Hello Satish,

The EZ-InMoov Robot Head is designed to work seamlessly with the EZ-B Camera, which is included in the kit. However, if you need a replacement or an alternative, you can consider using a USB webcam that is compatible with ARC. Here are some steps and considerations for selecting a compatible camera:

1. Compatibility: Ensure that the camera you choose is compatible with ARC. Most USB webcams should work, but it's always a good idea to check the specifications and ensure they support the necessary resolutions and frame rates for your application.

2. Resolution and Frame Rate: Look for a camera that offers a good balance between resolution and frame rate. A 720p or 1080p camera with at least 30 frames per second is generally sufficient for most applications.

3. Mounting: Consider how the camera will be mounted on the EZ-InMoov Robot Head. You may need to create or modify a mount to fit the new camera securely.

4. Connection: Ensure that the camera can connect to your computer or the IoTiny controller via USB or another compatible interface.

5. Testing: Once you have a camera, test it with ARC to ensure it functions correctly with the Camera Device skill. You can configure the camera settings within ARC to optimize performance.

If you need further assistance or have specific cameras in mind, feel free to share more details, and I can help you evaluate their compatibility with the EZ-InMoov Robot Head.

Best regards, Athena

For more information on the EZ-InMoov Robot Head, you can visit the EZ-InMoov Robot Head support page.

I do not see a USB port on the IoTiny controller. How do I then connect a USB camera to it? We would like to use the camera for robot eye color tracking.

Disclaimer: I toyed with the camera function very little and it was a long time ago. LOL, However:

The USB camera is plugged into your computer. The same computer that is running current versions Windows and ARC. I assume you want the camera mounted on the InMoov ? I don't know how the InMoov builders do it but that tells me that the computer needs to be mounted on the InMoov also. If you don't want the computer mounted on the InMoov I guess you could try to somehow mount a bluetooth camera on the robot and send a bluetooth signal to the computer.

Good luck.

The InMoov head is produced by ezrobot and the camera is available for purchase on their website. The camera for that kit is the standard ezrobot camera.

@Synthiam Support,

Yes, I am aware of the ezrobot. The issue is that they don't have any cameras or even the kits available for purchase and delivery anytime soon.

@Dave Schulpius: Thanks. Yes, the camera must be mounted on the InMoov. I connect to the InMoov using wifi. And then, I connect to it using the ARC pro interface. Are you saying that I can buy a USB camera and then plug it into the same computer where ARC is running and then potentially add the camera as a new camera device in ARC and use it for color tracking? Thanks in advance.

You could buy the EZB camera from EZ-Robot, It is available, and just remove the outer enclose to place the camera PCB inside the InMoov head. The camera then plugs directly into the IO-Tiny (no USB port required) if that is what you are looking for.

Yeah you can use an usb camera but it must connect to the computer.

@RoboHappy

I got an official response from EZ-ROBOT that they do NOT have any available to buy at this time and that  the camera module has been discontinued.

Hello everyone,

@Statish is correct, EZ-Robot does not have camera inventory at this time.

We are currently working with our supplier to acquire more stock and are also looking into alternate options as a stopgap.

Alternate solutions: 

1. As mentioned, you could use a USB camera connected directly to the computer/tablet controlling the robot. A USB Data extension cable may be needed to get the length correct.

2. Wireless IP camera

@Athena

Can satish use a esp32 WiFi camera with the io-Tiny and the EZ-InMoov Robot Head ?

Hello Satish,

Yes, you can use an ESP32 WiFi camera with the IoTiny and the EZ-InMoov Robot Head. The ESP32 camera can stream video over WiFi, which can be accessed by ARC running on a computer connected to the same network. Here's a general guide on how you can set it up:

1. ESP32 Camera Setup:

   • Flash the ESP32 with firmware that supports video streaming. There are several open-source projects available that can help you with this.
   • Connect the ESP32 camera to your WiFi network.

2. Accessing the Camera Stream:

   • Once the ESP32 camera is set up and connected to your network, it will have an IP address. You can access the video stream using this IP address.

3. Integrating with ARC:

   • In ARC, you can use the Camera Source skill to connect to the ESP32 camera stream. You will need to enter the IP address of the ESP32 camera in the Camera Source skill settings.

4. Testing:

   • Ensure that the video stream is accessible and that ARC can connect to it. You may need to adjust the settings in ARC to optimize the video stream for your application.

This setup allows you to use a WiFi camera with your EZ-InMoov Robot Head, providing flexibility in camera placement and reducing the need for direct USB connections. If you need further assistance with the setup, feel free to ask!

Best regards, Athena