ActivMedia Robotics

managing attached accessories like the Gripper. To complete the client-server architecture, ActivMedia robots require a client connection: software running on a computer workstation connected with the robot’s controller via a serial link that provides the high-level, intelligent robot controls, including obstacle avoidance, path planning, features recognition, localization, and so on.

An important benefit of ActivMedia Robotics’ client-server architecture is that different robot servers can be run using the same high-level client. For example, we provide a robot simulator that runs on the host machine that can look and act just like your real robot. With the Simulator, you may conveniently perfect your application software, then run it without modification on any ActivMedia robot. Several clients also may share responsibility for controlling a single mobile server, which permits experimentation in distributed communication, planning, and control.

Currently available client software and development environments for the Microsoft Win32- or Red Hat© Linux-based computing platform of your choice include:2

!ActivMedia Robotics Basic Suite with WorldLink Internet surveillance and control

!ActivMedia Robotics Interface for Applications (ARIA)

!ActivMedia robot simulator

!The Saphira client development suite with Colbert

Versions and updates for supported computing platforms are available to password- registered customers for download from our software website:

http://robots.activmedia.com

ActivMedia Robotics Basic Suite

To better support our customers, ActivMedia Robotics software designers have blended and refined the best of advanced mobile robotics software found in the many development environments into a suite of state-of-the-art software tools and applications. We call this suite ActivMedia Robotics Basic Suite, and it includes the following five modules plus a robot simulator:

!NAVIGATOR is the crown jewel—a sophisticated graphical-user control module with which you access your ActivMedia robot’s many intelligent capabilities, from guarded teleoperation to self- guided navigation along a planned path to a goal that you select onscreen with a click of the mouse. Navigator also lets you remotely share, connect and operate the robot from the Internet, or a local area network. You can see and hear from afar what your robot sees and hears through its camera and microphone. Navigator even lets you chat and exchange audio and video with others who may be connected simultaneously.

Figure 4. Navigator and WorldPass guide your robot to a goal with a click of the mouse.

!WORLDPASS is a free version of Navigator that lets

you share you robot with colleagues, friends, and family. WorldPass provides all the networking and remote-control functionality of Navigator, including network video and audio, but only connects with a robot through a host running Navigator, not to one directly. You may distribute WorldPass to anyone you want

2Some software may come bundled with your robot. Other packages require purchase for licensing. Some software also are available for alternative operating systems, such as Macintosh, SunOS, Solaris, and BSD Unix.

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Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Http//robots.activmedia.com, ActivMedia Robotics Basic Suite
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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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