Robot that Follows You?

[YoungGenius]

I working on a project of making something like a backpack follow you. I thinking of creating the 50 dollar robot but big enough to support a load. But how would I get it to follow me?

Btw, this is my first post here so if I'm doing something wrong I would like to know. Thanks.

[waltr]

Well it would need sensors. One type is a PIR like is used to turn on outdoor lights. http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9587

Another way is to use distance sensor, IR or SONAR, and the robot detect you moving then keeps a 'lock' on you to follow. Not really hard to program but challenging.

[madsci1016]

probably too expensive, but

http://www.instructables.com/id/How-to-make-a-Robo-Bellhop/

[Cybran]

Well, there are several ways to go, but my original design with the T1ER was 3 IR sensors used to triangulate the position and distance of a flashing beacon (or remote control). Something you could do is buy a Lego Spybot and modify it, since it has this ability already built in as a GUI program, though it is also open to more advanced modding via NQC.
Some issues do come up with this kind of follower, I.E. it will always be behind you (or the beacon) and therefore cannot pass through doors without additional programming, sensors, and other fiddly bits.
Hope I helped.

[YoungGenius]

Can I use the Sharp IR Rangefinder? Doesn't that follow an object? There is already a tuorial for that.

[Cybran]

Well, nevermind.

[madsci1016]

Can I use the Sharp IR Rangefinder? Doesn't that follow an object? There is already a tuorial for that.

Yes, you can. but you need a few other things.


Watch these:

iRobot Create with Stampy Edge-Detection

Florida State University IEEE SouthEastCon 2009 Robot Design Test Runs

Both are robots with a single Sharp IR used to hone in on objects. The first one is Admin's, the second, mine.

There can be some problems with environmental, like objects and other people. But there are ways to deal with that. Admin keeps his IR concentrated on an edge, I have some filtering to only have reactions based the closest object detected.

[Spoil9]

ROBOT magazine had an article about someone who did this a couple years ago. He used a pair of Sharp IR sensors to keep the bot from running into the person it was following or running into a wall. And used some kind of thermal sensor array to detect his body heat.

Just found the Mag...
ROBOT Mag from Summer 2007
Article Name: Follow Me Rover
Decantech TPA81 Thermal Sensor Array
Programmed via 'Object-oriented' approach for future upgrades
Basic Stamp on a BOE

Here is his website:
http://www.norrislabs.com/Projects/FollowMeRov/index.html

[YoungGenius]

Can I have IR LED's on me and I have a sensor on the robot. Can this work?

[waltr]

Can I have IR LED's on me and I have a sensor on the robot. Can this work?

Yes, that what some above was referring to when they to have a 'beacon' on you.

[YoungGenius]

Tell me if this is going to work. I have a IR Emitter on me and on the robot I have 2 IR Detectors. One of them controls the left servo and the other controls the other. Any suggestions?

[Spoil9]

Yeah, you need to add to the programming instructions for what happens when you walk around a corner, or someone walks between you and the bot. And how does the IR sensors tell the difference between you and the sun or other IR light in the room?
I'm assuming you'll clip this beacon on your belt which means the bot will have to look up at a pretty decent angle to see it. Not sure how sensitive those IR detectors can be so your bot may have to be pretty close to you to get any decent signal.

[Admin]

http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_faq.shtml#robot_track_person

[YoungGenius]

I would use middle mass detection but it's quite expensive and this is my first time building a robot. How would I use my IR detector idea but avoids the sun or other IR light in the room? I don't know much programming so I'm really an idiot to these things.

[richardkalaf]

Modulation dude... That might be the answer.
Use lenses to amplify the angle and range of the beacon and sensors, and modulate the beacon and receptor, so it will know that it is you , and not another IR light source like a remote, the sun, or whatever.

[YoungGenius]

So now I actually have to build it for real. I got two motors, and two wheels and that's all. btw, the motors aren't servos but is there a way to change them? Do I need to buy an IR Emitter and 2 IR sensors, and how will the sensors change the speed of each motor so that it can turn (differential drive)? Can someone help me by explaining in detail? Please it's really urgent!

[Cybran]

Yes, I've always had a similar question. How can you make as servo circuit out of discrete components? Whenever I Google this, it turns up with nothing.

[waltr]

Yes, I've always had a similar question. How can you make as servo circuit out of discrete components? Whenever I Google this, it turns up with nothing.

Try googling servo motor and get this:
http://www.electricmotors.machinedesign.com/guiEdits/Content/bdeee4a/bdeee4a_1.aspx

Any motor can be turned into a "servo" with position feedback and control. Just don't confuse the generic definition to the specific device that is called an "RC servo".

[Soeren]

Hi,

How can you make as servo circuit out of discrete components? Whenever I Google this, it turns up with nothing.

You must be using bad search terms.

A discrete build would be much to large for the intended use. Go with a chip like the NE544 - and some power MOSFETs if you want it to drive a large motor.