Having seen how easily robotics projects are done with an iCreate, I have wanted to develop a similar platform for outdoor use. I was hoping that iRobot would release a cheaper less durable version of the Packbot or one of its smaller siblings but that doesn’t look like it will be happening any time soon.
My initial plans were to design the platform in the same vein as the Packbot with treads and flippers, if not flippers, a versatile tread configuration for climbing objects. But making a cheaper platform with treads looks to be cost and complexity prohibitive. So with all of the MSL-Curiosity rover pictures flying around the web, I have decided to look into a platform based off of the rocker-bogie suspension.
It has been difficult to find detailed specifications of the Curiosity rover but I have come up with a basic design scaling down the platform to about the size of a push lawnmower(a little bit bigger). I have cut out some PVC and will be building a proof of concept just to see if I like the scale.
The end goals are:
- Create a 6 wheel rover.
- Each wheel will have its own motor and controller.
- The Rover will use the rocker-bogie suspension.
- The frame will be made of Aluminum.
- All documentation will be freely available upon completion of the prototype.
- Release kit and assembled unit similar to Makerbot Industries and Willow Garage if prototype is viable.
Optional elements would be to package a controller(Arduino Mega) that would have some sort of API to provide a basic interface with the motors. Once the platform is finished I can see using a Kinect and ROS to control it.
Checkout the Kickstarter Project: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/countzer0/open-rover
Comments
Yeah, Robert I saw that a weeks or so ago. It scared the crap out of because I thought you had just invalidated my idea :) Your rover looks great but isn't as big as I want my platform to be. Looks like you just got posted on Makezine too. It is awesome that you make robots with your daughters. Makezine seem to be ignoring me, wonder what I am doing wrong.
Seth, Here is the video:
Seth,
I am a devoted DIY Drones enthusiast. I was happy to see your blog entry about your Mars Rover. My daughters and I recently built a Mars Rover, which we display on our www.beatty-robotics.com website. It uses an Arduino Mega and it is solar powered. We built a NASA-style rocker-bogie suspension system along with a counter-rotating differential. Be sure to watch the video to the end to see how the suspension system goes over obstacles, etc. As I'm sure you know, it was a lot of fun to build and test. :)
--Robert
Seth, I have used intralox on my 1:10 th scale king tiger tank, as for tank type tracks they work great. Believe me, I have been through all the trouble with tracks, from trying to make them from bicycle chain and sprokets to the wooden blocks on rubber. Intralox is realy not that expensive if you want to go that way. Also, you dont need the sprockets from intralox, just the track. You can make your own sprockets from acrylic or alluminium.
pre -intralox (bicycle chain)
and, with intralox
Gotta laugh.. video about a rover finishing with a dog in the frame. Also, my dad's lawnmower is a Rover.
Hi Seth !
that looks good. not to beat a dead dog, but, if you are still interested on the treads, look at the links bellow, they are a RC Tank builders (and destroyers) who share a lot of information from solid platforms. Besides all of the hand made treads, there is a commercial plastic chain, made by Intralox, that they use as one of the treads. Several accesories can be added to the chain to get more traction.
We use this product in the material handling industry. Very good and versatile product, it can be expensive for long runs, but for treads might not.
Look at both sites, have fun and good lluck!!!
http://www.rctankcombat.com/tanks/T010/
http://www.intralox.com/hLaunch_nd.aspx?id=4120
contact Intralox, they might send you a great catalog.
By the way, i'm not related to any of these sites and or companies.
The rover in the video is just model it does not have any electrical systems on it. Check out the kickstarter project. I really hope that open rover can be a rugged platform for outdoor robotics. i.e. the outdoor version of iRobots Create.
You need autpilot , that;s all what you need now
http://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/
I have some pics of the wheels if you want.
When I was doing research on various tread configurations I ran across that instructable. It was pretty cool but I think a little too labor intensive and I wanted something more straight forward.
Thanks for the feedback. If you have any idea on how to get the project more exposure I would be grateful.
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