robotz12248
I have been working on a couple different toy robot conversions but would also like to start on a household robot that will actually do some useful chores. I ran across an old plastic kitty igloo out in the garden shed. It is around 2 foot tall and around 18 inches in diameter. I'm considering using some electric scooter motors and 12 or 24 volt batts. Can anyone suggest some good motors for such an application? I'd guesstimate a payload of around 15 to 20 lbs. I'm thinking an onboard vaccumm cleaner. A NOAA weather alert radio. An arm that could lift around 5 lbs. With a reach capability of say 4 feet. ( ideally be capable of opening the fridge door and bring me a cold adult beverage! It would also be great if I could send it out to the mailbox to get my mail.Any suggestions for a strong arm? I' ll post a pic of the kitty igloo soon so you all can see what I'm working with.
I think some power wheels motors would work well. I picked up a corvette for 10 bucks at a yard sale that needed a battery. If the motors can pull around a kid or two it should pull around your bot.
I am actually planning a similar bot but it will be more like 100lbs (I figure I need the weight/strength to open my fridge door) and I am using wheel chair motors and tires. I got them off ebay with a controller for $150. I have another set that is a little older and uses a larger tire that I only paid $50 for. My plan is to make this larger bot an imbedded system.
I thought I posted this reply already, but it isn't here. lower power, but probably about right for the weight range you are looking at would be windshield wiper motors. You can get new ones from http://monsterguts.com/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=4 for $15.99 each. At their highest setting they draw 2amps so a little high for the H-bridge DJ sells. Might be OK at the lower speed setting though.
Alan
Good idea Alan.
Thanks for the ideas guys. I'll look into them.
Cool...I want to do a similar type robot for my second project. I am starting smaller at the moment.
I am interested to see the Kitty Igloo!
I have a old Peg Perego 'powerwheels' Jeep in the garage that I am parting out. I did a little research and these motors and found out they are pretty beefy (170 watts). So at 12V that rates them at about 14Amps if I am doing the math correctly. I will probably need a 25A H bridge to handle them. I think the battery that goes with the Jeep will work fine if I want to do any other work like a robotic arm. Not sure what your budget is, but mine is pretty small....so building a strong arm on the cheap will be a great challenge and I will certainly be interested in your progress if you are looking to save some $$ as well with your project!
I am liking the retrieval of adult beverages from the fridge concept alot!
Kevin
I hear you kkeast. I'm going to use my omnibot as my testing ground for my big one. But being budget stressed it will take some time to gather the parts.
Seems there just isn't enough time in a day to do everything Iwant! Robojeep is still setting out in the garage waiting on a motor driver and one of servo City monster servos. It's starting to get a little chilly, and because of health matters I stay inside. I'll try to get a pic of the Kitty igloo tomorrow. It will be the "before" picture. Sounds like you have a plan Bret! Seems you're doing your homework.I'm looking forward to seeing your progress, When I told the wife about the plans for a household robot, she said her first priorty was abot that would do housework! With discretion............I opted not to tell her my priorty was the fetching of that cold adult b77everage! LOL With the holidays upon us I have to budget my roboting time. I hear you on the budget thing. Inexpensive is always better! I'm hoping ole Santa might bring me another EZ-B. However...............as the wife and I treated ourselves to a new 47 inch, HD, 3D TV, the prospects of getting one is somewhere around mighty slim, and prob not! BTW, Happy Holidays to everyone!