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Roboteq makes mobile robot design available for free download
Oct. 20, 2003

Roboteq Inc. has created a mobile robotics demonstration platform and is making the mechanical, electronic, and software design available for free download on its website. According to Roboteq, the platform, called the "PC-bot", is highly extensible and is meant to serve as a basis for a wide range of customized mobile robot designs featuring web cameras, motion detection software, and more.

(Click here to enlarge above image)

The battery-operated, 4-wheel-drive, 1.5 by 2 foot robot features Roboteq's new AX2550 DC Motor Controller along with one of VIA's tiny EPIA Mini-ITX PC-compatible motherboards. The VIA motherboard controls the PC-bot via an RS232 serial interface to the Roboteq motor controller. The VIA motherboard also interfaces to an 801.11 wireless LAN card and a USB video camera, thereby providing a live video feed to a remote laptop computer where an operator can drive the robot and obtain telemetry data.


Roboteq PC-bot and wireless remote control
(Click above image to enlarge)


The software for this initial implementation is based on Windows, "because of availability and speed of integration," a Roboteq spokesperson said. However, the spokesperson said Roboteq envisions that Linux-based software that boots from a Flash card or USB pen drive will eventually be developed, and the company plans to support community efforts along those lines.

Roboteq's PC-bot design -- including mechanical and electrical drawings, assembly instructions, and software -- is available for free access at Roboteq's website.

A few typical enhancements Roboteq anticipates include:
  • Eliminate the hard disk by booting the OS from a USB pen drive or Flash card
  • Use an open source operating system such as Linux
  • Add navigation instruments such as GPS, compass, and sonar
  • Do image recognition
  • Add speech and sound via the Mainboard's sound card
  • Carry and operate a robotic arm
  • and more . . .
Roboteq has established an email list associated with the PC-bot.



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