Next month, I'll begin telecommuting for the vast majority of my work time. It would be utterly and totally awesome for me to maintain a physical presence in the office via a remote-controlled robot. I can get an abandoned Core 2 Duo laptop with webcam without any problem. I can also get a fairly big UPS to use as a battery (a 330W/550VA battery is sitting unused in my office). Edit: Actually, I have one of these I could use also (1600W/2200VA, weighs 50kg). I'm taking a 300-level Electrical Engineering class this fall, so I'll be able to make friends with another mad scientist to help with assembly, etc. Basically, I need a powered set of wheels under my laptop, which I control somehow via the laptop (USB?). I'll then write a simple client application, maybe even just a Skype plugin, and I'm up and running! Little details like rocket launchers can be added later. My question is, anybody have a basic idea of how I might put this together? What I might use for my wheels? Or how I might interface with them from a Windows desktop application? Or how much power I should expect to use to roll around the office occasionally, and what kind of battery I should use?

This might be a start...


http://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meccano-wifi-spybot-build-your-own




Creating a robotic counterpart to have in the office is a pretty awesome idea. I might try that out with my job (when I get time for yet another personal project). Good luck with yours...

Quote: Original post by BeanDog
Little details like rocket launchers can be added later.

In my experience, people put off adding rocket launchers until it's too late to add rocket launchers. If you feel rocket launchers may be necessary, add them now.

Meet George Jetson...

Nothing say "respect my authority!" like a paintball sentry gun. Now if you were to mount it on wheels and drive it around...

I wouldnt use a desktop. I'ld either use a laptop or a minipc. Somehow Im thinking a skateboard would be a cheap set of wheels and a platform that would support enough weight. But for steering and propulsion... Or how about one of these things? Or even several tapes together :)

Quote: Original post by BeanDog
Next month, I'll begin telecommuting for the vast majority of my work time. It would be utterly and totally awesome for me to maintain a physical presence in the office via a remote-controlled robot.

I can get an abandoned Core 2 Duo laptop with webcam without any problem. I can also get a fairly big UPS to use as a battery (a 330W/550VA battery is sitting unused in my office). Edit: Actually, I have one of these I could use also (1600W/2200VA, weighs 50kg). I'm taking a 300-level Electrical Engineering class this fall, so I'll be able to make friends with another mad scientist to help with assembly, etc.

Basically, I need a powered set of wheels under my laptop, which I control somehow via the laptop (USB?). I'll then write a simple client application, maybe even just a Skype plugin, and I'm up and running! Little details like rocket launchers can be added later.

My question is, anybody have a basic idea of how I might put this together? What I might use for my wheels? Or how I might interface with them from a Windows desktop application? Or how much power I should expect to use to roll around the office occasionally, and what kind of battery I should use?

Look up the Arduino platform and the community surrounding it. It's limited, but it will get you started doing exactly what you are talking about. PICAXE is another microcontroller that is popular in the hobbiest robotics community.

Quote: Original post by BeanDog
Basically, I need a powered set of wheels under my laptop, which I control somehow via the laptop (USB?). I'll then write a simple client application, maybe even just a Skype plugin, and I'm up and running! Little details like rocket launchers can be added later.

You can buy USB-COM converter,~400mA x 5v power will be enough for connection simple microprocessor and several electric engines (~+5V ,<100mA) with reduction gears(it's absolutely nesessary).Disassemble USB-COM converter,find where are UART and +5V power supply pins,link processor and convertor via UART ,write a simple programs for PC and microprocessor...it's standard way for connecting vacuum cleaners,freezers and other things to PC at home,and no need to buy Windows CE inside an iron[smile]

[Edited by - Krokhin on August 11, 2009 7:11:33 AM]