Overview
Using the Pi for robot purposes. A nice mobile computer at the heart of a machine.
- Define the bot
- Choosing the right parts
- Building
- Programming/controlling your machine
How
Goal oriented meetings-
BAMF has a goal of trying to use the most creative, least expensive options possible. (We don't want to discourage folks that feel like spending large sums of cash. We will be more than happy to help with gold plated ventures also).
We want to encourage personal projects and provide a framework for learning new skills.
Ideas
Some people will opt for buying off the shelf technology to make things easier Ready made Bluetooth cars for example
Many will look at repurposing options like a Roomba, for reasons of thrift or just the difficulty
Society of Robots states You will learn skills ranging from electronics, mechanics, controls, programming, and even as broad as understanding animal behavior and human psychology. For your first attempt; take the KISS approach: Keep It Simple, Stupid!
HeaterMeter a bbq thermometer that allows you to monitor temp anywhere.
This.
Calendar
Building to the Summer of Robot Love
- Learn to use the processor. What can a Pi do that Arduino can't?
- Learn to use the processor to drive 2 or more motors somehow. Listen to your Pi.
- Build a car: this involves wheels, axles, some sort of steering mechanism. This is a good thing to do as part of a group. Input from multiple eyes is good.
- Learn to use sensors (in difficulty that should be before 2, it's much easier than motors)
- Put it together. Test and refine.
- Robots...
April
Sensors
Agenda
- G+/IRC on #BAMF (Freenode)
- Vote on group project(s)
May
Motors/sensors. Great article on things to attach -Pi Spy UK
Agenda
- Picking the right parts
- Plan a trip to Weird Stuff
- Keep it cheap
- Identify sources for re-using machines/parts
Projects
June
Controls
- Wii controller
- Bluetooth from phone/laptop
- Autonomy
Agenda
July&August
Robot show/competition/party Programming knowledge is scheduled every month.
FAQ
Robots? Yes.
Really? Should the townsfolk be scared? No. They will be nice, following the Three Laws
Why ARM? ARM chips are the most widely-produced processor family in the world; they have historically been used in cell phones and embedded applications, but were originally designed as desktop processors, and are increasingly used in tablet devices and low-power-consumption servers.
- Low Power Consumption / Better efficiencies
- High levels of device integration -- "system on a chip" designs, with reduced space and cooling requirements
- Readily available from multiple vendors
- Low cost
The Fedora-ARM project is an initiative to bring Fedora to this processor family. Read more here