Johnny Chung Lee, the famous Wiimote hacker, has now combined a netbook with an iRobot educational mobile robot platform kit for his next project to create a low-cost telepresence robot.
The netbook sits above the iRobot and can be controlled via a secondary netbook. Skype has been used together with a drive command software written by Johnny. Watch the video after the jump to see the telepresence robot in action.
Innovative Use of Affordable Technology
The robot now allows you to move around distant places as if you were walking around and normally costs thousands of dollars to purchase. Using the components Johnny has used, his telepresence robot cost around $500—a fraction of the price. This innovative approach not only makes telepresence technology more accessible but also demonstrates the potential of combining off-the-shelf components to create functional and cost-effective solutions.
Telepresence robots are typically used in various fields such as healthcare, education, and business. For instance, in healthcare, they allow doctors to remotely consult with patients, providing medical advice and monitoring without being physically present. In education, these robots enable students to attend classes and interact with teachers and peers from remote locations. Businesses use telepresence robots for virtual meetings, allowing team members to collaborate effectively regardless of their geographical locations.
Technical Details and Potential Applications
Johnny’s telepresence robot leverages the processing power and connectivity of a netbook, which serves as the brain of the robot. The iRobot platform provides mobility, allowing the robot to navigate through different environments. The integration of Skype for video communication ensures that users can see and interact with their surroundings in real-time. The drive command software developed by Johnny enables precise control over the robot’s movements, making it a versatile tool for various applications.
One of the key advantages of Johnny’s design is its simplicity and ease of assembly. By using readily available components, anyone with basic technical skills can replicate the project. This opens up opportunities for hobbyists, educators, and researchers to experiment with telepresence technology without significant financial investment. Additionally, the modular nature of the design allows for further customization and enhancement, such as adding sensors for obstacle detection or integrating more advanced communication tools.
The potential applications of this low-cost telepresence robot are vast. In addition to the aforementioned fields, it could be used in security and surveillance, allowing operators to remotely monitor and patrol areas. It could also serve as a personal assistant for individuals with mobility issues, enabling them to interact with their environment more freely. Furthermore, the robot could be employed in industrial settings for remote inspections and maintenance tasks, reducing the need for human presence in hazardous environments.
Via Hack N Mod
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