Trilobot Research Robot

Trilobot Research Robot
On This Page
* Features
* Sensors
* Uses
* What You'll Get
* What You'll Need
* Expansion
* Options
* Pricing
The Trilobot mobile robot combines the latest in microcontroller and sensor technology together with intelligently designed mechanical features to create a capable, yet affordable robotic platform. Perfect for research in artificial intelligence, artificial life, autonomous navigation, robotics technology, education, security, telepresence, and robot competitions.

Trilobot is designed mainly for University research projects where custom software and controllers are being used. A high-level controller and software needed to command Trilobot to do complicated tasks must be provided by the user. Controlling the Trilobot is done by sending low-level commands from a desktop PC or an on-board embedded PC using a standard RS-232 serial port. Commands are provided that allow complete control over the drive motors, head motion, gripper, sensors, etc. Several options exist for controlling the Trilobot including using a desktop PC with a tether cable or a radio datalink. You may also place a small embedded PC controller in Trilobot's cargo bay for autonomus operation. These controller options and any high-level software is the responsibility of the user.

Features To Top
  • 12"x12"x12" body dimensions, 11 pounds.
  • Dual differential drive with DC gear motors and encoders.
  • Maximum speed: 10" per second.
  • Surfaces: tile, concrete, low pile carpet, moderate bumps and inclines.
  • 2 pound payload capacity for radio data link, embedded PC, etc.
  • Thumb screws make removing panels easy.
  • Removable battery pack uses 8 standard D-cells.
  • Pan/tilt head positions sensors quickly.
  • Stationary mast contains additional sensors including a digital compass.
  • Gripper can grasp and lift cans and balls.
  • Programmable control from user's desktop PC or on-board embedded PC.
  • Infrared communications from TV remote control and other Trilobots.
  • RC receiver port allows control from an RC transmitter.
  • PC-style joystick control port.
  • 2 Line x 16 character LCD display.
  • 16-key keypad.
  • Sound effects and rudimentary speech (optional speech synthesizer).
  • Sound recording and playback.
  • Expansion port allows unlimited possibilities.
  • Safe, low voltage system.

Sensors To Top
  • 8 whiskers surround the base.
  • 2 degree electronic compass.
  • Sonar range finder can detect objects and their distance.
  • Passive Infrared Motion Detector (PIR) detects movement of people.
  • 4 light level sensors detect direction and intensitiy of light.
  • Digital temperature sensor.
  • Tilt sensors detect inclines in all directions.
  • Water sensor detects puddles.
  • Sound can be detected and stored.
  • Motor speed and distance using optical encoders.
  • Battery voltage can be monitored.
  • Infrared detector can receive communications from remote control.
  • Infrared emitters can communicate with other Trilobots.

Uses To Top
  • Robotics education.
  • Artifical life experiments.
  • AI development.
  • Navigation research.
  • Automatic guided vehicle simulation.
  • Telepresence.
  • Security.
  • Robot contests.
  • Publicity.
  • Science projects.
  • Fun!

What You'll Get To Top
  • Trilobot robot
  • Infrared remote control
  • Joystick controller with 25' cable
  • Serial communications cable - 25'
  • Software diskette
  • User Guide
  • Hex wrench tool

What You'll Need To Top
The main thing you will need to make Trilobot operate is a computer capable of running your high-level program. Any computer that can communicate via a serial (RS-232) port can be used. The computer can be a standard desktop PC with a tether cable or wireless datalink to the robot, or an embedded PC that resides on the Trilobot.
Trilobot does not include any high-level software - that will be up to you the user. You can use any language that can write and read to/from the serial port. The user guide shows all of the commands needed to control the robot and to read sensors.
You'll also need batteries (8 D-cells) or a 12-volt tethered power supply. Many users replace the D-cell holders with a NiCad pack or a Gel-cell. Trilobot runs on 12 volts (10-14 actually) and consumes about .5 amps when standing still and about 2 amps while moving.

Expansion To Top
An expansion connector is provided to allow the user to add many special devices including a speech synthesizer, embedded PC, smoke detector, GPS, etc. These options are the responsibility of the user.
The expansion port offers:
  • 8 digital I/O signals.
  • 1 analog input signal (expandable to 8 with a chip).
  • Serial I/O port (RS-232 and TTL levels).
  • +5 and +12 volt power supplies.
  • Access to 2 main processor I/O pins.
  • 4 RC servo signals. (Standard 1-2ms pulse width)
  • Access to coprocessor network bus.
  • Audio amplifier.
  • User defined signals.
  • Standard 40 pin flat ribbion cable.

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