Available Robots

Here are the robots that are available for class use. Each has links to the manual as well as an indicator of whether it is currently available or not. Robots that cannot be taken out of the lab (e.g. Scorpion) can be scheduled for time in the lab.

To check out a robot, you must email the TA or professor with an indication of what robot you will be needing, and schedule a pickup date/time from the lab. There you can inspect the contents (listed in the table) and sign out what you will take.

Make sure to treat the robots well! DO NOT forget to switch it off and recharge batteries when you are not using it. Note also that it is possible to use some of the robots (e.g. AmigoBot) with the charger plugged in.

You may want to use development/simulation packages. These allow you to code behaviors and try them out in simulation before putting them on a robot, abstract away the lower level hardware, or provide libraries of higher-level tasks that are already available. In some cases, such as the Create, it is not supported yet so you can create your own programs using the API/SDK iRobot makes available.

Here is a list of some of the software packages:
MissionLab: A mission specification tool. 2D/3D simulation. Real robot control (supports most of the platforms, except Create, AIBO, & ER1).
Player/Stage: 2D simulation (Stage) and real robot control (Player). List of supported platforms can be found here.
Saphira: AmigoBots. The software can be downloaded here ( Linux and Windows)
Gazebo: 3D simulation.
USARSim: 3D simulation.
Microsoft Robotics Studio: A programming environment for robotics applications.

In all cases, install the software and run the simulator before using the real robot.

 

Robot

Contents

Manual

Can be checked out?
(if not, must use in-lab)

Name

Current
Status

Amigobot

1 AmigoBot
1 AmigoBot antenna
1 Charger for AmigoBot batteries
1 RadioModem
1 Power Supply for RadioModem
1 Serial Cable for RadioModem
1 Serial Adapter 25pin - 9pin
1 Cable for connecting to the AmigoBot system port
1 Carrying case

Manual

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

iRobot Create

1 Create robot
1 Command Module
1 Docking Station
1 Battery
1 Rechargeable Battery holder
1 12AA Battery holder
2 Virtual Walls

Manual

Yes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rovio

1 Rovio

1 Charger for Rovio

 

Manual

Yes