ActivMedia Robotics

Table 10. GRIPPERpac state byte

bit

Function

State

0

Grip limit

paddles fully open when 0; otherwise between or closed

1

Lift limit

Lift fully up or down when 0; otherwise in between

2

Outer breakbeam

obstructed when 0; nothing in between when 1

3

Inner breakbeam

obstructed when 0; nothing in between when 1

4

Left paddle

grasping when 0

5

Right paddle

grasping when 0

6

Lift

moving when 1

7

Gripper

moving when 1

The AmigoBot Sounds playlist consists of a series of one to 255 24-byte long sound references, followed by individual sound data. Sound references may be NULL or redundant.

Sound references consist of a 16-byte sound name followed by two long integers, which specify the sound data position and length in the playlist. The PLAYLIST P2OS command #91 with any or no argument responds with a packet of 25 NULL bytes, telling the client that your P2OS-based robot does not have any onboard sounds.

TCM2pac and TCM2 Command

The TCM2 accessory is an integrated inclinometer, magnetometer, thermometer, and compass that attaches to the AUX serial port of the P2OS microcontroller. When attached and enabled, special TCM2 compass servers read and report the heading as the compass byte in the standard SIP. Use the TCM2 command to request additional information from the device in the form of the TCM2pac. See the TCM2 Manual and supporting software that accompanies the device for details.

Input / Output (I/O)

Your Pioneer 2 or PeopleBot comes with a number of I/O ports that you may use for sensor and other accessories and custom attachments. See Appendix A for port locations on the microcontroller. The various I/O states and readings appear in the standard SIP and may be manipulated with P2OS client commands. P2OS 1.E also introduced a new SIP for convenient access to your Pioneer 2’s I/O (see a subsequent section for details).

DIGIN, TIMER, and ADSEL

The states of the eight digital input ports, native to the controller, get mapped as a single byte, whose value is continuously updated and reported in each standard SIP (Table 4). For example, examine Saphira's sfRobot structure value digin:

sfSMessage("Digin is %i",sfRobot.digin);

When not connected, the digital input port values may vary and change without warning.

The digital input ports 4-7 (ID4-7) also may be used as A/D input ports (see below). Use the ADSEL client command to select the A/D port that is to appear in the P2OS SIP analog value. The default port is #5, the dedicated A/D port on the system. The P2OS SIP reports the currently selected analog input port number.

In the following example, the first Saphira statement queries for the current analog port and its A/D value. The second Saphira command changes the selected port which value gets reported through the last Saphira command in the example:

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Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Input / Output I/O, TCM2pac and TCM2 Command, DIGIN, TIMER, and Adsel

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.