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ARobot - Mobile Robot for Experimenters and Educators

The ARobot (pronounced "A robot") is a computer controlled mobile robot designed for Experimenters and Educators. Ages 14 and up (younger with help) can enjoy unlimited experimentation by programming the on-board Basic Stamp II control computer. Learn about computer programming, motion control, sensor reading, path planning, object avoidance, and more. Easily assembled in a few hours using common hand tools (no soldering required). Connect ARobot to your personal computer for programming and begin your adventure.

The most feature-packed robot in its class! You won't find a more powerful, expandable, programmable robot for the money!

Features

  • Rugged aluminum frame (no plastic or wood)
  • Dual front whisker sensors
  • Rear wheel steering servo motor
  • Front wheel DC gear drive motor
  • Optical wheel encoder for distance measurement
  • On-board coprocessor handles all motor control
  • Controllable Red and Green LEDs
  • Sound output transducer
  • Two user defined push button switches
  • 3 User-defined RC servo control ports
  • Serial communications port
  • Expansion connector
  • Socket to accept a Basic Stamp II controller chip
  • Dimensions: 10" x 10"
  • Runs on 8 AA-cell batteries for 5 hours or more

Basic Stamp II: ARobot's Programmable Brain

The Basic Stamp II is a small, self-contained computer controller manufactured by Parallax Inc. This easy-to-use system is programmed using a Basic-like language called PBasic. Programs are written on an IBM-style PC then downloaded to the Basic Stamp II for execution. Large libraries of programs can be created and saved.

ARobot's controller board accepts the Basic Stamp II (purchased seperately) which controls motors, LEDs, buzzer, and other devices. The Parallax Web site provides complete information about the Basic Stamp II including the programming manual. You can purchase the Basic Stamp II from us at a discount and save time.

See the Basic Stamp II installed on ARobot's controller board.

Attention Teachers: See how to teach Basic Stamp Programming in class.

 

Uses

Never let yourself be limited by a list like this!
  • Robotics education
  • Artifical life experiments
  • Science projects
  • Navigation research
  • Maze solving
  • Security
  • Robot contests
  • Publicity
  • Fun! Fun! Fun!
 

What You Get

Add your own Basic Stamp (or purchase one below) and batteries and you're in business!
  • Quality aluminum robot body and frame components
  • Controller circuit board - completely assembled
  • Diskette containing programming tools and example programs
  • Wheels
  • Construction and user guide
  • Technical support via web site and email

What You Need

ARobot can be built and programmed by almost anyone!

  • Common handtools - screwdriver and pliers
  • Your choice of spray paint (if desired)
  • Personal computer running Windows and a serial port
  • Common understanding of computer usage
  • Moderate understanding of Basic programming or a willingness to learn
  • 8 AA batteries. (over 5 hours of continuous run time)
  • Basic Stamp II programming information - available free on the net
  • Internet connection for getting the latest information
  • A never-ending desire to experiment and play with robots!
Construction normally takes about 3 hours. - or more for exotic paint jobs!

Expandable

ARobot can be expanded beyond belief!

ARobot's controller board has the ability to control 3 additional RC (Remote Control) servo motors which are commonly available at hobby stores for less than $20 each. These motors can be used to create a small robot arm or a moving head. The body contains openings to mount 2 of these RC servo motors.

The controller board also provides a connector to power a small DC motor like the one used as the drive motor. This connector can also be used to control other high-power devices such as a light or horn.

An expansion connector is provided to allow the user to add many special devices. Access to all of the Basic Stamp's I/O signals is provided and unused pins can be wired as needed.

Additional circuit boards can be stacked on top of ARobot's main controller board. Mounting holes and diminsions are the same as the prototype boards (RS Catalog #276-170) and breadboards (RS Catalog #276-174) found at Radio Shack. This makes expansion easier and cheaper.

See our project page for ideas such as using a sonar range finder and interfacing to a smoke alarm.

Endless possiblities prevent boredom!
  • The expansion port offers:
  • All Basic Stamp I/O signals
  • Coprocessor network signal
  • 3 standard RC servo motor signals
  • Access to coprocesser network bus
  • User defined signals
  • Standard 40 pin flat ribbion cable
  • Other signals can be wired by user
Possible devices include:
  • Additional whiskers
  • Sonar range finder
  • Smoke detector
  • Light sensors
  • Digital compass
  • Tilt sensors
  • IR communications

Technical Specifications

  • Frame: .062 aluminum - cut
  • Configuration: 3-wheel
  • Dimensions: 10" x 10"
  • Payload capacity: 1 lbs
  • Wheel size: 3.25" diameter
  • Drive Motor: 12volt DC gear motor
  • Quality machined wheel coupling and bearings
  • Optical wheel encoder for distance measurement Encoder: 20 counts per revolution - 2 per inch of travel
  • Motor driver: H bridge - 1 amp max
  • Speed control: Pulse Width Modulation
  • Controller PCB size: 2.1" x 6"
  • Steering Motor: Standard size RC servo motor
  • Power source: 8-AA cells in removable pack
  • Runs on 8 AA-cell batteries for 5 hours or more
  • Current draw: 50ma at standstill
  • Coprocessor: PIC16F84 for motor control
  • Expansion connector - 40 pin (2x20) IDC .1 centers
  • See the Schematic
  • See the PC board component placement
 

ARobot The Book: Robot Building for Dummies

Roger Arric the chief designer of ARobot is also an author. Robot Building for Dummies provides a comprehensive but extremely readable and how-to oriented introduction to robotics. Many of the advanced topics feature ARobot as the example robot making the book an extended ARobot manual.

For the tinkerer in all of us - Robot Building for Dummies gives you a solid understanding of robotics with a decidedly hands-on method. The book takes you through building ARobot then expanding it by adding speech, video, motion sensor, temperature sensor, and remote control.
 

Pricing

 
 

Picture of productArrick ARobot Complete Kit


This bundle consists of one Arrick ARobot Base, one BASIC Stamp 2 Module, one Robot Building for Dummies and one BASIC Stamp Manual Version 2.0. Save up to $1.94 with this bundle!

This complete kit of robot parts and books provides a comprehensive hands-on introduction robot building. Unlike many other kits, this bundle provides all the parts AND all the information you need to successfully build your robot and successfully create your first robot program.

The ARobot (pronounced "A robot") is a computer controlled mobile robot designed for Experimenters and Educators ages 14 and up (younger with help). It has a socket for a Parallax Basic Stamp II (BSII-IC) which you program to accomplish your robotic missions. It has a dedicated input-output (I/O) control board with motor, servo and sensor interfaces which communicates with the BS2-IC using a simple serial protocol. This kit comes complete with aluminum chassis, wheels, motor, steering servo, drive shaft encoder sensor, two whisker contact sensors, I/O control board and BASIC Stamp 2 Module.

More Product Details ...

  

Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H01920-01BNot available.Arrick ARobot Complete Kit$339.00Out of Stock

     No Soldering Required
 
 

Picture of productArrick ARobot Base w/ Basic Stamp Module


This bundle consists of one Arrick ARobot Base and one BASIC Stamp 2 Module. Save up to $4.05 with this bundle!

The ARobot (pronounced "A robot") is a computer controlled mobile robot designed for Experimenters and Educators ages 14 and up (younger with help). It has a socket for a Parallax Basic Stamp II (BSII-IC) which you program to accomplish your robotic missions. It has a dedicated input-output (I/O) control board with motor, servo and sensor interfaces which communicates with the BS2-IC using a simple serial protocol. This kit comes complete with aluminum chassis, wheels, motor, steering servo, drive shaft encoder sensor, two whisker contact sensors, I/O control board and BASIC Stamp 2 Module.

More Product Details ...

  

Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H01777-01VNot available.Arrick ARobot Base w/ Basic Stamp Module$279.95Out of Stock

     No Soldering Required
 
 

Picture of productArrick ARobot Base



The ARobot (pronounced "A robot") is a computer controlled mobile robot designed for Experimenters and Educators ages 14 and up (younger with help). It has a socket for a Parallax Basic Stamp II (BSII-IC) which you program to accomplish your robotic missions. It has a dedicated input-output (I/O) control board with motor, servo and sensor interfaces which communicates with the BS2-IC using a simple serial protocol. This base kit comes complete with aluminum chassis, wheels, motor, steering servo, drive shaft encoder sensor, two whisker contact sensors and the I/O control board. BASIC Stamp 2 Module not included. Manufacturer: ARRICK. Manufacturer's Part Number: AROBOT.

More Product Details ...

  

Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H01776-01XNot available.Arrick ARobot Base$235.00Out of Stock

     No Soldering Required
 
 

 Robot Building for Dummies
Author: Roger Arrick




Find out how to build and program your own robot "the dummies way." This book covers a huge amount of material in an easy to read, how-to oriented style. The books topics include
  • Introduction to programmable and non-programmable robots.
  • Organizing your work area, safely using tools, how to solder.
  • Building your own robot from a kit.
  • Expanding your robot by adding sensors, video, and speech.
  • Customizing your robot's actions with specialized programs.
Manufacturer: WILEY. Manufacturer's Part Number: 0764540696. 359 pages. ISBN: 0764540696.

More Product Details ...

  

Stock NumberBuyProduct TitlePriceStatus
H01919-01T Add To CartRobot Building for Dummies$21.99In Stock





The content on this page was updated on 12/02/2007