These robots are built around the Pixy computer vision sensor. This vision sensor is low cost for under 100 dollars. The sensor tracks color hues at a whopping 50 frames per second. If you’re interested, you can find more information about Pixy at their wiki page.
There was three robots built in total and were constructed in March of 2015, They are in the process of being redesigned addeding stronger bases and new features.
This project sprang up from the idea that Arch Reactor members often go to event to get the community involved in making and repairing. I thought robots would be a nice way to draw individuals to the table, and get them interested in robotics, would be an interactive display. This display would feature three robots that could track colored balls on a transportable table. To create this project I filled out an Arch Reactor Awesome Grant and I was awarded the grant by Arch Reactor to build the robots. It was easy to apply, and I encourage more members to do so. I am so grateful for the Awesome Grant as this project would be outside my budget without it.
Below is a link to the related documents for this project.
Grant proposal
Features include:
- Velcro attached battery packs for quick swapping out and charging
- Li-ion battery packs rated at 2800mAH at 7.2 volts. They are some good cells that peak at around ~8.4volts
- Clean look with translucent white added wire management guide
- Arduino controller for an overall cheap design to build
- 3D printed parts to show off what can be done with the relatively new technology
- Soft rubber Lego tires for a much grippier robot. (It’s a word)
- Tons of left over prototyping space on the Arduino prototyping shield
- Pixy is programmable on the fly and takes only a few seconds to train to a new color
- Built-in, easy to grip handle to make picking up the robot easy
- Internal sensor to monitor battery pack voltage level
- Pause button to allow for reprogramming the Pixy on the fly
- Front mounted IR sensors to allow obstacle avoidance