Of all the robots, is the bioloid the most versatile?
I think its a personal choice ,but according to me. Yes, it is one of the most versatile kits out there.
Also once you have mastered the kit , it is very easy to move up to the even stronger and bigger robotis ( maker of the bioloid kit ) motors like Rx-28,Rx-64 and Ex-106.They use the same control protocol and very similar to the AX12 used in the bioloid kit.
So its an ideal choice if u have dreams of moving up and making your own humanoid
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Are there any other robot kits that use dynamixels?
There are a few more kits like the cycloid ( using the Dx117, but might be phased out
http://www.tribotix.com/Products/Robotis/Humanoids/CycloidIII_info1.htm and there another high high end Robot bear Hykim by tribotix http://www.tribotix.com/Products/Tribotix/Robots/Hykim_info1.htm but cost nearly USD 15,000.
I personally recommend you start with the bioloid kit and then build your owm robot using other DX,RX and Ex series dynamixels.
I was personally inspired by Bullit (rob) & Hiveminds (chris) 's humanoids oro & zog at robogames. (google for them or checkout their youtube videos ( Farrell Robotics ) ). very inspiring! and you would also see the potential of the dynamixel motors. atleast thats how i started making my humanoid .
Is there other actuators that run on a serial bus and provide feedback like the dynamixel?
Although other people would add to this , the ones i know of are:
1. RoboBuilder http://robosavvy.com/site/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=159&Itemid=128
2. Vstone ( i don't think these are available outside Japan)
3. I think open servo also support I2C.
Does enough hardware exist where I can communicate with this serial bus using an linux-based embedded pc e.g. gumstix?
Definately yes !
you can actually easily covert any USB or Serial bus to this bus. i.e you can use any computing hardware to control the motors. ( as long as you can fix it on the robot
)there is this new daughter board for the gumstix that limor is building http://robosavvy.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2921.
Then Bullit has also done some amazing work with the gumstix ( see the same topic )
and you have come to the right forum ! people here are very helpful and explain things properely to new bies like us!
Statistics: Posted by ksamay — Fri Nov 28, 2008 5:43 am
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