OpenServo.com

dsandber · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

A while ago I was asking a bunch of questions about OpenServo, trying to solve a servo humming problem I was having with normal servos.

We finally launched the website for the product I was building:

http://www.headthere.com

Its a 5'8"" tall robot for video conferencing -- ie., telepresence.

Let me know if you have any questions or comments!

Cheers,

-Dan

ginge · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 10:27 pm Post subject:

Very nice!

It looks like a lot of attention to detail in this product.

Remote shopping is the best application I can see coming from this, but there are lots of places I can see this being a useful tool, if only so my boss can get one to visit my office remotely instead of in person Wink

Does the robot have object avoidance systems to stop it from bumping into people when say, shopping?

Last question Wink

The center of gravity on the robot must be fairly high, how do you cope with wobble and overbalance. Did you write some inverted pendulum type algorithms?

Okay, just one more question Any chance of one of these with a pair of tank tracks and a little basket so I can send it to the shop? Maybe you should offer a telescopic version so it can drive without toppling? Only half kidding, but it would make the killer app for my disabled relative.

I wish you well in your endevour.

P.S you should all go and read the jokes in the forum. Very funny.

Barry
_________________
http://www.headfuzz.co.uk/
http://www.robotfuzz.co.uk/

dsandber · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

Hi Barry,

Thanks! Ask all the questions you like!

The robot has three Sharp IR sensors which sit on the base ( we messed up and forgot to put a spot for them in the prototype we took pictures of ). These sensors make it pretty hard to hit anything.

We engineered the top to be as light as possible -- aluminum, laptop LCD, lightweight speaker, ... so most of the weight is actually quite low. The whole thing only weights ~30lbs. Wobble isn't a problem when its moving around.

Re: treads and balancing, we thought about it, but it adds a lot to the price and also adds a lot of weight ( especially treads ). Keeping the price low ( between $1800 and $3000 ) is really important to us. We figure enough places have handicap access, that not being able to climb stairs isn't that great of a limitation.

You can attach a basket with duct tape. High-tech solutions to high-tech problems Wink

Not sure what you mean about telescoping -- it already telescopes. And it is stable at full speed even when fully tall ( 5'8"" ).

Re: the jokes, finding robot jokes that aren't overly offensive is HARD! If you know any others, please add them!

Cheers,

-Dan

ginge · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:07 pm Post subject:

Ahh, I missed the telescoping. Thanks for the info.

I can see that tracks might be expensive. I would imagine this will mostly be used indoors, in which case I agree that it wont need them.

It would be great if you could put some kind of universal bracket attachment on there, it could be used to attach a basket, automated drug dispenser in a clinic, leaflets, memos, parts, or just about anything you might want to distribute while you are out remotely. Even just a couple of threaded holes that attach to the chassis would do it for me.

Maybe tracks on v2 Wink

Barry
_________________
http://www.headfuzz.co.uk/
http://www.robotfuzz.co.uk/

dsandber · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

Not a fan of duct tape eh? Apparently you need to rewatch Apollo 13 Wink

In all seriousness, we've thought about a general attachment mechanism. There's lots to do, but we'll definitely keep it in mind as we gear up for production.

Cheers,

-Dan

ginge · Posted: Tue Mar 06, 2007 11:18 pm Post subject:

dsandber · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

We're currently using the Allegro A3959. We'll probably switch to something surface mount for production.

Cheers,

-Dan

robotjay · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 5:47 pm Post subject:

Dan,

I'm speechless. That is probably the most creative use for robotics I've seen this year. Good work! Smile

How long have you two been developing that?

-Jay
_________________
"Nothing is fool-proof; For we fools are ingenious and will find a way."

dsandber · Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 52

Thanks Jay!

It's been almost two years believe it or not. Stupid details always getting in the way of the big picture Wink

-Dan

ginge · Posted: Sat Apr 28, 2007 10:50 am Post subject:

Hi Dan,

I just saw your bot in Robot Magazine LERN section. Congratulations on getting it published, and extra congratulations on getting a coherent writeup!

Barry
_________________
http://www.headfuzz.co.uk/
http://www.robotfuzz.co.uk/