Dunning-Kruger
It might be because it is really early, but another thread got me thinking (fantasizing actually) about something... Since PCs are getting smaller and cheaper all the time, how feasible would it be for EZ Robot to develop a mini itx type PC/Pi with an embedded EZB in it? An all in one solution kind of deal... Would it be easy to develop? How about cost?
There could be more IO ports and more power to run peripherals.... Yeah, I know... Dream on right? But robotics are moving towards the PC anyway, right?... I could really see something like this being used for David's Rafiki, inMoovs and other large indoor/out door robots that would otherwise need multiple ezbs and a computer on board anyway.... Ok, cost might be too high and with a possible USB version of the EZB it may be moot.... Just dreaming anyway LOL
Great comments everyone... I realize that the most likely scenario will be an usb enable ezb of some sort... I was thinking about the Pi as well... Nice little computer but IO sucks... So slapping an ezb on a raspberry Pi type computer would be an awesome match... The ezb has the IO and the PI has the computer inputs with multiple USB ports, microphone/speaker, video etc... I do have an ACER w3 but as you all know it has only one mini usb port so it is a little limiting when it comes to adding computer peripherals...
Anyway I am stoked for a usb version of the EZB4....
Dj Listening ?
Yes
Silly rabbit, DJ is always listening
I'll throw my two cents in. I think USB connectivity should be the priority. There are hundreds (well, dozens) of PC vendors, and the PCs are getting smaller, cheaper, and faster every year. Just a year ago, the only decent cheap option was the W3. It certainly works, but we recently had a thread pointing to over a dozen small form factor low voltage PCs, and Intel just released a second generation of their PC on a stick that is reportedly significantly better than last year's. A small business like EZ-Robot trying to stay current in that environment could bankrupt them. Better to stick to their core competetency and improve the integration points and stability (for instance, maybe add current leveling caps to better handle inrush current from many servos).
Alan
I still believe a "stackable" ( I hate to use the arduino word) concept should come into play. This allows a sound basic platform with an ability to add communication, additional I/O, and other hardware including a mini computer. This way if something new comes out stack it into the i2c or maybe a usb port. No need to do a total re-design to the basic EZB concept.
Ron R
I so would welcome a USB port on the ezb. When in AP mode its so annoying having to manually point and click to connect EZB in the network window each time I boot the laptop, then to chose either the pc itself or the EZB to the wifi (my router) connection.
Also would like to see en external audio connector along with the internal one, and maybe a better power connector to the base unit.
Talking about smaller pc platforms, how about a computer/windows environment that doesn't take several minutes to boot up. kinda kills the excitement of a robot with an on-board computer that can't do anything until the computer is done booting and loading up, several minutes later after applying power to everything. How fast does the Acer W3 boot ? (w3-810 model?)
@Robohappy, my VOYO windows computer ($100 but needs a screen, keyboard and mouse, although it will run headless so it can be remote controlled) boots in 8 seconds. The W3 is a good bit longer. But I always sleep mine rather than powering it down, so it only takes 10 or 15 seconds to come up.
Alan