Considering a purchase...
Considering a purchase...
by The_Omega_Theory
Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:03 am
I have a question for those of you with experience with the various humanoid robot kits up for discussion here. What, if any, robot kits here is best suited to serve as the skeleton for a teddy bear?
I'm interested in putting a camera, speaker and microphone suite into such a toy for my ex-girlfriend on the east coast. It would be a toy of the remote control variety to help us keep in touch. Anyone got any advice on where I should go first?
I'm interested in putting a camera, speaker and microphone suite into such a toy for my ex-girlfriend on the east coast. It would be a toy of the remote control variety to help us keep in touch. Anyone got any advice on where I should go first?
by The_Omega_Theory
Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:18 am
The general idea is that I could remotely control the suit. Teddy from Artificial Intelligence: AI was especially a large influence in this concept. Although she is my ex, we talk frequently via phone/MSN/email, ect. Lol, probably talk more now than we used to when we were together. Anyways, she's quite a collector of teddy bears and the like, so I thought it might be a nice gift.
The idea is that I'd have precise enough control to be able to use it remotely via a bluetooth/wireless connection on her computer in order to allow a sort of virtual presence I believe would be quite unique. Of course, I want to use the robotic components to give it a range of motion and allow it to move well enough to navigate a bed or a floor, ect. As well as all the other range of motions that would be expected of a 'living teddy.' lol
So you see why I need solid advice.
The idea is that I'd have precise enough control to be able to use it remotely via a bluetooth/wireless connection on her computer in order to allow a sort of virtual presence I believe would be quite unique. Of course, I want to use the robotic components to give it a range of motion and allow it to move well enough to navigate a bed or a floor, ect. As well as all the other range of motions that would be expected of a 'living teddy.' lol
So you see why I need solid advice.
Last edited by The_Omega_Theory on Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:24 am, edited 1 time in total.
by limor
Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:23 am
cool idea to spy on x-girlfriend by giving her trojan horse webcam enabled teady-bear. 
Probably Robonova. and then find a teddy-bear that the RN1 can fit into. as for the camera, search this forum and check out the RN1 hacks page : http://robosavvy.com/site/index.php?opt ... nova-i_faq
another option is KHR2HV that has been retrofitted in Japan by many with all sorts of fluffy dolls. KHR-2HV has wireless PC remote control solution. (see item http://robosavvy.com/store/product_info ... ucts_id/57 )
you can fit a standard wi-fi or usb web-cam with a mike onto the head of the humanoid. as for web based control of the humanoid, probably the easiest would be to use a write a little VB app that makes the local serial wireless or blutooth interface a web service of sorts.
not a trivial project if you want your ex-gf to actually keep this thing on her desk, including a power source cable and possibly 2 USB cables.
Probably Robonova. and then find a teddy-bear that the RN1 can fit into. as for the camera, search this forum and check out the RN1 hacks page : http://robosavvy.com/site/index.php?opt ... nova-i_faq
another option is KHR2HV that has been retrofitted in Japan by many with all sorts of fluffy dolls. KHR-2HV has wireless PC remote control solution. (see item http://robosavvy.com/store/product_info ... ucts_id/57 )
you can fit a standard wi-fi or usb web-cam with a mike onto the head of the humanoid. as for web based control of the humanoid, probably the easiest would be to use a write a little VB app that makes the local serial wireless or blutooth interface a web service of sorts.
not a trivial project if you want your ex-gf to actually keep this thing on her desk, including a power source cable and possibly 2 USB cables.
by The_Omega_Theory
Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:29 am
Nah, I've known her since I was 6. >.> We're kinda like family, all in all, just a pity that distance separated us. So yeah, I'd be giving her all the stuff she needs to keep it charged, I just thought it was a unique idea.
One thing I'm worried about is power. Are the servos on these robots powerful enough to move a small stuffed toy around? If they're lacking, is it possible to get more powerful servos or to use multiple sets of them to increase the power/range of movement sufficiently? I would also like to know if it is possible to use a crawling motion to get over rougher terrain?
One thing I'm worried about is power. Are the servos on these robots powerful enough to move a small stuffed toy around? If they're lacking, is it possible to get more powerful servos or to use multiple sets of them to increase the power/range of movement sufficiently? I would also like to know if it is possible to use a crawling motion to get over rougher terrain?
by limor
Mon Sep 03, 2007 2:51 am
the servos are definitely overpowered and should be able to move around inside the teddy costume.
Stability is could be an issue since they are engineered to be agile in their own shape and if you increase the weight in odd ways, the robot may be prone to falling. crawling is a good idea in general because 4 legs are better than 2.
Stability is could be an issue since they are engineered to be agile in their own shape and if you increase the weight in odd ways, the robot may be prone to falling. crawling is a good idea in general because 4 legs are better than 2.
by The_Omega_Theory
Mon Sep 03, 2007 3:01 am
Well, I was worried about that too. I want to be sure to include some sort of padding so that it doesn't feel like dead metal when it's picked up and to reduce the likelihood of damage in a small fall. IE: From a bed to floor or something like that.
Do you have any figures on battery life? Or overheating?
Do you have any figures on battery life? Or overheating?