Robobuilder RQ-HUNO Details and Availability Date
Robobuilder RQ-HUNO Details and Availability Date
by PedroR
Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:13 pm
Hi all
We're finalizing the details with Robobuilder to bring the new RQ-HUNO to our catalog.
The feature set for the Robot is now finalized and the software is also finalized (or in the process of), so we're proud to bring you the details in first hand:
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-17 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The RQ-HUNO Humanoid is based on the technology used in the successful 5710K and 5720T but it is smaller and comes with a more affordable price tag.
It uses the same successful ingredients of the 5710K and 5720Twith some updated bits such as LiPo, ARM Cortex processor, external A/D ports and more. Run times are also extended with the new LiPo battery.
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-18 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The spec sheet shows Robobuilder is maintaining their successful recipe: the controller/robot should come ready to run out of the box, the Distance Sensor is included by default and some additional goodies are included such as the LED in the servos (in a sort of 5710K meets 5720T)
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-8 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The RQ servos use the same bus and Protocol as the wCK servos (used in 5710K and 5720T) but they are smaller and have lower torque (adjusted to the smaller size of the Robot).
By using the same Bus and Protocol RQ servos can be mixed and matched with wCk servos.
(a typical "mix and match" application is using these smaller servos to build a pan&tilt for a 57xx)
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-7 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
Like the servos, the Controller is also brand new.
One of the most important innovations are the exposed IO ports.
These can be used to connect A/D sensors.
For the moment Robobuilder is only shipping RQ-HUNO with the Distance Sensor in the Head but there are plans to release other accessories (for example a Gyro). The user should also be able to add his own sensors.
In terms of connectivity, the controller comes with USB cable and is upgradeable with Bluetooth for Wireless connectivity and use with Android devices.
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-20 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The software suite is the same we've come to know: MotionBuilder, ActionBuilder, MSRDS and Android App.
The Android App should see a significant revamp with the inclusion of Robobuilder and ActionBuilder functionality in the Android App itself (we made a preview of this app available for download on our forum).
In terms of Serial protocol we don't know yet if Robobuilder is maintaining it's "RBC protocol". Everything points to a YES but we should expect some changes on the protocol to accommodate the additional features of the controller.
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-19 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
Finally the part list.
We have high hopes for this little companion. I believe it has all it takes to make for an interesting Hobby humanoid, especially the price/features tag.
You might be wondering how the 5710K and 5720T fit into the line up in the long run.
As advanced Humanoids with built in PCs are coming into play (NAO, DarwIn, RQ-TITAN), the market seems to be organizing itself around the edges at the moment ("ATMEL/ARM brains" or "PC brains").
The RQ-HUNO is positioned as an entry level Robot that still packs most of the features of the bigger brothers 5710K and 5720T.
The 57xx Robots will continue to exist as more advanced offers - especially in the form of Red+ and Blue Editions for consumer and PLUS edition for Education.
Hopefully in a third edition with (affordable) onboard Linux which we're developing at RoboSavvy will also be available.
We are planning to have the RQ-HUNO in stock by the beginning of September and we'll probably make it available for Pre Order before that, with a discount for early adopters (honoring what we've done when we first released the 5710K).
Regards
Pedro
We're finalizing the details with Robobuilder to bring the new RQ-HUNO to our catalog.
The feature set for the Robot is now finalized and the software is also finalized (or in the process of), so we're proud to bring you the details in first hand:
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-17 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The RQ-HUNO Humanoid is based on the technology used in the successful 5710K and 5720T but it is smaller and comes with a more affordable price tag.
It uses the same successful ingredients of the 5710K and 5720Twith some updated bits such as LiPo, ARM Cortex processor, external A/D ports and more. Run times are also extended with the new LiPo battery.
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-18 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The spec sheet shows Robobuilder is maintaining their successful recipe: the controller/robot should come ready to run out of the box, the Distance Sensor is included by default and some additional goodies are included such as the LED in the servos (in a sort of 5710K meets 5720T)
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-8 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The RQ servos use the same bus and Protocol as the wCK servos (used in 5710K and 5720T) but they are smaller and have lower torque (adjusted to the smaller size of the Robot).
By using the same Bus and Protocol RQ servos can be mixed and matched with wCk servos.
(a typical "mix and match" application is using these smaller servos to build a pan&tilt for a 57xx)
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-7 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
Like the servos, the Controller is also brand new.
One of the most important innovations are the exposed IO ports.
These can be used to connect A/D sensors.
For the moment Robobuilder is only shipping RQ-HUNO with the Distance Sensor in the Head but there are plans to release other accessories (for example a Gyro). The user should also be able to add his own sensors.
In terms of connectivity, the controller comes with USB cable and is upgradeable with Bluetooth for Wireless connectivity and use with Android devices.
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-20 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
The software suite is the same we've come to know: MotionBuilder, ActionBuilder, MSRDS and Android App.
The Android App should see a significant revamp with the inclusion of Robobuilder and ActionBuilder functionality in the Android App itself (we made a preview of this app available for download on our forum).
In terms of Serial protocol we don't know yet if Robobuilder is maintaining it's "RBC protocol". Everything points to a YES but we should expect some changes on the protocol to accommodate the additional features of the controller.
2012_Sales_RoadMap(RQ)-2-19 by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
Finally the part list.
We have high hopes for this little companion. I believe it has all it takes to make for an interesting Hobby humanoid, especially the price/features tag.
You might be wondering how the 5710K and 5720T fit into the line up in the long run.
As advanced Humanoids with built in PCs are coming into play (NAO, DarwIn, RQ-TITAN), the market seems to be organizing itself around the edges at the moment ("ATMEL/ARM brains" or "PC brains").
The RQ-HUNO is positioned as an entry level Robot that still packs most of the features of the bigger brothers 5710K and 5720T.
The 57xx Robots will continue to exist as more advanced offers - especially in the form of Red+ and Blue Editions for consumer and PLUS edition for Education.
Hopefully in a third edition with (affordable) onboard Linux which we're developing at RoboSavvy will also be available.
We are planning to have the RQ-HUNO in stock by the beginning of September and we'll probably make it available for Pre Order before that, with a discount for early adopters (honoring what we've done when we first released the 5710K).
Regards
Pedro
by PedroR
Thu Jul 26, 2012 5:20 pm
We've also received some videos from Robobuilder showing the new RQ-HUNO in action:
This is a Human controlled soccer competition (it seems popular in Korea).
The Robots are being controlled over Bluetooth by a PS2 style controller with the Bluetooth Module (this is also available for 57xx although we don't carry them in our regular stock for various reasons, mostly price).
This also indicates that at least a base Wireless Serial Protocol is available for RQ-HUNO which opens the way for cool hacking
Regards
Pedro.
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This is a Human controlled soccer competition (it seems popular in Korea).
The Robots are being controlled over Bluetooth by a PS2 style controller with the Bluetooth Module (this is also available for 57xx although we don't carry them in our regular stock for various reasons, mostly price).
This also indicates that at least a base Wireless Serial Protocol is available for RQ-HUNO which opens the way for cool hacking
Regards
Pedro.
by PedroR
Mon Jul 30, 2012 4:27 pm
Hi all
Today we've received the Updated Software with support for the new RQ-HUNO:
MotionBuilder1.57 HUNO Humanoid by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
MotionBuilder1.57 HUNO Humanoid by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
MotionBuilder 1.57 as well as ActionBuilder 1.55 should be shortly available for Download.
Not much has changed in the way the software works. MotionBuilder has received an update to include support for all the RQ line, including RQ-HUNO.
There are also some new links on the top right and a new option called "Connect through Controller".
We haven't been informed what it is for but I assume it is designed to now let us create motions by talking directly to the servo bus (without the RBC or similar micro controller) or when using custom controllers. (which is quite nice).
There is also a direct link to the MotionBuilder Tutorial/Manual (this has been there for a while now) which is also very helpful in making sense of all the options and menus available.
One thing I had not yet realized is that MotionBuilder supports the creation of motions that combine Position Control and Wheel mode (ie Setting positions on certain servos and making other servos move in Wheel mode).
Not sure if this is new to this version or not but this is something quite unique that isn't supported on Robotis Roboplus Motion for example.
ActionBuilder has also received some updates but - much like what happens with the 57xx Humanoids - it's still the weakest link of the whole software suite.
Support for the RQ HUNO is there as well as support for the external Sensor Ports on the RQ HUNO Micro controller. However the support is only for Switches (ie Pressed/Unpressed); no support for Analog readings, at least in this version.
The thing we're looking forward the most is really the C code and the Serial Protocol for the micro controller.
We've received some test software for the protocol and it seems similar to that on the 5710K; haven't gotten into reverse engineering yet as we're waiting for "our precious" to arrive
Regards
Pedro.
Today we've received the Updated Software with support for the new RQ-HUNO:
MotionBuilder1.57 HUNO Humanoid by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
MotionBuilder1.57 HUNO Humanoid by RoboSavvy, on Flickr
MotionBuilder 1.57 as well as ActionBuilder 1.55 should be shortly available for Download.
Not much has changed in the way the software works. MotionBuilder has received an update to include support for all the RQ line, including RQ-HUNO.
There are also some new links on the top right and a new option called "Connect through Controller".
We haven't been informed what it is for but I assume it is designed to now let us create motions by talking directly to the servo bus (without the RBC or similar micro controller) or when using custom controllers. (which is quite nice).
There is also a direct link to the MotionBuilder Tutorial/Manual (this has been there for a while now) which is also very helpful in making sense of all the options and menus available.
One thing I had not yet realized is that MotionBuilder supports the creation of motions that combine Position Control and Wheel mode (ie Setting positions on certain servos and making other servos move in Wheel mode).
Not sure if this is new to this version or not but this is something quite unique that isn't supported on Robotis Roboplus Motion for example.
ActionBuilder has also received some updates but - much like what happens with the 57xx Humanoids - it's still the weakest link of the whole software suite.
Support for the RQ HUNO is there as well as support for the external Sensor Ports on the RQ HUNO Micro controller. However the support is only for Switches (ie Pressed/Unpressed); no support for Analog readings, at least in this version.
The thing we're looking forward the most is really the C code and the Serial Protocol for the micro controller.
We've received some test software for the protocol and it seems similar to that on the 5710K; haven't gotten into reverse engineering yet as we're waiting for "our precious" to arrive
Regards
Pedro.