Body, Nose, and Accessory Panels

Specifications and Controls

Your ActivMedia robot’s sturdy, but lightweight aluminum Body houses the batteries, drive motors, electronics, and other common components, including the front and rear sonar arrays. The Body also has sufficient room, with power and signal connectors, to support a variety of robotics accessories inside, including an A/V wireless surveillance system, radio modems or radio Ethernet, onboard computer, and more.

On all models except the DE, a hinged rear door gives you easy access to the batteries, which you may quickly hot-swap to refresh any of up to three batteries.

The PeopleBot V1 has a removable pedestal mounted to its base Deck. A removable back panel gives you access to internal wiring and components, including stereo speakers, A/V and Ethernet radios, and microphone preamplifier. On top of the pedestal is the upper Deck where you may add components like the PTZ Robotic Camera that normally mounts to the Deck of a Pioneer 2. PeopleBot’s also have an additional front sonar array.

Both PeopleBot models include front and rear bump rings for stability as well as sensitive collision detection.

The Noses of Pioneer 2s and PeopleBots are empty, except when equipped with an onboard PC. The Nose is readily removable for access: Simply remove two screws from underneath the front sonar array. With the 2- AT, a third screw holds the Nose to the bottom of the Body; the DXe’s Nose is hinged at the bottom.

Earlier Pioneer 2 models and the PeopleBots have a Nose that is secured by a single screw beneath the front sonar array and one on the bottom of the robot.

Figure 11. The PeopleBot V1 has a

removable pedestal with top Deck and

sonar array. A rear panel gives you access to the pedestal’s internal components and connectors.

Once the mounting screws are removed, simply pull the Nose away from the Body.6 This provides a quick and easy way to get to the accessory boards and disk drive of the onboard PC, as well as to the sonar gain adjustment for the front sonar array. The Nose also is an ideal place for you to attach your own custom accessories and sensors.

The Pioneer 2-DX, -DXe, -CE, and PeopleBot V1 robots come with removable panels on each side through which you may install accessory connectors and controls. A special side panel comes with the onboard PC option, for example, which gives users monitor, keyboard, mouse, and 10Base-T Ethernet access, as well as the means to reset and switch power for the onboard computer.

The AT comes with a single accessory panel in the Deck. Fastened down with finger-tight screws, the AT panel is accessible through a hinged door.

6With older Pioneer 2 models, you also need to remove the Gripper before removing the Nose. With the DXE and newer AT, the Nose and Gripper come off together, so you only need to remove the Nose’s mounting screws. See Chapter 8, Maintenance & Repair for details.

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.