It's alive!

Well, almost. I've finally started building my RoboMagellan entry for next year's RoboGames.

Unlike many of the converted RC-trucks used for RoboMagellan, I'm building a differential drive base, which should help with planning.

I recently acquired a used UTM30-LX laser, which will be the primary sensor on this platform, along with a pan and tilt camera, GPS, encoders, and an IMU. I'm planning to put the laser on a tilt stage using an MX-28T servo, which should allow pretty serious 3D obstacle avoidance.

New parts on Thingiverse

It has been a while since I've posted to this blog, I'll avoid making the typical "that's about to change comment".

I do want to post links to a few relevant parts that I've uploaded to Thingiverse today. These are kinda old, but never got shared, and since our MakerBot PC almost died this week, I decided I had better get them out there before I lose them. Without further ado:

• The Asus Xtion "wide"-style Bioloid-frame mount is now posted. This is the mount that I have been using on Maxwell for almost a year, and is much more stable side-to-side than previous designs. 
• An 8020 adapter for mounting tall masts on TurtleBots. 
• Finally, I've uploaded the style-ized version of the TurtleBot gripper. These are tough to print, due to the overhang, but look pretty cool.

-Fergs

Mech Warfare on KickStarter

Just a quick note, Mech Warfare is trying to make killer robots more killer (and yet safer around people). They are running a KickStarter right now to build a better arena enclosure:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/979852762/help-us-build-a-mech-warfare-robot-arena



-Fergs