07 Oct 08 Linux Robot – Watch this space

I’ve been struggling to think of a good project to start on. I’m currently writing the APNIC Box series here, and I’m on part 4 of maybe 7 or 8 right now. I like to keep at least one personal project of interest on the go at a time so back to struggling for inspiration.. Feel free to tell me that this is an awful idea and suggest something else, but until I hear otherwise I’m going to roll with it.

Linux Robot – Requirements

Here’s what I’m thinking. Small embedded device, way smaller than the Mikrotik 532a used for the APNIC Box. The board will need USB [as we're going to use the 5v for charging later]. I’d like to start with a powerful enough board that it can be expanded later with relative ease.

The device will initially have few inputs and outputs. It will support miniPCI, USB, Serial Console, CF card, GPIO or some other good method for controlling a relay board and some motors. The device will have 4 small wheels, maybe rubber [old mouse] balls instead and some ultrasonic sensors, 4, 6 or 8.
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Tags: embedded, fm, Hardware, Linux, Linux robot, minipci, motor, oscillator, relay, Robot, sensors, servo, usb