Who knows about OLLO and Dynamixel BX-2?

[Nathan Monson]

Hi guys,

Does anyone know anything about Robotis' new low-cost educational kit? It is named OLLO (for All + Robot). It is somewhat like Bioloid only meant for younger audiences. It uses a new micro-actuator called the Dynamixel BX-2. There was also a tiny sensor module that may also contain a programmable controller. (The Robotis rep thought so anyway.)

The plastic snap-together hardware is very fun to use and different from Bioloid's screw-together components.

I have scoured the web for information but had no luck. I was able to play with some BX-2s at RoboGames in San Francisco, but the Robotis representative could not answer my questions except to say it was 'available soon' and 'fully programmable'.

Any details would be great!

- Nathan

[StuartL]

According to this link the OLLO will be available from May. I presume they're running behind schedule though because it's not on their products pages anywhere. Does sound intriguing, though, especially for family roboteers like myself.

[trey3670]

I wonder if this is also the source of the hand held controller?

[Nathan Monson]

I wonder if this is also the source of the hand held controller?

The controller is definitely used with OLLOs. Today they had some four-legged bunny-bots made from OLLO that could be controlled with the wireless controller. OLLO-bots are really small -- the bunny fits in your palm, with sensors, batteries, motors and all.

The same controller (or at least the same shell) was also being used to control the black aluminum Bioloids. One Robotis rep said, and I quote, 'I promise you will be able to get black aluminum Bioloid hardware this year.' He also guessed that we could have OLLOs in the US by September.

They gave me an OLLO's Beginner kit containing one BX-2 actuator. More advanced kits were available to play with, but were not for sale.

The advanced OLLO kits contain two BX-2 actuators and a control module. The control module contains an AVR uC, two H-bridges, three IR sensors, and a radio receiver. It runs on 3V (supplied by two AA batteries). The Bioloid rep stressed that the control module was user programmable, although he did not say what language, just 'easy for kids'.

The BX-2 actuators are tiny gearmotors. They do not have integrated controllers or position sensors. The control module can command them to go forward or backward at variable speeds.

The rep stated that the control module had 'four sensors' (maybe he was counting wireless receiver?). He said both intensity and distance could be detected, for line following and/or obstacle avoidance. In addition to the power and motor headers, there is also a 4 pin header for programming.

The OLLO kits are really well designed. Kids as young as 7 were building and racing tiny OLLO robots at RoboGames. My grown-up friends were also fighting over the pieces. They are that much fun.

- Nathan

[srobot]

Here is the OLLO website from Robotis:

http://www.ollobot.com/

While I'm sure the OLLOs are "toys" compared to the Bioloid, I still want a few!

--Scotty

[limor]

we're supposed to get a couple of demo boxes of OLLO here at RoboSavvy.

[limor]

OLLO is launching at the beginning of the year.

Robotis have taken a serious step into the early-education market.

Code: Select all

OLLO FIGURE  -- Small single figure construction (similar to a Kinder egg toy)                                     -- US$19.90
OLLO ACTION -- Small single figure with one motor (BX-2)                                                                -- US$29.90
OLLO BUG       -- Multiple figure construction, 3 IR sensors, 2 motors, 1 CPU, 1 Remote-Control, Sound -- US$99.90


[Nathan Monson]

OLLO is launching at the beginning of the year.

Robotis have taken a serious step into the early-education market.

Code: Select all

OLLO BUG       -- Multiple figure construction, 3 IR sensors, 2 motors, 1 CPU, 1 Remote-Control, Sound -- US$99.90


$99 is a really good deal for all that hardware. Do you know anything about how the CPU is programmed?

Will RoboSavvy be carrying them?

- Nathan