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aeldric
Joined: 08 Oct 2004
Posts: 100
Location: Melbourne
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NetBot – Team SubKor – Vic
Hello.
We are a new team, so now might be a good time to introduce ourselves, and our intended experimental robot, called "NetBot".
We are a bunch of programmers and Engineers who wanted to do something different – so NetBot is a lightweight class “NetCentric robot”.
In NetBot we do not intend to use a normal radio control. Instead, NetBot will have an onboard CPU, an onboard camera, and a 2.4 GHz link to a notebook computer (we had a brief chat to Brett about this.... his feeling was that as long as it is a legal frequency and does not interfere with anyone else, it is likely that nobody will mind what frequency we use in Australian events). The notebook computer will display the camera's robot-eye view, which we hope will make it easier to target weapons. Having a CPU on board should make it easier to program up autonomous behavior.
With NetBot we have pushed the software side, to produce an open infrastructure. The controller that controls NetBot can act as a server for multiple other notebook controllers and/or multiple robots. So multiple people can control different functions on one robot, or a single person can control a swarm of robots.
Also, NetBot can transmit pictures to any notebook (or any other type of computer) that is authenticated on the network.
Along the way there have been many false trails and problems. We have discovered that the camera and CPU need to be on a different circuit to the motors because when the motors draw power the voltage drops and the Operating System reboots! So we need a different circuit, with its own batteries. All this adds weight. So NetBot starts with a bit of a handicap. We are hoping that once we get the design sorted out, we can add autonomous behaviors to compensate.
Will it work? Well, it works in simulations, but the robot isn’t finished yet, so we don’t know.
Progress so far:
1. All necessary parts have been bought and weighed (chassis, motors, wheels, gearing, batteries, circuits and electronics come to about 26 kg. If the wiring weighs more than expected we will be drilling holes in the chassis).
2. The CAD is finished, metal cut and most of the chassis is welded.
3. The armour is started, but weeks from complete.
4. A Beta of the server-side software is done.
5. A Proof-Of-Concept of the Robot side software is done and communication with server tested.
6. Simulator built and "driving tests" run.
7. The circuits for the Robot-side hardware are designed and mostly in place, but one IC is weeks from completion.
8. Operating System installed on the Robot and mostly running, but camera does not work yet.
We hope to be ready by RoboWars II, but with less than 7 weeks left, we will need a small miracle. If not RoboWars II, maybe for the next battle
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Mon Nov 01, 2004 9:30 pm |
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