SimpleBot

SimpleBot is a NodeBots compatible robot platform designed by Andrew Fisher, controlled by a Raspberry Pi using a PiLeven Arduino compatible expansion board and a SimpleBot shield designed by Angus Gratton to simplify assembly. [More information on SimpleBot designs can be found on @ajfisher's github].

SimpleBot is designed to give you a quick win getting started with robotics, providing you with basic movement and sensor functionality that you can control from whatever software environment you like. You can then extend it with other sensors and actuators, or swap out parts to make the robot bigger or smaller, while building on the same basic principles and architecture. SimpleBot is the gateway drug to the world of robotics!



SimpleBot features include:

* Simple assembly on a Coreflute chassis using cable ties and minimal tools * Easy to modify to incorporate your own design ideas and features * Chassis can be cut out by hand, or using a laser cutter if you have access to one * Raspberry Pi brain * WiFi connectivity * PiLeven (Arduino compatible) I/O controller * SimpleBot shield provides convenient connectors * 2 x continuous-rotation servos for mobility * 1 x ultrasonic distance sensor for obstacle avoidance * 1 x light sensor for phototropic or photophobic behaviour * 4 x WS2812 RGB LEDs for blinky fun * Powered by common AA cells

The first session at the Open Hardware Miniconf 2015 will give participants the opportunity to assemble their own SimpleBot from a kit of parts, which includes all chassis parts pre-cut and ready to assemble: