Is Bioloid for me?

[kennethw]

Hi folks. I've been lurking for about a week, checking out the landscape and soaking up as much info as I can on the humanoids that I've been looking into. This is my first post, and I'm sorry that it's a selfish one, but I hope to give lots back once I get my feet wet. I've been interested in robotics for a long time, but could never afford the money (and later, the time) to do the pursuit justice. Thanks for your time, and I really appreciate any input you may have.

So it has been between the current Kondos, RN-1 and Bioloid. The Kondos are great, but no English manuals = no fun at all if you want to tinker. The SPC-101C looks great, but it's not out yet and is 2-3x the price. I'm not sure if I'm ready for that yet.

The Bioloid's modularity makes it super easy to expand and build upon, while being able to code and control it by a number of means. Bioloid has more DOF, great programmability and I like the idea of being able to build different things. I'm brand new to robotics (but not to programming), and have an itch to really tweak something out.

I'm not intimate with C/C++ yet, but I know several higher-level languages and have been coding for a while, and have dabbled a bit in C. One of the intriguing aspects of the Bioloid to me is being able to code some decision-making that's smarter than just rows of conditional procedural code. I'm more interested in slowly adding to his autonomy than having tons of widgets to attach to him, though there are many widgets for the Bioloid now. The software that comes with the kit looks good too.

I am also interested in learning about controller-servo operation and computer control for kinetic art projects. The Dynamixels are really robust, feature-wise, but are plastic, and may well be unique enough that my knowledge of them cannot be repurposed. I just don't know enough about what's out there, and don't want to bark up the wrong tree for extended periods.

That said, if the process of coding the Bioloid ends up being downright painful, I have to temper that with the fun level. I have a nasty habit of diving into things headfirst, burning them out and moving on.


Some specific questions:

- Is it possible to use something other than RoboBasic to code the RN-1, perhaps via an alternate controller?
- Can you actually get similar results with enough work in a visual editor?
- Does Bioloid have enough memory for complex work?
- I keep seeing "64k*8" in the memory specs for the Robonova. Meaning 8 units of 64k (512) or is that a designation for a type of memory?
- Am I crazy in assuming that you can operate a Bioloid (or Robonova for that matter) tethered for power, or do you have to constantly swap out battery packs?

[siempre.aprendiendo]

Some specific questions:
- Is it possible to use something other than RoboBasic to code the RN-1, perhaps via an alternate controller?

Sorry, I don't know Robonova

- Can you actually get similar results with enough work in a visual editor?

I think that visual editor are very interesting to movement programming, specially for robots without wheels (bipeds, hexapods, ...) But the logic is hardly to program, and less flexible, with visual environments for non programmers (like labview). At least for people from software development , like me.

- Does Bioloid have enough memory for complex work?

For complex work I think that the best option is to replace the CM-5, with only (I think) 5Kb RAM, or using it only as AX-12+ controller, connecting to the "brain" wireless. The best of Bioloid are the AX-12+ actuators.

See

Replacing the CM-5

and

New Brainbot

- Am I crazy in assuming that you can operate a Bioloid (or Robonova for that matter) tethered for power, or do you have to constantly swap out battery packs?

Well, Bioloid battery last for about 10 minutes, but you can use it with the power connector attached ... or replace the battery... see

Robotis battery upgrade for Bioloid and others threads about that...

Hope this helps

[kennethw]

Thanks very much for the information. It helps to get a better idea of what I'm getting myself into.

Well, Bioloid battery last for about 10 minutes, but you can use it with the power connector attached ... or replace the battery... see

10 minutes! Wow. The specs say roughly an hour. Is that for the simpler robots with fewer actuators, or do you have tons of mods?

[siempre.aprendiendo]

Thanks very much for the information. It helps to get a better idea of what I'm getting myself into.

Well, Bioloid battery last for about 10 minutes, but you can use it with the power connector attached ... or replace the battery... see

10 minutes! Wow. The specs say roughly an hour. Is that for the simpler robots with fewer actuators, or do you have tons of mods?

With all the AX-12+ ( 18 ) connected and working continuously between 10 and 20 minutes. More about Battery duration

[kennethw]

Thanks for your help. My Bioloid Comprehensive is on the way.

[siempre.aprendiendo]

Thanks for your help. My Bioloid Comprehensive is on the way.

You're welcome!

It's the least that I can do! I've learned a lot about Bioloid and robotics from this forum and from Tribotix, though Tribotix have rather less messages, there is some good information there too.

[PeterW]

I am new to this forum but have also just ordered a Bioloid. I am already into Antweight combat robots plus minisumo and micromouse and after see the Humanoids at the last two Birmingham events I couldn't resist any longer. Hopefully my experience in the other branches may speed up the learning curve but I realise there is a greatdeal I have to cover before the next event.

[kennethw]

Hopefully my experience in the other branches may speed up the learning curve

How could it not? Good luck and I look forward to seeing your progress. Maybe I can peek over your shoulder during the exam.