Project:TRTL
Turtle Robot T Logo
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.
Detailed milestones
Cost aim for 15 GBP
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.
Hardware: Nanode Sofware: Wrapper over bitlash/arduino processing environment with possibly a basic LOGO language intbetween
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
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.
0.5 x A4 MDF sheet 2 x wooden wheel 2 x cheap chinese motor 1 x nande 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
A project to build something similar in ethos to the original Logo Turtle Robot. it will aim to use existing hardware and software stacks to stop us reinventing the wheel and make use of existing communities that support that hardware/software
Nanode - AVR parts only Blutooth modeule - enables wireless (serial) communication. Arduino/Bitlash software environments
Two wheels and two motors built on a bit of wood for a platform with everything on it.
The aim is to be able to supply a kit for 25-35 GBP that kids/parents can buy to teach themselves something, and have a bit of fun. and then, to enable them to carry on with that by letting them loose with the nanode 'stack of goodies' - arduino community, more hardware/electronics. off the shelf stuff.
todo: 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 or http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Models/Wheeled-Toys/Wooden-Wheels/Wood-Turned-Wheels-60mm.ice or http://www.alwayshobbies.com/Models/Wheeled-Toys/Moulded-Wheels/105mm-Moulded-Spoke-Wheel.ice
possible use of http://arduino.cc/blog/2009/03/09/snap-on-panel-for-arduino-based-instruments/
casters:
http://www.pololu.com/catalog/category/45 http://www.active-robots.com/motors-wheels/ball-casters http://www.robotshop.com/dagu-ball-caster-16mm-20mm-3.html http://direct.asda.com/JML-Rollapod-Mini-Massager/000324521,default,pd.html