Project:TRTL

Turtle Robot T Logo

Don't ask me what the T stands for. I've forgoten.

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.

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 hardawre/software stacks. ones with active/lrage communities attached to them. This will make the tranisition 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 Sofware: Wrapper over bitlash/arduino processing environment (with possibly a cutdown LOGO language intbetween? 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.

Why Arduino/Bitlash

Arduino is an easy to use protyping 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 Finaliased 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

Aim for 15-20 GBP

Prototypes

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 fo rmaterials.

Generate interest for the project.

Materials Required

0.5 x A4 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?)

Material Cost (per unit)

A4 MDF sheet

wooden wheel

cheap chinese motor

nanode AVR spec

bluetooth module for serial communication to AVR via SPI

3D printed castor

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

Cost for prototype

0.5 x A4 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?)

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, modify accordingly

Prototype 4

????

Prototype 5

Profit

Source of materials

a general source/reference for where i bought materials

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

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