Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual What Is Pioneer?, Client Software

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Chapter 2 What Is Pioneer?

Pioneer is a family of mobile robots, both two-wheel and four-wheel drive, including the Pioneer 2-DX, -DXe, -CE, and -AT, and the PeopleBot (V1 and Performance) Mobile Robots. All are intelligent mobile robots, whose client-server architecture was originally developed by Kurt Konolige, Ph.D., of SRI International, Inc. and Stanford University.

ActivMedia’s robots are truly intelligent, off- the-shelf mobile platforms, containing all of the basic components for sensing and navigation in a real-world environment, including battery power, drive motors and wheels, position-speed encoders, integ-

Figure 2. ActivMedia Robots rated sensors, and accessories. They are all managed by an onboard microcontroller and mobile-robot server software.

Your ActivMedia robot also has a variety of expansion power and I/O ports for attachment and close integration of additional sensors and other accessories. Expansion includes an addressable I/O bus for up to 16 devices, two RS-232 serial ports, eight digital I/O ports, five A/D ports, PSU controllers and more—all accessible through a common application interface to the robot server software, P2OS.

With the onboard computer option, your ActivMedia robot becomes an autonomous agent. With Ethernet-ready onboard autonomy, your robot even becomes an agent for multi-intelligence work.

Figure 3. Components and some accessories of the Pioneer 2-DX, many of which

are identical for the Pioneer 2-DXE and CE.

Client Software

Your ActivMedia robot is the server in a client-server environment: It handles the low- level details of mobile robotics, including maintaining the platform’s drive speed and heading over uneven terrain, acquiring sensor readings, such as the sonar, and

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Contents Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot TM Page Important Safety Instructions Table of Contents Pioneer 2 Operating System Appendix C Basic Components all shipments IntroductionRobot Package Optional Components and Attachments partial listSoftware Additional ResourcesUser-Supplied Components / System Requirements NewsgroupsSupport Support@activmedia.comWhat Is Pioneer? Client SoftwareHttp//robots.activmedia.com ActivMedia Robotics Basic SuiteAria SaphiraPioneer Pioneer LegacyPioneer 2 and PeopleBot Page Modes of Operation Physical Characteristics Specifications & ControlsMain Components Decks and Console Pioneer 2-AT Console and hinged DeckBody, Nose, and Accessory Panels Sonar Arrays with Gain Adjustment Electronics Batteries and PowerMotors and Position Encoders Controls, Ports, and Indicators Liquid-Crystal Display & Contrast Adjustment Reset and MotorsSerial Pioneer 2 Arm-related SIPs and Commands Safety Watchdogs and ConfigurationPeopleBot Sensors and Emergency Stop Quick Start Preparative AssemblySaphira Client Installation Http//robots.activmedia.comSET SAPHIRA=C\Saphira\ver62 Saphira Client Start-UpRobot Cold Start-Up Export DISPLAY=remotecomputer0Starting Client-Server Communications Successful ConnectionOperating the Saphira Demonstration Client ConnectedQuickstart Troubleshooting Quick Start Joystick Connection Joydrive and Self-TestsJoydrive Operation Press again to begin tests Engaging Self-TestsMotors Test Left forward 13.2Gripper Sonar TestBumpers CompassUser PWMs Digin and Digout TestAnalog Tests Digin DigoutPioneer 2 Operating System Communication Packet ProtocolPacket Data Types Packet ErrorsPacket Checksum Name Data Type Description Client Commands Server Information PacketsBefore Client Connection Client Command Argument Types PtuposProgramming P2OS Saphira Client Command SupportAutoconfiguration Establishing a Client-Server Connection-SYNCKeeping the Beat-PULSE Movement CommandsClosing the Connection-CLOSE Pioneer in Motion PID ControlsSonar Position IntegrationEstop and Estall SfRobotComInt44,1Extended Packets CONFIGpac and Config CommandPacket Processing SERAUXpac and Getaux GRIPPERpac and Griprequest ENCODERpac and Encoder CommandPLAYLISTpac and Playlist Command Checksum Integer Computed checksumInput / Output I/O TCM2pac and TCM2 CommandDIGIN, TIMER, and Adsel SfSMessageDigin is %i,sfRobot.diginDigout and Psupos IOpac and IorequestPerformance PeopleBot IRs Installing the P2OS Utilities Updating & Reconfiguring P2OSWhere to Get P2OS Software Updating P2OSDownload Troubleshooting Enable FlashPut Microcontroller into Download Mode Run p2osdlChanging Configuration Parameters Configuring P2OS Operating ParametersSteps 1-3 Preparing for Configuration Run p2oscfEditing P2OS Parameters Arm Parameters Saving and RestoringSave C\p2os\myP2DX Keyword PID Parameters Encoder and RevcountCalibration Tools revcountcal and compasscal Parameter DXe Performance PBCompasscal /dev/ttyS3 Drive Lubrication Maintenance & RepairBatteries Getting Inside Alternative Battery ChargersRemoving the Nose Opening the Deck Remove indicated screws to remove Original Pioneer 2-AT DeckFactory Repairs Support@activmedia.com 603 924-2184 fax 603 924-9100 voiceAppendix a C166 Controller Ports & ConnectionsInternal Serial Connectors User I/O Expansion PortPerformance PeopleBot I/O Pin Label UseGeneral I/O Bus Appendix B User Power ConnectionsPower Switch J7 and Delayed Shutdown Logic Onboard Computer OptionPower-State Logic Computer PowerJoystick Connector Appendix CSpecifications Appendix DControls and Ports Index ControlsSpecifications Warranty & Liabilities Page Concord Street Peterborough, NH 603

2 / PeopleBot specifications

Pioneer 2, also known as PeopleBot, is an advanced mobile robot platform heralded for its versatile design and robust capabilities. Developed by the renowned robotics company Adept Technology, Pioneer 2 has become a staple in the field of mobile robotics, widely utilized for research, education, and practical applications in various industries.

One of the standout features of Pioneer 2 is its exceptional mobility. The robot is equipped with differential steering, allowing it to navigate complex environments with precision. Its compact and sturdy chassis enables it to traverse a variety of terrains, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor exploration. This mobility is further enhanced by an adaptable wheel configuration, allowing for smooth movement even over obstacles.

In terms of technologies, Pioneer 2 is outfitted with an array of sensors that facilitate autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. These sensors include laser range finders, infrared sensors, and bumpers, which work in tandem to map the surrounding environment and detect potential hazards. This capability is critical for applications in areas such as warehouse automation or reconnaissance tasks, where safe navigation is paramount.

Pioneer 2 also supports extensive software frameworks, notably the Robot Operating System (ROS). This compatibility allows researchers and developers to leverage a vast library of tools and algorithms, expediting the process of programming and deploying robotic applications. Additionally, the platform can be integrated with various payloads, such as cameras or grippers, expanding its functionality further.

Another significant characteristic of Pioneer 2 is its user-friendly design. The robot comes with an easy-to-use programming interface that empowers users with varying levels of expertise to engage with the technology. Educational institutions often employ Pioneer 2 in robotics courses to provide students with hands-on experience in programming and operating robotic systems.

Powering Pioneer 2 is a rechargeable battery system that ensures extended operation times. This feature is particularly advantageous for fieldwork applications where connectivity to a power source may not be readily available. Importantly, the robot’s modular design facilitates maintenance and upgrades, allowing users to keep their systems current with advances in technology.

Overall, Pioneer 2 (PeopleBot) exemplifies innovation in mobile robotics with its outstanding mobility, advanced sensing technologies, compatibility with leading software frameworks, and a design focused on ease of use and adaptability. It continues to be a preferred choice for researchers, educators, and professionals in the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics.
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