Self guiding robot

abcde

I've made several machines based on Basic Stamp II. These devices used
IR sensors to avoid running into thing and signal a change in direction
then modified Futabo servos for drive motors. This worked fine but I'd
like to do more and I need help getting started.

I'd like to build a 2 foot square platform that can navigate around
my yard on its own. I'm not sure how to start such a project. It is OK to
navigate by loading a "grid" style map of the property and indicating
the starting point. I've also seen several articles that talk about GPS
navigation. Are these the only options? If not what other options exist.
Also what is the best way to get started with this type of project? Is
the Stamp II the best processor for this project?

Thanks

Rsadeika

If I were going to try something like that, I would start with a platform that I think would work in an outdoors environment. Meaning wheels, and motors. I would probably use the BS2IC, since I have one. Attach a hand held joy stick, with a couple of buttons, for starting and stopping puposes. Then I would test it to see how the platform reacts when moved over the terrain that you plan to run it on. One of the problems you might run in to is the combination of battery/platform combinations. I do not think that you will get very far on small batteries that are used in those little toys. Once you get that out of the way, then you can start to think about what other devices you will need, which will determine what micro processor would be best to use.

crackticus pots

if you are good at programming in other languages Use a pda with a GPS card maybe even with a Bluetooth interface to control with another pda·or laptop,·and make a mapping program. and·then use the BS2 to control your motors and the sensors.
Yes it would be expensive, but it provides an expandable, high speed, computing platform.

just a thought.

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there are a hundred types of people in the world,

but I dont have time to name them all.

Post Edited (crackticus pots) : 11/28/2005 10:47:25 PM GMT

Tibo

That's what I'm doing, I confirm :

crackticus pots said...
Yes it would be expensive, but it provides an expandable, high speed, computing platform.

Well, you may find cheap PDA with IR and/or Bt embeded, and where there is an avaible SDK on some auction web site.

What is your question : how to self locate ? How to navigate ?
There are many solutions, from what you said, to wheel encoders, or GPS,..., or a mix of those.
++