Pixy-bots

    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:

    1.  Velcro attached battery packs for quick swapping out and charging
    2.  Li-ion battery packs rated at 2800mAH at 7.2 volts. They are some good cells that peak at around ~8.4volts
    3.  Clean look with translucent white added wire management guide
    4.  Arduino controller for an overall cheap design to build
    5.  3D printed parts to show off what can be done with the relatively new technology
    6.  Soft rubber Lego tires for a much grippier robot.  (It’s a word)
    7.  Tons of left over prototyping space on the Arduino prototyping shield
    8.  Pixy is programmable on the fly and takes only a few seconds to train to a new color
    9.  Built-in, easy to grip handle to make picking up the robot easy
    10.  Internal sensor to monitor battery pack voltage level
    11.  Pause button to allow for reprogramming the Pixy on the fly
    12.  Front mounted IR sensors to allow obstacle avoidance
    Posted by
    Apollo Timbers's picture
    Apollo Timbers
    on Friday, October 14th, 2016
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    Agenda

    Today

    1. Open Build Something!
      • Start time: 07:00pm
      • End time: 10:00pm
      • Where: 2215 Scott Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

      • Come stop by and visit! Open build night to work on projects and hang out!

      • View this event in Google Calendar

    Tuesday, January 28th

    1. Elections

    Wednesday, January 29th

    1. Board Meeting

    Saturday, February 1st

    1. Pi Jam
      • Start time: 12:00pm
      • End time: 04:00pm
      • Where: Donald Danforth Plant Science Center, 975 N Warson Rd, Olivette, MO 63132, USA

      • AR will have two tables. Feel free volunteer!
        "Hands-on science, tinkering, and robotics for the whole family. The annual Raspberry Pi Jam brings together students, educators, makers, scientists and community members of all ages interested in the world of scientific innovation and robotics. The Raspberry Pi microcomputer is a technology used by educators, scientists, and hobbyists to construct low-cost hardware and software engineering tools. Features hands-on science and engineering tinkering at a variety of stations with fun for all ages."

      • View this event in Google Calendar
    2. RoboMo Meeting @ SLSC
    3. RoboMo After Meeting Workshop

    Sunday, February 2nd

    1. Super Bowl of Destruction
      • Start time: 04:00pm
      • End time: 10:00pm
      • Where: Arch Reactor, 2215 Scott Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

      • Super Bowl of Destruction

        Everyone is invited to come to the Arch Reactor for the Super Bowl of Destruction. We will have the football game on our big screen for everyone to watch. Not interested in football? Don’t worry, we also throw this party as something for the non-football enthusiasts. As a hackerspace, we use this time to breakdown all of the donations that are no longer usable or fixable. We have hard drives, computers, printers, server equipment, and more! Come join the mayhem and destruction! Bring a Super Bowl snack to share. We had some great food last year.

        Destruction starts at 4pm on Sunday, February 2nd at Arch Reactor, 2215 Scott Ave. 63103.

      • View this event in Google Calendar
    2. Open Build Something!
      • Start time: 07:00pm
      • End time: 10:00pm
      • Where: 2215 Scott Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

      • Come stop by and visit! Open build night to work on projects and hang out!

      • View this event in Google Calendar
    3. Open House
      • Start time: 07:00pm
      • End time: 09:00pm
      • Where: 2215 Scott Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

      • Come hangout with us and see what Arch Reactor is all about.

      • View this event in Google Calendar