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. 10th Anniversary-Don't Try This at Home Planning Meeting
    • Start time: 06:00pm
    • End time: 07:00pm
    • Where: Arch Reactor, 2215 Scott Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

    • Getting into weeds on planning the big party!!!!

    • View this event in Google Calendar
  2. Build Night!
    • Start time: 07:00pm
    • End time: 09:00pm
    • Where: Arch Reactor, 2215 Scott Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103, USA

    • Come help build out Arch Reactor into the kind of space we all know it can be! All skill levels welcome, we can even teach you some new building skills!

    • View this event in Google Calendar

Friday, August 23rd

  1. 3D Printer Meetup
    • Start time: 07:00pm
    • End time: 09:00pm

    • Whether you're interested in printing for art, prototyping, manufacturing, or just fixing dishwasher soap lids, this is a meetup group where you can come get answers to your questions, help people new to the hobby, and show off your printer and its creations.

      If you have a printer, bring it along, working or not, we would love to see and learn about it.

      https://www.meetup.com/STL-3D-Printing/

    • View this event in Google Calendar

Sunday, August 25th

  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, August 27th

  1. General Workshop

Wednesday, August 28th

  1. Board Meeting