ActivMedia Robotics

Step 2: Enable FLASH

Locate the FLASH switch on the Console. It's recessed. Use a flat-bladed screwdriver or other thin instrument to move the slide switch forward toward the front of your robot to enable FLASH writes.

Step 3: Put Microcontroller into Download Mode

Start up or reset your ActivMedia robot. After it has finished initializing, place it in download mode:

1.Press and hold the white MOTORS button.

2.Press and release the red RESET button.

3.Continue holding the MOTORS button for three or more seconds.

4.Release the MOTORS button.

The robot should not reset. If it does, you probably didn’t hold the MOTORS button down long enough. Try again. When successfully in BOOT mode, notice that the "heartbeat" asterisk stops blinking in the LCD.

Step 4: Run p2osdl

With Linux/UNIX systems, enter the p2os/ directory and execute p2osdl with the following arguments:

% p2osdl p2os1_J.hex <comm-port>

The pathname for the P2OS HEX image file is required and may be a direct or relative path. The file p2os1_J.hex, for example, is the current P2OS version 1.H hex-encoded image.

The comm-portargument is optional. It lets you specify the serial communication port that connects p2osdl with the P2OS microcontroller. For Linux/UNIX systems, the default is /dev/ttyS0. To communicate through /dev/ttyS3, for example, use:

% p2osdl p2os1_J.hex /dev/ttyS3

For Win32 systems, you must pass the required p2osV_r.hex file to p2osdl.exe, so you cannot simply double-click the program icon. Instead, use your mouse to successfully launch the program by dragging and dropping the .hex icon (p2os1_H.hex, for example) onto the psosdl.exe icon. But this works only if you use the default COM1 serial port and the current directory is set to the P2OS one.

The universal solution is to execute p2osdl.exe and pass it the proper arguments from the MS-DOS Prompt program, which normally resides in the Programs section of the Start menu. You might also Run… the program from the Start menu.

Download Troubleshooting

The p2osdl program will tell you if the download was successful or not. If it was, simply reboot the robot and go on to connect with a client or change its operating parameters (see next section). Otherwise, try the download from Step 1 again, to be sure you performed each step correctly. Since FLASH gets erased at the beginning of a download, an unsuccessful session may leave the controller empty and apparently broken, although it is not. Repeat downloads until successfully completed.

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Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Enable Flash, Put Microcontroller into Download Mode, Run p2osdl, Download Troubleshooting
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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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