ActivMedia Robotics

Step 6: Save Your Work

Use the save command to save your configuration changes to FLASH or to a disk file. We strongly recommend that you save each of your robots’ parameter values to disk for later retrieval should your microcontroller get damaged or it’s FLASH inadvertently erased. Default parameter files come with each P2OS distribution, but it is tedious to reconstruct an individual robot’s unique configuration.

Editing P2OS Parameters

To view the list of current P2OS constants or variables, type ‘a’, 'c' or 'v', respectively, followed by a return (Enter). Similarly, type '?' or 'help' to see a list of p2oscf commands.

Table 14. p2oscf control commands

Command

 

Description

keyword <value>

Alone, keyword displays current, edited value. Add

 

 

 

value argument to change current value.

c or constants

Display P2OS constant values. User cannot change.

v or variables

Display current, edited P2OS operational values;

 

 

 

may be different than values currently stored in

 

 

 

FLASH on the robot.

a or arm

 

Display current, edited P2OS-based Arm-related

 

 

 

values. May be different than those stored in

 

 

 

FLASH on the robot.

r

or

restore

Restores edited (p2oscf) variables to values

<pathname>

currently stored in FLASH or from file, if

 

 

 

argument included.

save <pathname>

Saves current edited values to FLASH and exits

 

 

 

program or saves current edited values to disk for

 

 

 

later reference and continues in editor.

q or quit

 

Exits p2oscf without saving any changes to flash.

? or help

 

Displays commands and descriptions.

To see an individual parameter's current value, type its keyword alone. To change a P2OS parameter's value, type its keyword followed by the replacement value. That value may be a string (no quotes or spaces) or a decimal or hexadecimal ("0xN") number. For example, to change the watchdog timeout to four seconds, type:

> watchdog 4000

or

> watchdog 0xfa0

The critical operating parameters for your robot are revcount, encoder, and the PID control parameters. If you get them wrong, your robot won’t run properly. Note, too, that your p2oscf-edited parameters are not used by P2OS unless and until you save them to FLASH. And, too, you may over-ride many of these parameters with respective P2OS commands from the client.

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Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Editing P2OS Parameters

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.