to use your robot, but it will not appear on your own menu since it copies functionalities of Navigator, which you may not distribute.

!MAPPER provides the tools you need to construct a map of your robot’s real operating space (“world”). Navigator and WorldPass use this map floor plan to plan a path from one point to another within a space.

!TRAINER is a programming editor and robot interface in which you create and perfect your own intelligent mobile robot-control programs with the simple, yet powerful Colbert programming language.

!SIMULATOR is not a separate module of Basic Suite. It is a connection option that provides a virtual replacement for your robot. By connecting to the simulator instead of a real robot, you can test Colbert programs, maps, and so on, when the real robot isn’t practical or available.

!AMIGOSOUNDS is for AmigoBot only. With AmigoSounds, you assemble recorded sounds stored on your PC’s disk into a playlist of sounds for your AmigoBot. With AmigoSounds, you may give AmigoBot different audio-based personalities.

ARIA

The ActivMedia Robotics Interface for Applications (ARIA) is C++-based open-source development environment that provides a robust client-side interface to a variety of intelligent robotics systems, including your ActivMedia robot’s controller and accessory systems.

ARIA is the ideal platform for integration of your own robot-control software, since it neatly handles the lower-level details of client-server interactions, including serial communications, command and server-information packet processing, cycle timing, and multithreading, as well as a variety of accessory controls, such as for the PTZ robotic camera, the P2-Gripper, scanning laser-range finder, and motion gyros, among many others.

What’s more, it comes with source code so that you may examine the software and modify it for your own sensors and applications.

Figure 5. ActivMedia robots require a computer, typically a Windows© 9x/ME- or RedHat© Linux-based PC, to run client software for intelligent robotics command and control operations.

Saphira

Saphira, including the Colbert language, is a full-featured robotics control environment developed at SRI International’s Artificial Intelligence Center. Saphira and its ARIA foundation form the robotics-control and applications-development foundation for

6

Page 12
Image 12
Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Aria, Saphira

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.