Story and photos by Tom Atwood and Harry Mueller
This pictorial shows the assembly of Lynxmotion’s, www.lynxmotion.com, new BRAT, an entry level bipedal robot that is a milestone robot. With a starting price of less than $300, BRAT offers an affordable yet sophisticated entry into the humanoid robotics field. Use Lynxmotion’s powerful sequencing software and you will be able to program the coordinated movement of up to 32 servos (the BRAT biped uses only six servos). The BRAT is a powerful testament to the flexibility of the “servo erector set” product line developed by Lynxmotion. Harry Mueller, who reviews the BRAT in our Winter 2006 issue, notes:
“BRAT, an acronym for Bipedal Robotic Articulating Transport, is the latest creation to come whirring out of the Lynxmotion robotics lab. It promises to be a great addition to the entry-level humanoid robot class. This robotic incarnation can trace its development back to its distant cousin Tao-Pie-Pie of New Zealand, through to SixPac, as described in the Fall 2006 issue of Robot magazine, and up to the first inspirational glimmerings of Jim Frye of Lynxmotion, who created the wonderfully expandable BRAT package.
“In the feature article on the BRAT published in the Winter 2006 issue of Robot, we examine two versions, a bare-bones basic kit and a full-blown “Tarzan-on-steroids” BRAT capable of autonomous operation in addition to great feats of strength. The main difference between the versions is the type of servo used; the basic kit comes with the Hitec HS-422 servos while my hopped up BRAT uses Hitec 5645 digital servos. In addition, my autonomous BRAT uses the optional bot board with an Atom Pro microprocessor. Obstacle detection is achieved with a Sharp GP2D12 analog infrared ranger…
“A number of optional configurations are available for BRAT using different servos and SES components and a few such versions are shown on the Lynxmotion website (www.lynxmotion.com). Once your BRAT has been configured Lynxmotion provides three ways of implementing control.
I assembled the entry level BRAT kit to shed light on the easy steps involved. Putting this research biped together was enormous fun―here are some highlights of the assembly process.
The instructions note that the robot might move swiftly and be prepared. I “knew” all of my servos were properly centered, but when I told the software to center all servos by clicking on the “All="1".5mS” button, my BRAT came alive and kicked me! I had installed one servo 90 degrees out of phase!
Exploring this software has not only been a hoot, it’s been an inspiration. The power of this software is enormous and one can easily envision “growing” the BRAT to include additional joints and limbs. Want to build your own Robo-One humanoid robot? Start with a BRAT and add a torso, head and arms. See the Winter 2006 issue of Robot to read Harry Mueller’s evaluation of the autonomous Lynxmotion BRAT powered by digital servos. The entry level Biped BRAT Combo Kit for PC (serial port, Brushed or Black Anodized brackets) includes the Sequencer software, SSC-32 Servo Controller, Serial Data cable and four Hitec HS-422 servos. Price: $286.09 |
用户851691 2006-10-31 14:14
用户1271842 2006-10-29 00:14
那是公司产品嘛!又不是个人做的。不过网上确实有人自己做机器人的——我是指使用自行购买散件(应该是工业标准的标准件)或加工的零件。
用户1063369 2006-10-26 09:21
用户1053025 2006-10-24 11:13