A new cheap obstacle detector for robotics

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There are a few obstacle detectors and rangefinders on the market, but are usually either very expensive or don't work

great outside (I am looking  at you Kinect). We decided to try to make a product that it is cheap and rugged enough to be used outdoors.

Here are some parameters:

  • detectable range: 200 mm to 1500 mm (7 to 60 inches )
    7.5 degrees angular resolution
    2 scans per second
    180 degrees view
    easy readable output data in text format
    easy interface with other boards it comes pre calibrated
    USB interface power and data

It is intended more for terestrial robots (is a bit slower than the laser rangefinders) .

Here is the link

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Comments

  • I guess we now , why marketing guys have a place in universe :-)

  • Been there, done that, but this is the kickstarter economy.

  • Lol you promo video looks so bad that I can tell you're an engineer and not a marketing guy ;-)

  • Developer

    The time it took from me reading this post to having backed the project, was a matter of seconds..

    I would also gladly pay double for a 360 version. In fact I think a 2 piece Kickstarter option for combining two unit into a 360 scanner would be a good idea.

  • I was thinking about a barrel connector too, but had to change too much to launch the campaign.This might simplify some things on the board. Mini USB might work but micro USB is just evil(think about the dirt that go inside the connector)

  • If you want to use this on rovers, you should look at providing a more robust and small connections.  perhaps mini or micro usb for the usb data port, and a barrel connector or screw terminal connection for the power. 

  • Cool - I just backed it... The only other thing I would consider would be how you're doing power - in a perfect world, there would be some way to select between a 5v/gnd in or it powering via USB.  Not sure why you've got a USB data hookup AND another USB to get power from.   Maybe if you have a couple more free pins on the RS232 plug, it just means one less cable I have to build to wire it up.

    Looking forward to playing with it!

  • Sure we can add more interfaces, but first we have to get funded and release it.

  • Admin

    @Harry,

    Future generations of Flight/Navigation controllers will be using the CAN bus for peripherals so you are going to be limiting your product to the here and now only.

    Regards,

    TCIII AVD

  • It is set then.

    RS232 +Spi

This reply was deleted.