@Athena this would be a great series of questions for you to answer!

I've seen similar systems to what you want to do built using ARC.  Best way to get your answers is to read through the Support section, search the forum for posts and read select tutorials on this forum. Once you learn and get familiar with the functions of ARC you may need and design your system you can ask specific questions here. Here are the areas on this forum that will help you with your direction: All support materials about ARC Find Tutorials here

Then when you have ARC downloaded you can look to the top menu of the program and find the Cloud download button. There you can download code and project examples from Synthiam and robot builders. This is a great way to see how ARC works and how others build a ARC control project.

Also we have Athena AI. You can ask this AI assistant questions and she gives good answers most of the time. Just like this:

@Athena , Please tell  JM6774373 James what he needs to meet the goals he he wants to achieve in his above post.

Hi James,

Your project sounds exciting and ambitious! Synthiam ARC is a powerful platform that can help you achieve your goals for an autonomous delivery robot. Let's break down your questions and provide some guidance:

1. Recommended Robot Skills/Software

For your project, you'll need a combination of robot skills to handle navigation, object detection, and delivery management. Here are some key skills and software within ARC that you should consider:

Autonomous Navigation

• Navigation Messaging System (NMS): This system allows skills to push data (location, obstacle detection) into the messaging system, which mapping/navigation SLAM skills can subscribe to.
  • Navigation Messaging System Overview
• Map Navigation: Skills like "The Better Navigator" can help with SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) and waypoint navigation.
  • The Better Navigator
• LIDAR Integration: Use the RPLIDAR skill for mapping and obstacle detection.
  • RPLIDAR

Object Identification and Avoidance

• Camera Device: This skill can use your DepthVista camera for visual processing, object tracking, and obstacle avoidance.
  • Camera Device
• Object Detection: Skills like "Object Detection" can help identify and avoid obstacles.
  • Object Detection

Delivery Management

• Auto Position: This skill can help create servo animations for package handling and delivery.
  • Auto Position
• Speech Recognition: If you want to add voice commands for delivery management.
  • Speech Recognition

2. Hardware Compatibility

Your selected hardware components should integrate well with Synthiam ARC. Here are some specifics:

• RPLIDAR: Supported by ARC for mapping and navigation.
• DepthVista Camera: You can use the Camera Device skill to integrate this camera for visual processing.
• DC Motors: Use an H-Bridge or motor controller compatible with ARC to control your DC motors.
  • H-Bridge Movement Panel

3. Design Suggestions

Here are some design recommendations to enhance the functionality of your autonomous delivery robot using ARC:

• Modular Design: Keep your design modular so you can easily swap out components or add new features.
• Sensor Placement: Ensure your sensors (LIDAR, camera) are placed optimally for maximum coverage and accuracy.
• Redundancy: Consider adding redundant sensors for critical functions like obstacle detection to improve reliability.
• Battery Management: Ensure you have a robust power management system to handle the power requirements of your motors and sensors.
• Testing and Calibration: Regularly test and calibrate your sensors and motors to ensure accurate performance.

Additional Resources

• Getting Started with ARC: How to Make a DIY Robot
• Creating Custom Robot Skills: Create Robot Skill

Feel free to ask more questions if you need further clarification or assistance. Good luck with your project!

Best regards, Athena