PeopleBot
The PeopleBot is a differential-drive robot designed for service and human-interaction projects. The PeopleBot is built on the robust P3-DX base, with a chest-level extension to facilitate interaction with people.
Optional accessories for the PeopleBot include a touchscreen (pictured) attached to the onboard computer, a gripper to pick up objects on tables and other platforms (pictured) and small upward-facing infrared sensors to detect when the PeopleBot has driven underneath the table or other ledge.
PeopleBot features the same architecture as the other MobileRobots platforms, featuring Aria. With an onboard computer and the laser navigation package with ARNL software (SICK LMS-200 laser pictured), the PeopleBot can navigate autonomously and avoid obstacles with precision. PeopleBots without a laser can navigate autonomously and avoid obstacles with approximate precision using its built in sonar.
With an onboard computer and pan/tilt/zoom camera, a PeopleBot can be used for object and people recognition and tracking, VSLAM, or other robot vision tasks. (Use the included ACTS software for a simple object tracking software solution.) With the audio and speech package, it can record and play back audio, and perform speech recognition and speech synthesis (TTS).
All of these optional features are part of the Performance PeopleBot package configuration.
A multi-DOF manipulator arm may be added in place of the touchscreen. Stereo cameras may be added in place of the touchscreen or PTZ camera.
The PeopleBot base platform with included software has the ability to:
- BE DRIVEN with keys or joystick
- PLAN PATHS with gradient navigation
- DISPLAY a map of its sonar readings (or laser readings, with optional laser upgrade)
- LOCALIZE using sonar (or laser, with optional laser upgrade)
- COMMUNICATE SENSOR & CONTROL information relating sonar, motor encoder, motor controls, user I/O, and battery charge data
- RUN C/C++ PROGRAMS
- TEST ACTIVITIES QUICKLY AND SIMULATE BEHAVIORS OFFLINE with the MobileSim simulator that accompanies each development environment
The PeopleBot is an all-purpose base, used for research and applications involving:
- human-robot interaction research
- natural environment interaction and manipulation research
- robot vision research
- tour guides
- waiters
- messengers
- monitors and guards
- trade shows
- exhibitions
- performances
- education
- cooperative tasks
PeopleBot runs best on hard surfaces. It can traverse low sills and household power cords and climb most wheelchair ramps.
See Also: