On This Page Features Sensors Uses What You'll Get What You'll Need Expansion Options Pricing |
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 |
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 |
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.