50 dollar robot... Can I do this????

[NOOBinDistress]

Ok I am waiting on batteries to come to finish my 50 buck robot. After that I would like to make it be able to go around my house with out hitting stuff. Would the best way to do this with an Ir range finder thing or something else? Where could I find a good source code and how much will it cost to change it from a photovore to a bump around the house bot? Thanks.

[Brandon121233]

unless you want the IR to be scanning as in Admins 4th? part of the tutorial http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_50_robot_sharpIR.shtml, the cost would only be about 15 dollars (IR range finder and shipping), and I guess the code would be simple like: if IR rangefinder= detect then turn right wheel in reverse for 2 secconds. That would make for a pretty good obstical avoiding robot, be sure to get a wide range rangefinder so it doesn't miss stuff like chair legs.

[NOOBinDistress]

Ok so what is a good wide finding range finder? If I did buy one could I also program to chase my cat like in admins? Ok thanks.

[HDL_CinC_Dragon]

rofl @ chasing cats

you would have to teach your robot how to identify your cat(s). A range finder wouldnt do this as it only detects the distance of something. It wouldnt be able to determine a cat from a person or any other moving thing for that matter... I think the only way to do this would be to have it actually pull in images and have some kind of recognition circuit.... but im no roboticist yet so I may not be up to spec enough to be giving advice/help....

[NOOBinDistress]

Well what is a good rangefinder to have it bump around my house  and not run into ANYTHING?

[Radiken]

You can always go with an ultrasonic sensor.
The Ping))) sensor from Parallax is very popular, though I have never used it...

http://www.parallax.com/detail.asp?product_id=28015

[Brandon121233]

If you want to use IR which is a little easier and cheaper but more limited try the
Sharp GP2Y0A21YK Distance Measuring Sensor
 http://www.junun.org/MarkIII/Info.jsp?item=73. And for ultrasonic (if you decided to use it) I would definitely get the Ultrasonic Range Finder - Maxbotix LV-EZ1 http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=639

[NOOBinDistress]

Well is the more expensive one better or will it make any difference? Will it be easy for me to install it in my 50 buck robot? ANd where can I find a good source code?

[Brandon121233]

For you I would suggest the IR as it is cheaper and a little easier to use, and the code is easier.