Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: R.O.L.A.N.D. on June 29, 2011, 04:22:29 PM

Title: Bit of help with ROLAND
Post by: R.O.L.A.N.D. on June 29, 2011, 04:22:29 PM
My friend Gus and I have decided to take on this project, a rather substantial undertaking, if you ask me. We want to build a robot, that can play laser-tag. We want to be able to control it using a computer program, and ideally, an Xbox 360 controller.

The mechanical side of things is easy enough. We've got some rough ideas as to how it will move. Although, I'd prefer tracks for maneuverability, Gus is adamant that his centipede-like legs will be awesome.

The problem we have is the computer side of it. Is there a program out there that will let me map buttons from a controller to functions on the robot. And then, one that will let me control it and ideally see through its webcam eyes.

Also, I'm not entirely sure how to get the PC to communicate with the bot, wirelessly.

Seeing as we've never done something like this before, it's a lot to chew on. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Title: Re: Bit of help with ROLAND
Post by: newInRobotics on June 30, 2011, 01:05:38 AM
The mechanical side of things is easy enough.
If You've never done anything like this before it will more likely be difficult enough...

Although, I'd prefer tracks for maneuverability, Gus is adamant that his centipede-like legs will be awesome.
Legs and its' system will be difficult to build, control and it is not practical for this solution, moreover Your robot will be very slow. Stick with tracks or wheels.

Is there a program out there that will let me map buttons from a controller to functions on the robot.
I think You need something like Xbox 360 Controller for Windows (http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/en-us/p/xbox-360-controller-for-windows) or a cheaper solution would be to get Xbox (first gen) controller and then wire it to USB cable (http://www.instructables.com/id/XBOX-Controler-Via-Usb/). Then You need to write software that would allow interpretation of buttons pressed, if You have some skills in C# (if it's for windows) or Java (for any platform) it should not be a major issue.

Also, I'm not entirely sure how to get the PC to communicate with the bot, wirelessly.
Bluetooth, WiFi, RC.
Title: Re: Bit of help with ROLAND
Post by: R.O.L.A.N.D. on June 30, 2011, 04:09:07 AM
We've worked with mechanics before. Built dune buggies, RC cars. The part we're new at is the computer bit.

He's damn sure that his legs will work and be fast. and he's got his heart set on it. He's bored of wheels and tracks and wants a challenge.

as far as the controller goes, we're now looking at using the WiiMote. And we've got a software that recognises all the buttons perfectly. It's mapping these to motors and etc. that's the problem.