eebot

A Mobile Robot

Overview

The eebot is a small mobile robot that is useful for education in microprocessor systems, robotics research, or hobby explorations.

The current design includes a sophisticated guider that can detect and track a black electrical tape against a light background. Students can be assigned a robot guidance challenge - ranging from detecting and following a line, to solving a maze - as a programming assignment.

The guidance computer is an unmodified MPP 68HC11 board, described here and here . There are many options for software development, including assembly language and C programming.

Student tested in a university lab, the eebot has many features that make it easy to use - LED readouts, an LCD display and a serial connection for debugging from a host PC. A typical lab curriculum is described in the eebot specification. .

Applications

    Undergraduate Microprocessor Lab
    Student Engineering Projects
    Mechatronics Education
    Mobile Robot Research
    Robot Colony Research
    Robot Hobby Explorations

Features

Microprocessor
    Standard 68HC11 MPP Board ( description and specification here).
    Built-in monitor program accessible via serial port from host PC
    Downloadable RAM (8k or 32k) for test programs
    LCDisplay for status and debugging messages
Expansion
    Prototyping area on MPP Processor Board.
    Configurable sensor platform.
Guider Platform
    Optimized for reliable line-following operation in ambient light.
    Uses visible light (not IR) for ease of debugging.
    4 Absolute value pattern sensors for pattern detection (eg, intersections).
    1 Differential sensor pair line follower.
    Each of the 6 sensors has a dedicated high intensity LED illuminator.
    Guider platform plugs into main chassis, may be replaced with different sensor platform.
LED Indicators
    Robot Power
    Microcomputer Power
    Microprocessor Alive
    Serial Communications, Tx, Rx
    Motor Power (4)
    Wheel Rotation (2)
    Bumpers (2)
Power
    Operates from standard 9.6V NiCad rechargeable battery or line power via AC adaptor.
    Operating time approximately 45 minutes from one charge.
    Battery voltage can be monitored by the microprocessor.

Bumper Switches

 

Front and rear momentary-action microswitches.

Knob

    An uncommitted potentiometer is provided on the robot chassis for testing software and setting control parameters.

Drive System

 

2 DC motors each with 200:1 gearbox.

Distance Measurement

 

2 wheel revolution counters, 52 counts per wheel revolution.

Dimensions

    11.4cm W x 20cm L x 8.9cm H
    4.5" W x 7.8" L x 3.5" H

Weight (with NiCad Battery)

 

726 grams, 1.6 Lbs

Availability

No longer in production. Refer to the datasheet if you would like to build your own.
 

Documentation and Instructional Material

    The kit includes Assembly Instructions for the MPP board and Robot, and a Technical Manual for the robot. A lab manual which may be used as the basis for curriculum development, Robotics Based Microprocessor Systems , is in preparation and will be available as a separate document.

Complete eebot Datasheet (PDF format)