[ale] semi [OT] running a robot with linux

[Charles Shapiro]

Fuun!!

Yeah, I'd like to talk to you.  And please don't take my comments as
final.  Off hand I still like the idea of linking together relatively
simple systems to make interesting behaviors rather than tryin' to do
it all in one monolithic processor/kernel thing.  But heck, I already
know C++ and Python, and I'm more interested in learning about the
microprocessor side of things.  Maybe we can collaborate!

-- CHS


On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 12:25 PM, Ron Frazier
<atllinuxenthinfo at c3energy.com> wrote:
> Charles,
>
> I had to have some reason for putting this message on this list.
> Besides, since I'm planning to learn C++ anyway, I thought I'd make it
> do double duty.
>
> OK, think mars rover, but here on Earth.  Something that can go out into
> the desert on it's own and collect environmental data or do
> reconnaissance for the military,etc., follow a course, and return home.
> Something that has built in networking capability (OK, maybe in the
> desert but with 3g wireless, or possibly via satellite).  Something that
> has enough storage to capture and store photos or videos along with
> sensor readings.  Something where the program won't fit into a 16K ROM
> chip.  Yes, power and weight are critical, but an android phone,
> particularly with the screen off, isn't particularly heavy nor power
> hungry.
>
> Now, I do understand that you wouldn't necessarily want to put a 2000 HP
> engine in a Chevette, so power has its place.  I'm sitting here looking
> at an automated battery charger which has some kind of microcontroller
> in it, which probably cost $1.  So, a computer would be overkill.
> However, I am fascinated by the idea of more capable, more powerful
> robots.
>
> Maybe I'll see you at their meeting.  I think they're discussing 3d
> printing.  If you like, you can write me off list and we can discuss
> circuit design ideas.  Many years ago, I got an EET degree.  I haven't
> had a chance to try any of that out in terms of Robotics.  I do have a
> prototype board for a Propeller 8 core microcontroller from
> http://www.parallax.com/ .  Haven't had a chance to do anything with it
> yet.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Ron
>
> On Fri, 2011-01-21 at 11:32 -0500, Charles Shapiro wrote:
>> Gee whiz, I'd think a lotta processor power is overkill for most
>> 'bots.  My 3d printer is capable of quite complex behaviors on a
>> couple of Arduino ( http://www.arduino.cc/ ) boards loaded with simple
>> software in ROM.   The trouble with those kewl speedy processors is
>> that they tend to want more power and support circuitry.  If all
>> you're doing with that stuff is processing more LOC (Lines of Code),
>> what's the point of inviting all that extra design and debugging pain
>> into it?   Especially if you're talking a moving robot, power and
>> weight become critical, yes?
>>
>> I've also been thinking about robots recently, 'specially now I've got
>> a device that'll make, like, motor mounts in any shape I want. But I'm
>> leaning toward simple software and interesting hardware 'stead of
>> something as relatively heavy as linux / C++. Seems like a simple fast
>> scheduler and some routines are all you really need here, 'stead of
>> all that multi-user control, file system interface, cron(8) and other
>> hoo-hah.  Heck, if it were 20 years ago I'd be talking FORTH.  Maybe
>> that's still a good way to go.
>>
>> Hey, I'm thinkin' about making my first visit to AHRC this month.
>> Maybe we can argue about this there?
>>
>> -- CHS
>>
>>
>> On Fri, Jan 21, 2011 at 10:49 AM, Ron Frazier
>> <atllinuxenthinfo at c3energy.com> wrote:
>> > One of my interests, other than Linux, is robotics (actual moving
>> > machines, not computer bots).  I sometimes visit the Atlanta Hobby Robot
>> > Club ( http://botlanta.org/ ).  My ultimate goal is to build a moving
>> > robot which is run with a Linux based platform for a brain, and probably
>> > programmed in C++, which I'm starting to learn.  I think it would be
>> > really cool to run a robot using an Android phone or tablet, or possibly
>> > one of those little embedded computers.  However, I think the embedded
>> > computer market is behind because a phone or tablet has much more
>> > computer power, memory, built in screen, wireless, network interface,
>> > usb, etc.  I specifically want to use C++, rather than C, where
>> > functions exist to do a task in both languages.  Lots of embedded
>> > computers can be programmed in C, but not C++.  I also want the robot to
>> > be able to do more complex tasks than just following a line, etc.
>> > That's why I'm leaning toward a more sophisticated controller.  I'd
>> > appreciate any pointers toward resources for this type of project.
>> >
>> > Sincerely,
>> >
>> > Ron
>
>
> --
>
> (PS - If you email me and don't get a quick response, you might want to
> call on the phone.  I get about 300 emails per day from alternate energy
> mailing lists and such.  I don't always see new messages very quickly.)
>
> Ron Frazier
>
> 770-205-9422 (O)   Leave a message.
> linuxdude AT c3energy.com
>
>
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