood, 1x2 lumber, a few right angle brackets, free paint stirring sticks, wood and screws.
On the lower piece of plywood I mounted a regular ATX sized motherboard for the brain of the robot.
Motion is achieved by mounting an old rear end from a monster truck rc car. The drivetrain contains everything from the chasis mounts to the rear shocks down to the differencial, axels and wheels.
All I needed to do was apply power to the motor. The motor wires are connected to an rc electronic speed controller which is connected to the servo and motor control board.
Steering is accomplished by using a common nose steering assembly from an rc plane. This is connected to a Futaba servo with ball joints and threaded rod.
Servo and motor controls are accessed using an arduino clone development board and a custom arduino sketch to send and reciever signals to various perripherials.
A microsoft kinect has been integrated and held in position by a few rubber bands and some brackets.
Power is supplied by a disassembled computer power supply mounted to the underside of the upper platform.
The system hard drive is also mounted with a few small brackets and some screws next to the power supply.
Currently the robot drags an electrical extension cord to supply its power needs.
A small desktop microphone is also on board as are speakers and wifi connectivity.
More on the setup, specifics and ideas are ahead.
Just not tonight.
Damon
