Project:TRTL

Turtle Robot, Talks Logo

Yup. That's the one.

Project Aim

To produce a low cost kit robot that is simple to build, and easy to use/program via software with the aim of introducing and kids and adults alike to building, making, electronics and software. For certain values of building, making, electronics and software.

The intention is not to create a commercially available/viable kit.

Project Participants

Amran

Jonty

Chris (hipster)

Concept and ideas dump

TRTL is intended as an educational/learning device. It is not a toy to keep. it is only just for christmas.

TRTL should be built upon existing open hardware/software stacks. ones with active/lrage communities attached to them. This will make the transition from TRTL to general hacking a simple process. It also adds value to the kit - the purchaser not only gets a TRTL bot and its inherant educational process, but also an 'AVR clone' - the entry point into the land of arduino.

Hardware: Nanode Software: Wrapper over bitlash/arduino processing environment (with possibly a cut down LOGO language inbetween? implemented as custom bitlash functions)

Why Nanode?

We know the designer. We know the hardware. We can customise it and build just the 'AVR' part (ie the arduino compatible bit) for much less than a nanode would cost. Once the TRTL is built, if the owner wants to progress further into the hacking arena, he/she are presented with two paths. stick with the arduino clone, or build up the remaining nanode components to get a full blown nanode.

Ken Boak has supplied the following as an outline costing:

"The bottom line is £10.20...but there are several things you can then remove.. This brings you down to £8.07"

we will take the higher costing of 10.20GBP as a conservative estimate of cost.

As production of the nanode becomes more efficient the cost is further expected to drop. A figure as low as 7 GBP has been estimated. However until a nanode has been delivered at this cost level, it would be foolish to assume that it will.

Why Arduino/Bitlash

Arduino is an easy to use prototyping language developed for ATMega32 based microcontrollers. There is massive community support for all things arduino. This choice is in line with the project aims to build on existing community supported platforms.

The use of bitlash is up for debate since i cant think of one good reason it should be used over an arduino sketch, but i like the idea of creating custom functions and executing them for movement et al.

Detailed milestones

Cost effective prototype Working electronics Finalised physical design

UI design Functional software for comms to nanode via bluetooth

Making it go back back, forth and forth.

How much should it cost

15-20 GBP

Hardware

There will be numerous prototype. Initial outline is five.

Protoype 1

Aim - to build a TRTL bot and get a rough cost estimate for this prototype Only buy items that can also be bought in bulk. Do not include postage costs of materials.

Generate interest for the project.

Materials Required

1/6 x 600x300mm MDF sheet

2 x wooden wheel

2 x cheap chinese motor

1 x nanode AVR spec

1 x bluetooth module for serial communication to AVR via SPI

2 x 3D printed castor

2 x marbles (if using on non hard/laminated surface?)

1 x H bridge

Material Cost (per unit)

1.05 GBP - MDF sheet 600mmx300mm http://www.hobartlaserables.com/wood/mdf/4mm-laser-grade-mdf-600x300mm

0.70 GBP - wooden wheel 60mm (http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Models/Wheeled-Toys/Wooden-Wheels/Wood-Turned-Wheels-60mm.ice)

0.50 GBP - cheap chinese motor (cite supplier url)

10.20 GBP - nanode AVR spec (via Ken Boak)

4.69 GBP - bluetooth module for serial communication to AVR via SPI (eBay - many sellers)

0.20 GBP - 3D printed castor (via London Hackspace - approx cost)

marbles (if using on non hard/laminated surface?)

1.91 GBP - H bridge (http://proto-pic.co.uk/h-bridge-motor-driver-1a/)

Cost for prototype

All costs in GBP

0.175 - 1/6 x 600x300mm MDF sheet

1.40 - 2 x wooden wheel

1.00 - 2 x cheap chinese motor

10.20 - 1 x nanode AVR spec

4.69 - 1 x bluetooth module for serial communication to AVR via SPI

0.40 - 2 x 3D printed castor

2 x marbles (if using on non hard/laminated surface?)

1.91 - H bridge

Total: 19.775

Prototype 2

review materials used and initial design. refine prototype to 'RC' state.

Prototype 3

supply kit to intended user. ask them to build it. debrief/review

Prototype 4

minor changes/modifications.

Prototype 5

Should be the finished version.

Misc/Scratch/TODO

possible use of http://arduino.cc/blog/2009/03/09/snap-on-panel-for-arduino-based-instruments/

add interface design pics and rational for 'page flow' in the app

wheels:

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Models/Wheeled-Toys/Cart-Wheels/Scale-Wheels-for-Carts-$4-Wagons-80mm.ice

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Models/Wheeled-Toys/Wooden-Wheels/Wood-Turned-Wheels-60mm.ice

http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Models/Wheeled-Toys/Moulded-Wheels/105mm-Moulded-Spoke-Wheel.ice

Look at Teagueduino for possible inspiration/collaboration:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/teague/teagueduino-learn-to-make

http://labs.teague.com/

http://www.amberfrog.com/logo/ - interesting interface layout