Humanoid Toddler Robot
Humanoid Toddler Robot (HT)
Morph your Toddler robot into a Humanoid with this Humanoid Toddler (HT) kit. It gives a full human-like body to the original two walking legs.
This is a modified version of the original Toddler Robot kit from Parallax. Humanoid Toddler started out as just a pair of legs - a biped walking robot. It has one of the most simple walking mechanisms with only 2 servos, and is ideal for this conversion. This version is powered by extra AA batteries placed in the legs and added Parallax USB servo controller. Other versions, not shown here, used various incarnations of the Basic Stamp microcontroller and software code written in PBASIC to drive a Parallax Serial Servo Controller board.
Humanoid Toddler Robot is shown raising its new arms in triumph
as a completed project. Little Penguin robot (4-inches high) stands
by, showing size comparison.
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Also added to the humanoid conversion are extra servos, a rotating torso, moving head and positional arms. For eyes, a Ping))) ultrasonic vision sensor was added on the head and is controlled with a BS2 microcontroller. The stock parts which comprise the biped section of the humanoid are precision-manufactured metal parts. The parts which comprise the humanoid section are scrounged materials from various local sources (surplus center, lumber company, discount department store, and hardware store).
The success of the HT depends on the invention of the Quad Servo Core. The bearings for the QSC are cut from acrylic and Pexiglas™. The mounts, bolts, nuts are all light weight nylon and the head and arms are molded and cut from a polypropylene material. The head opens up for the placement of wiring and sensor attachment. Washers are phenolic. The humanoid section had to be the lightest possible weight due to the additional weight added by four more servos. The complete humanoid has a total of six servos. The light weight makes it possible to use common low cost standard Futaba servos that have model airplane ratings.
Another nice feature about Humanoid Toddler is that programming the motions is very easy, no code required, and can happen in real time graphics over the USB cable and a portable computer. You just move a slider one direction or another for each of the 6 motors and set the position. This can actually be controlled in one of two ways - either with the USB servo controller in real time animatronics mode or a serial servo controller under control of the Basic Stamp 2 microcontroller. If you wish, retain the original Toddler motherboard to incorporate precision walking routines.
The BS2 MCU can also handle the Ultrasonic vision sensor, infrared transmitter and receivers, photo-detectors, and other sensors, as a result of the servo controllers serial interface taking up only one port. In the prototype BS2 MCU version, there's a 2-line serial display, tiny keyboard, memory expansion card, decoder, reset, and additional sensors (not shown here).
The HT was originally designed as a new Parallax product, a low cost add-on kit of parts to convert a Toddler into a Humanoid, but it never made it to the product stage for various reasons. A second computer has a Humanoid Toddler manual in the making, more photos and technical information so more information can be offered in the future, so stay tuned. Please note, the HT can fully function without programming by using the slider settings on the computer display, and by connecting the USB servo controller board to a support computer. For other versions, connecting the serial servo controller is the same as shown in the download manual. Consulting the PING))) manual will show connection info and sample code.
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humanoido
*Stamp SEED Supercomputer *Basic Stamp Supercomputer *TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
*Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer *Tiny Stamp Supercomputer *Penguin with 12 Brains
*BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book *Three Dimensional Computer *StampOne News!
*Penguin Tech *Penguin Robot Society *Humanoid Toddler Robot
*Ultimate List Prop Languages *Prop-a-Lot *Propalot Stuff *Prop SC Computer
*Prop IB Hypercomputer - discontinued/chip shortage *Hobby Space Program
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/10/2010 5:12:37 AM GMT
Morph your Toddler robot into a Humanoid with this Humanoid Toddler (HT) kit. It gives a full human-like body to the original two walking legs.
This is a modified version of the original Toddler Robot kit from Parallax. Humanoid Toddler started out as just a pair of legs - a biped walking robot. It has one of the most simple walking mechanisms with only 2 servos, and is ideal for this conversion. This version is powered by extra AA batteries placed in the legs and added Parallax USB servo controller. Other versions, not shown here, used various incarnations of the Basic Stamp microcontroller and software code written in PBASIC to drive a Parallax Serial Servo Controller board.
Humanoid Toddler Robot is shown raising its new arms in triumph
as a completed project. Little Penguin robot (4-inches high) stands
by, showing size comparison.
________________________________________________
Also added to the humanoid conversion are extra servos, a rotating torso, moving head and positional arms. For eyes, a Ping))) ultrasonic vision sensor was added on the head and is controlled with a BS2 microcontroller. The stock parts which comprise the biped section of the humanoid are precision-manufactured metal parts. The parts which comprise the humanoid section are scrounged materials from various local sources (surplus center, lumber company, discount department store, and hardware store).
The success of the HT depends on the invention of the Quad Servo Core. The bearings for the QSC are cut from acrylic and Pexiglas™. The mounts, bolts, nuts are all light weight nylon and the head and arms are molded and cut from a polypropylene material. The head opens up for the placement of wiring and sensor attachment. Washers are phenolic. The humanoid section had to be the lightest possible weight due to the additional weight added by four more servos. The complete humanoid has a total of six servos. The light weight makes it possible to use common low cost standard Futaba servos that have model airplane ratings.
Another nice feature about Humanoid Toddler is that programming the motions is very easy, no code required, and can happen in real time graphics over the USB cable and a portable computer. You just move a slider one direction or another for each of the 6 motors and set the position. This can actually be controlled in one of two ways - either with the USB servo controller in real time animatronics mode or a serial servo controller under control of the Basic Stamp 2 microcontroller. If you wish, retain the original Toddler motherboard to incorporate precision walking routines.
The BS2 MCU can also handle the Ultrasonic vision sensor, infrared transmitter and receivers, photo-detectors, and other sensors, as a result of the servo controllers serial interface taking up only one port. In the prototype BS2 MCU version, there's a 2-line serial display, tiny keyboard, memory expansion card, decoder, reset, and additional sensors (not shown here).
The HT was originally designed as a new Parallax product, a low cost add-on kit of parts to convert a Toddler into a Humanoid, but it never made it to the product stage for various reasons. A second computer has a Humanoid Toddler manual in the making, more photos and technical information so more information can be offered in the future, so stay tuned. Please note, the HT can fully function without programming by using the slider settings on the computer display, and by connecting the USB servo controller board to a support computer. For other versions, connecting the serial servo controller is the same as shown in the download manual. Consulting the PING))) manual will show connection info and sample code.
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humanoido
*Stamp SEED Supercomputer *Basic Stamp Supercomputer *TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
*Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer *Tiny Stamp Supercomputer *Penguin with 12 Brains
*BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book *Three Dimensional Computer *StampOne News!
*Penguin Tech *Penguin Robot Society *Humanoid Toddler Robot
*Ultimate List Prop Languages *Prop-a-Lot *Propalot Stuff *Prop SC Computer
*Prop IB Hypercomputer - discontinued/chip shortage *Hobby Space Program
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/10/2010 5:12:37 AM GMT
364 x 487 - 33K
Comments
Head - The head pivots side to side within the full servo range. This extends the range of PING))) vision significantly. Ranging and vision with a walking cycle is possible. Looking from side to side is enabled. HT can indicate "NO" by head movement or exhibit some personality.
Arms can push - actually move toggle switches, slide items, topple light weight materials, position items in special positions, and do light hitting and pounding. To accomplish more refined arm movements, incorporate the Torso. The use of both arms can raise a light weight bar positioned slightly above paralleled arms. Arms can also tap out numbers and Morse Code on various in-range surfaces and act as various visual signal flags with multiple positioning. A friendly arm waving is possible as a greeting or a goodbye. Combining arm movement with torso movement opens up a wide range of capability along the extra axis.
Torso The upper body can pivot around an axis, helpful to more accurately position the arms, extends the range of vision to the back, helps move or nudge light weight objects with the arm tips used like hands, and creates some interesting dance routines and walking motions.
DOF There are now 6 degrees of freedom for more fluid motions and capabilities. Feel free to explore positioning of all six servos and body parts for added functions and new features.
Added Grow-Up Height is significant, with about three-fourths added height. The distance from the top level support plate to the top of the head has five added inches. This range includes the QSC, arms, head, torso and bearings. Added grow-up height helps with better object visibility, manipulating higher objects, more stature, and more character.
Dancing is more articulated. More dance moves and more expression is now possible.
Eyes are more precision with ultrasonics that can see in total darkness, detect objects within a circle with a diameter approaching 12-feet, and do obstacle seek and avoidance. The eyes can create object maps and retain positions in data logged memory during improved navigation.
Walking can now make use of the arms and torso for additional balance.
Combinations such as arms and torso positioning can fine tune motions like walking or running.
Legs contain additional batteries and provide a new lowered center of gravity for more stability.
Personality is now possible with added expressions using the head, arms, legs and torso.
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humanoido
*Stamp SEED Supercomputer *Basic Stamp Supercomputer *TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
*Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer *Tiny Stamp Supercomputer *Penguin with 12 Brains
*BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book *Three Dimensional Computer *StampOne News!
*Penguin Tech *Penguin Robot Society *Humanoid Toddler Robot
*Ultimate List Prop Languages *Prop-a-Lot *Propalot Stuff *Prop SC Computer
*Prop IB Hypercomputer - discontinued/chip shortage *Hobby Space Program
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/4/2010 3:14:30 AM GMT
The Processor - Toddler's original board can be removed. Use the USB serial controller board and supporting PC for the most simple HT version. Other HT versions can use the OEM BASIC Stamp 2 board for minimum footprint. Keep the Toddler motherboard for dedicated walking.
The Servo Controller - In the most simple robot version, the USB servo controller uses a graphic program. You just move the sliders to move the servos. This is very reliable. (saving code and motion playback is not used)
Adaptation of Penguin Code It is possible to modify the humanoido series of Penguin programs for use on HT robot, by scaling and port assignments. Remember to scale the motion ranges and the speeds, and take more inertial effects into account. Also make necessary conversions from the BASIC Stamp IIpx to the model 2.
Finding Discontinued Items - It seems we cannot keep up with the discontinuance of Parallax products. Now discontinued are Toddler Robot, Penguin Robot, USB Servo Controller, assembled OEM BS2, SSC and the PSC. For any of these items, check with friends, the Forums, second hand ads, distributors, dealers, ebay, and google all possible sources.
Assembly No soldering required
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humanoido
*Stamp SEED Supercomputer *Basic Stamp Supercomputer *TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
*Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer *Tiny Stamp Supercomputer *Penguin with 12 Brains
*BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book *Three Dimensional Computer *StampOne News!
*Penguin Tech *Penguin Robot Society *Humanoid Toddler Robot
*Ultimate List Prop Languages *Prop-a-Lot *Propalot Stuff *Prop SC Computer
*Prop IB Hypercomputer - discontinued/chip shortage *Hobby Space Program
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/4/2010 4:08:32 AM GMT
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humanoido
*Stamp SEED Supercomputer *Basic Stamp Supercomputer *TriCore Stamp Supercomputer
*Minuscule Stamp Supercomputer *Tiny Stamp Supercomputer *Penguin with 12 Brains
*BASIC Stamp Supercomputing Book *Three Dimensional Computer *StampOne News!
*Penguin Tech *Penguin Robot Society *Humanoid Toddler Robot
*Ultimate List Prop Languages *Prop-a-Lot *Propalot Stuff *Prop SC Computer
*Prop IB Hypercomputer - discontinued/chip shortage *Hobby Space Program
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/4/2010 4:21:00 AM GMT
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/4/2010 4:21:27 AM GMT
I've located the second computer (Mac) with the archive of Humanoid Toddler development files. This includes the manual, charts, diagrams, wiring schematics or pictorials, assembly information and photos. I just need to transfer the files to the PC. The Mac has 2 USB ports which are required for the external hard drive. That leaves no connection ports available for copy to removable media (a PC/Mac USB floppy drive). The quantity of files is sizable. I'm not looking forward to sending hundreds of files over internet. Any ideas for a best approach?
humanoido
Post Edited (humanoido) : 6/6/2010 1:26:10 PM GMT
A 5$ usb hub. Your USB drive that requires "2 usb ports" violates the USB specification by drawing power from one port while not really using it. Plug it into a cheap powered hub and your problem is solved.
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"I mean, if I went around sayin' I was an emperor just because some moistened bint had lobbed a scimitar at me they'd put me away!"
Jax
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If a robot has a screw then it must be romoved and hacked into..
www.p-robot.com/index.php/humanoid-toddler-robot.html
Post Edited (vrossi) : 6/7/2010 8:00:15 PM GMT
humanoido
Since·there is a website·all ready set up (www.p-robot.com/index.php/humanoid-toddler-robot.html<!-- Edit --> ) why not just FTP them up there?
Jim