Minibots

MiniBots are low-cost training platforms that allow robotics development in Java using advanced capabilities such as machine vision and navigation.

• The computing platforms supported are from ​Raspberry Pi and include:
  • $5 ​RPiZero
  • $10 ​RPiZero W
  • More powerful $35 ​RPi3
• A ​PiBotZero I/O board connects the raspberry pi to common robotic sensors and actuators
• A good source for connecting cables is ​here
• Chassis choices include:
  • $12 ​2WD+caster Chassis
  • $18 ​4WD Chassis
  • $50 ​Rover 5 tank chassis (has ​meccanum wheel option!) ​$60 option
  • $55 ​T100
  • $300 ​Peanut

PiBots connect via WiFi? to your laptop or smartphone:

• Program a uSD card with the PiBot image using your PC
• Install and boot the uSD card in the Raspberry Pi
• Connect to the WiFi? hotspot created by the Pi using your PC or smartphone
• Use a VNC Client to access the Raspberry Pi (linux) desktop

From the desktop you can launch programs which provide GUI controls for driving your robot. You can download new programs from your PC or even develop directly on the Raspberry Pi.

Setup

• ​Hardware Manual
• Hardware Specifications
• ​PiBot Image for RPi uSD card. Install using ​Win32DiskImager.
• Pi Zero/OS Configuration
• Dev Environment Configuration
• ​PiBot Library Repository

Components

• Ultrasonic Range Sensor
• Drive System
• Other Minibot Resources

Coding for the Mini Bot

• MiniRobo API?
• MiniWPI API?