Suitable mini PC to support ARC software

Question

What mini PC would you recommend to use with ARC for a robot? I have been reading about Kangaroo mini PC, LattePanda, Raspberry PI, MeLE PCG35 GLK. I like the Kangaroo PC but everything I read abut it is 5 years old.

DJ Sures · Answer

I never heard of a kangaroo pc, so that's not a good start. Here's a good list of officially supported SBCs: https://synthiam.com/Support/Hardware/Hardware-Overview And here's a list of things to consider when selecting the SBC: https://synthiam.com/Support/Get-Started/how-to-make-a-robot/computer-configuration And finally, here's how you go about setting it up for performance and such: https://synthiam.com/Support/Tips-to-Make-a-Robot/Overview I mostly use the Rock Pi/x because it seems the fastest and easiest to get going and doesn't require much effort when installing. The others seem to require additional drivers and such. You'll find everything you need on that first link for drivers, though.

DJ Sures · Answer

Oh, here's a direct link to the Rock PI/x that i use on most of my robots: https://synthiam.com/Support/Hardware/Rock-Pi-X

afcorson · Answer

Thanks. I will look into. I thought ARC ran on anything that supports Windows 10.

DJ Sures · Answer

You think correctly that ARC runs on anything that supports Windows 10. However, when you're dealing with SBC's, there are performance considerations. CPUs in portable-style computers are not the same as what is in your laptop - therefore, the CPU will be limited in performance. So, we have documented and verified SBCs that work well with ARC. ^ Above loosely quoted from this support page: https://synthiam.com/Support/Get-Started/how-to-make-a-robot/computer-configuration

DJ Sures · Answer

Oh, one more thing - if you're considering a 5+ year-old SBC, remember what performance you'll expect from it. Whatever SBC you choose, be sure to follow the performance tips in the support section from my link above.

Davidaharrison · Answer

I can provide some feedback on the Kangaroo as that actually what I'm using right now.  It runs arc no issues, the Kangaroo does have the Action switch with their built in VNC, but I use tight VNC for access using built in windows Hotspot so its really not a feature that gives it an advantage over anything else.  I will also say the built in battery is not great and dies pretty easily due to poor thermal design. I have run mine using another battery as I have not managed to source a replacement. Like DJ said its old, I don't think you would find one for sale but if you stumbled upon one they do work, and I can help with drivers if needed. I was actually looking for alternatives myself, but sourcing a supply seems to be an issue. DJ, I'm not sure if you're allowed too, but any chance you could provide some links to sources for the Pi X? The vendors though the manufacturers page seem to be out of stock. I had priced one recently, and I was looking at just over $200 CAD from the only source I could find with them. After seeing that price I've been looking at NUC's.

DJ Sures · Answer

That’s good information about the kangaroo. Thanks for sharing your experience.  The rock pi must be in high demand - plus with the chip shortage that doesn’t seem to end. We list the manufacture page for products, and we could list any other pages if we were given them. Your best bet is to Google around and see if you can find one. I got my last rock pi from Newegg but it took a few weeks.  If you do find somewhere with stock, let us know. I’m sure there are users here who’d like to know as well

Herr Ball · Answer

Aliexpress has them in stock, if you don't mind waiting for shipment from China? They are much more expensive now though! I believe the 4gb/128gb is around $174.00 - $209.00. Too much for this guy!

DJ Sures · Answer

Wow! At that price it might be better off getting a raspberry pi with as much gb. It runs Windows 11 decently with an ssd. Just don’t bother with a sdcard lol

afcorson · Answer

The Rock PI-X does seem to be the way to go for my EZ Pepper robot. It needs to be small, lightweight and powerful enough with the necessary connections (e.g. mic in). But I also need a 7" or 8" touchscreen on its chest. Any recommendations for that?

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi afcorson did you make a complete copie off the pepper robot ?

afcorson · Answer

I 3D printed parts approximately matching the size and design of the Pepper robot. They were pretty rough though. Functionally, it will be all ARC. I have no idea how a real Pepper works nor could I ever afford to buy one. Actually the fingers are InMoov fingers cut down in size. Still a lot of work to do to get it up and running.

Nomad 6R · Answer

afcorson its a fabulous job . and with ARC  and ezbv4 it cant go wrong .

DJ Sures · Answer

That's pretty amazing - I'm very impressed! You're incredibly talented and devoted to building that robot.

I have a few touch screens that I'm using. I get them from Amazon, although you can probably find them cheaper on alibababiabiababa. I get ones that don't have a plastic case, so I can 3d print my own. Which is probably what you will be doing, I imagine.

Here are a few that I've tested - albeit one is a little smaller than maybe you're looking for (ignore the Canada .ca domain, you'll have to see if they're in Australia as well)

10" (with case) https://www.amazon.ca/HMTECH-Raspberry-Touchscreen-1024x600-Portable/dp/B0987468N2
10 " (this one looks promising) https://www.amazon.ca/Raspberry-Inch-Touch-Screen-Touchscreen/dp/B0776VNW9C
7" (I have quite a few of these) https://www.amazon.ca/Raspberry-1024%C3%97600-Capacitive-Display-BeagleBone/dp/B09NL73YJR

afcorson · Answer

Thanks again for your help and kind comments. I'll look into the touchscreens you suggest.

BobaFett · Answer

very cool. How long did it take you to build!

afcorson · Answer

Started in Oct 2021 and still going.

Redzone · Answer

Very nice build, it looks just like the Pepper robot.  BTY, are you willing to share the STL's for this build?

afcorson · Answer

Here is where I downloaded them from... https://github.com/tawago/Pepper-3Ddata The problem is they are very poor resolution and solid. You'll need Blender to hollow them out. I spent weeks filling and sanding to get an acceptable finish. Also the hands are useless. Good luck.

smiller29 · Answer

I have just started my Inmoov build and decided on the lattePanda.  So far it has been easy to get up and running the windows comes installed on it.  Using the guides on this site it has not been hard to get things sorted out.  I have ARC installed on it and using TightVNC to run it headless.  It has a port on it to connect a 7-10 inch touch screen if you want also.   It has the ability to auto boot when power is connected to the board which is something I needed because I did not want to have manually turn it on.  This way when I power up the robot it will startup on its own.

Redzone · Answer

@afcorson,  I don't no how to use blinder.  World you be willing to share your stl's.  I can give you my email address if you would be willing to share your stl's.  That would be great. I could pay you for your hard work hollowing them out.  Thank you in advance.

afcorson · Answer

Even with my hollowed out STL files, it is not just a matter of printing the parts and assembling. Nothing fits together. You have to make bits to join them and attach the servos. Blender can be downloaded for free and hollowing out is a simple edit with YouTube videos to show you how to do it. This is all part of making a robot. One learns new skills. I never heard of Blender until I started on this project. My Pepper is more or less a scratch built robot, except I started with the crude STL files for which I sent you the link. I highly recommend learning as much as you can by starting the same way I did, then you own your work.

Redzone · Answer

Any tips as to which you tube to learn from?  Thanks

afcorson · Answer

Just Google Blender how to hollow a 3D model. There are several videos on the subject. First download Blender, import an STL, edit and hollow command, accept changes then export to new STL. It's that's simple. You may have to play around with the wall thickness.

DJ Sures · Answer

If blender seems too difficult, I know many people use this: https://www.tinkercad.com

Redzone · Answer

Thanks @afcorson for the information. Thank you DJ, I’ll give the software a try too.

Redzone · Answer

You can be the only Pepper robot owner.  I remember when people shared there work and or scripts.  Times have changed since the EZ-robot days.  Great job on your robot!  Can't what to see a video of it working. Cheers

afcorson · Answer

I really haven't finished my build - despite appearances, and I haven't done any programming for it as yet.  It is very difficult to share a scratch built project. There are so many aspects aside from the 3D printing of those 3D files in that link I sent you. As an aside, I knew nothing about robots until I was 60 years old. I have been at it for 4 years now and it has been a struggle all the way. All the best with your endeavours.

DJ Sures · Answer

Wowsers - i would never have guessed you to be 60+ with our conversations! Good for you to keep your brain active and accomplish such a fantastic goal. Hopefully my mind will follow in your foot steps lol

smiller29 · Answer

Afcorson, at 63 myself and just getting started with robots I understand how you feel completely.  I have so many questions about the hardware and the programming.   I have been in IT all my life starting out as a programmer but not for controlling hardware.   I have always tinkered with RC hobbies so that has helped some with my robot build.  Oh and learning 3D printing at the same time has also been a challenge of its own.   I think my wife is sorry she got me the 3D printer for my birthday because it is the gift that keeps on costing her money.  LOL.   Anyway your Robot looks great and I can't wait to see it completed.  As soon as I can get a video for my build I will be posting my project here for others.

Redzone · Answer

my apologies @afcorson,  I spoke without thinking and did not mean to be crossed at you. If in the future if you get the parts figured out I would be interested in buying the STL's if you would sale them down the road sometime.  Or sale the completed parts.  my email is mikeerne2007@yahoo.com if you are interested. PS. I'm all so 60+ and retired on a fixed income.  Currently I do not have a printer.  Can you share which 3d printer you have?  Thank you! Cheers

Dave Schulpius · Answer

Hey! Old guys rule!! I'll be 65 in a few weeks and have been retired for over three years. Working on my robot and programing keeps me sharp, engaged and feeling involved. Learning and trying new things is a blessing.  @DJ, your funny. Good luck in keeping your mind working until you reach the ripe old age that us old codgers here has attained. The way you work your mind at such a high level you will burn it out by then. LOL.

afcorson · Answer

My 3D printer is a Flashforge Guider IIs.

Redzone · Answer

Thank you afcorson.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi afcorson can you give us some messurments please ?

afcorson · Answer

https://doc.aldebaran.com/2-4/family/pepper_technical/dimensions_pep.html

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi afcorson did you print the hands with the fingers in one piece ?  or separt .cause the stl is with fingers included. thank you

afcorson · Answer

As mentioned in my comment on Feb 17, the fingers are cut-down InMoov fingers.

afcorson · Answer

You can split STL into separate parts (sometimes) using the freeware PrusaSlicer 2.3.3. Using this software, you can remove the fingers from the hands, separate the eyes from the head, etc.

Nomad 6R · Answer

hi afcorson thanks for the info . i did remove the fingers in TC .

afcorson · Answer

How about this touchscreen for my Rock PI 4? I really want 1920x1080px. Can't find 8", only 10" and 7". https://www.amazon.com.au/Waveshare-Monitor-1080%C3%971920-Features-Raspberry/dp/B0897G4W7J. For DJ Sures. Has anyone try mounting a small Surface Pro to a robot? That would provide Win10 with touchscreen and battery power all in one.

afcorson · Answer

Reading the description of this ebay listing is why you would build your own Pepper - not to mention the cost. Interesting though. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/384633907567

Nomad 6R · Answer

afcorson many are broken and sold as AS IS .

DJ Sures · Answer

There's been a few people on here who have mounted a surface pro or similar tablet on their robot - i can't recall any links directly but there's no reason why you couldn't do it. Long as it runs Windows 10 or higher it will work

afcorson

Suitable Mini PC To Support ARC Software

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