Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Software => Software => Topic started by: snooza on January 30, 2010, 03:04:59 PM

Title: robot computer
Post by: snooza on January 30, 2010, 03:04:59 PM
ho to make a robot which runs with a computer instead of a microcontrol. ho would i put software on this so it can read a face say its name and greet it.
also when it meets a new face how to say hello how are you what is your name. which computer softwares can i use to do this ? please help
very appreciated
-snooza ::) ;)
Title: Re: robot computer
Post by: little-c on January 31, 2010, 07:43:26 AM
linux. hack away at an open source os, or add in an aplication to run over the top of the OS.
Title: Re: robot computer
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 31, 2010, 08:20:37 AM
Yep. They sell really little motherboard/cpu/ram combo things which run great with linux.
Title: Re: robot computer
Post by: madsci1016 on January 31, 2010, 09:18:25 AM
Look up 'PC-104' computers. These are the 'really little ones". Install a gui-less linux and program in python if you are new to the game.
Title: Re: robot computer
Post by: KurtEck on January 31, 2010, 10:54:28 AM
Of course you could also run something like windowsXP on something like a pico-itx...
http://www.mini-itx.com/reviews/pico-itx/ (http://www.mini-itx.com/reviews/pico-itx/) 
Not that I want to get into a windows vs linux type of religious war, but simply to point out you do have options.

Kurt
Title: Re: robot computer
Post by: madsci1016 on January 31, 2010, 02:35:14 PM
Be weary of the relatively new form factors like pico-itx.

The Pc-104 form factor is the de-facto standard for computerized robotics (and has been for a while). ( I work for the DoD and I can't think of a robotic platform that isn't PC-104). More then a small size, the standard is 'stackable' and scalable; with a whole market of add-on boards to suite any need. Need more com ports? just get an expansion card with 12.

I won't get into an OS war, (zs loves those :-P) but I would recommend linux as a robotic OS, and suggest you install a real-time kernel.
Title: Re: robot computer
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 31, 2010, 05:16:45 PM
I don't love flamewars, it's just a hobby.

I'd recommend Arch Linux. It's a ground-up DIY linux distobution that you can mold to fit your needs, in this case robot controlling.