The µBipedino(TM) Robot
@ December 21, 2011
- Actuators / output devices: 4 HXT900 servos
- Control method: autonomous or remote controlled
- CPU: ATmega328P(3.3V 8MHz) with Arduino bootloader
- Power source: 3.6V 750mAh Li Ion battery
- Programming language: C
- Sensors / input devices: Dual IR proximity sensors...
- Target environment: indoors
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| uBipedino.zip | 2.27 KB |
| bipedino.txt | 55.41 KB |
The µBipedino(TM) robot is a tiny biped with 2 servos per leg. With a 2x2" custom made main board and another one for the head, this little robot can walk, turn, dance, avoid objects, sing and display a nice color show.
A couple of weeks ago I saw a nice video of kids playing with a tiny biped robot made by Easybotics. I contacted the owner and asked if I could create a similar robot based on an ATmega328 microcontroller that can be programmed in Arduino IDE, either directly in C, or, by using the ArduBlock tool, in a graphical manner, connecting blocks to write the program. He responded quickly saying that he has no problem with that, in fact, we could collaborate to build an Arduino compatible robot. After exchanging design ideas, we decided to go separate ways, as I wanted a simple robot board kit to be assembled by the customer or bought already assembled, and he wanted a more sophisticated board with a built in USB port and SMD parts. I started to prototype a robot and design the main board and today I have it ready for demos.
But first, let me introduce the µBipedino(TM) (pronounced micro-Biped-eeno) robot to you:
- micro-biped using 2 servos per leg for walking and dancing
- ATmega328 microcontroller at 3.3V, 8MHz with Arduino bootloader
- runs on a 3.6V LiIon battery
- built in charger with charging status LED (MAX1555)
- high side switch to enable the power to the servos by the microcontroller
- On/Off power switch with power status LED
- dual IR proximity sensor (38kHz) to detect objects on the Left/Right/Center
- trim-pots to adjust the IR LEDs light emitting level
- removable head board with built in Buzzer and dual RGB LEDs
- 4 extra connections for additional servos or sensors
- programmable start/select button
- keyed FTDI cable connector for programming
- board size: 5x5cm (2x2")
- robot size: 6x6x10.5cm (2.5x2.5x4")
Want to see it? Here are the pictures:
And the schematic and the PCB design:
I expect to have kits in the store sometime mid-January, perhaps even sooner if all works well.
Code has been attached. More improvements will follow, but it may get a head start for people with similar robots.
@ Wed, 2012-02-22 21:20
Ha. Cool.(Although,
Ha. Cool.
(Although, considering how much he weaves from side to side to shift center of gravity, perhaps Bart Simpson got into Homer's beer. I kept wondering if it was going to tip over sideways.)
@ Thu, 2012-02-09 10:21
Awesome work
Awesome work...looks like a lot of fun :)
@ Tue, 2012-02-07 14:28
Way Cool, I gotta order
Way Cool, I gotta order one...
And, If you're interested in following the development of ArduBlock, mentioned above, there is now a discussion group here:
http://groups.google.com/group/ardublock?hl=en
@ Sat, 2011-12-24 17:49
'Micro-Bi-ped-uino" is a
'Micro-Bi-ped-uino" is a mouthfull, but that is a very cute design. Nice work, as usual!
@ Sat, 2011-12-24 22:28
Thanks! The actual name is
Thanks! The actual name is Micro-Biped-ino not "uino", that's another guy's trade marked name. That's why I added the TM. This is my name, consistent with my other boards. The robot's design will be released Open Source when I'll have the first kits in the store. But if anyone will copy the design for sale purposes he has to use a different name. Of course, for their own use, people can replicate the design as they wish. BTW, you became my trustworthy tester, do you want to give this one a shot too?
@ Thu, 2012-02-09 05:33
Wow, how did I miss this
Wow, how did I miss this post? Possibly because I've had my head up my butt for a couple of months.
If the offer is still good, heck yes I be happy to test and provide feedback and a review.
@ Thu, 2011-12-22 22:16
hey!AMAZING biped!!i was
hey!AMAZING biped!!i was wondering can i use your design for mine??
@ Sat, 2011-12-24 06:08
Thanks! Sure you can use
Thanks! Sure you can use it,I borrowed it too.
@ Thu, 2011-12-22 18:22
Hacking Perf
So that the meaning of Hacking Perf board.....
He would do well too win the battle over Godzilla.
He is one big stepping biped, great to see the 38Khz sensor in action..very impressive detection....
@ Sat, 2011-12-24 06:07
Thanks! I don't know about
Thanks! I don't know about Godzilla, but we can finally play that overdue LMR Soccer Game!