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iRobot Create Programmable Robot
January 21, 2007 11:16 PM EST | Toy Gadgets | Email to Friend
Ready to create a robot so technologically advanced it could change the world - or at the very least, get you a cold soda from the fridge? Do it right with the iRobot® Create™.
10 built-in demos and 32 built-in sensors allow you to control the Create robot and experiment with robotics. An open cargo bay and 25-pin expansion port allows you to add your own sensors, grippers, wireless connections, computers, or other hardware. Fully documented serial protocol provides full access to sensors, actuators, and on-board scripting functionality. Supported under Windows XP via serial port.
Who is iRobot Create For?
Educators: Teach students the fundamentals of robotics, computer science, and engineering by writing software to control this engaging robot.
Roboticists: Budding or advanced robot developers can use this versatile robot to experiment, learn, play, program, and compete. Now you can spend your time programming behaviors and attaching new sensors and actuators to transform the robot into exactly what you want.
Product Features
- Mobile out-of-the-box. No need to assemble the drive system or worry about low-level code.
- Use the included serial cable to send individual commands from a PC or write basic scripts of up to 100 Open Interface Commands which can be stored on the robot.
- 10 built-in demos perform various, preprogrammed behaviors and can be controlled via Open Interface Commands.
- Over 30 built-in sensors allow the robot to react to both internal and external events.
- 25-pin expansion port to add the iRobot Command Module (not included) or your own electronics including sensors, actuators, wireless connections, computers, cameras, or other hardware.
- Spacious cargo bay with threaded holes for mounting additional hardware.
- Includes fourth wheel to improve stability of larger payloads
- Full compatibility with iRobot Roomba accessories including the rechargeable batteries, power supply, home base, remote control, and virtual walls.
Programming the Create Robot
A variety of methods and programming languages can be used to control the iRobot Create. Access to all of the robot’s sensors and actuators over a serial port is provided via the iRobot Open Interface. Beginning users can observe the robot’s behavior in one of 10 demonstration modes or program the robot directly by downloading short scripts with any basic terminal program. More advanced users can write custom software using a variety of methods that take advantage of the robot’s “streaming sensor data” mode for more control of the robot. Highly advanced users can write programs in C or C++ for the Command Module that attaches to the robot for completely autonomous behavior.
iRobot Command Module (Model 4812)
The Command Module contains an 8-bit, 20 MHz (Atmel ATMega 168) microcontroller enabling full programmability of iRobot Create’s motors, lights, sounds, and sensor readings. The Command Module plugs into the Create robot’s cargo bay connector and provides on-board control with programs you write in C or C++. It has four DB-9 expansion ports for adding your own hardware. Includes Command Module CD (containing 3 example programs and the compiler), USB cable, and Quick Start Guide.
