Asked
With the advancements in technology, I believe it's time to revisit the discussion about creating a robot vacuum base. I recently purchased a Roborock Qrevo vacuum and was amazed by its intelligence and capabilities. I'm curious if there is a vacuum model available that allows us to utilize its software and sensors for our custom robot projects. Has anyone successfully accessed or integrated with such a system?
Related Hardware EZ-B v4
Related Controls
iRobot Roomba Movement Panel
iRobot Roomba Legacy
@athena, give us details about what iRobot roomba models are compatible with the iRobot roomba Movement Panel robot skill.
@AutomationMan, if you buy a roomba used, which dj recommends, it’ll most likely need a new battery. We find they usually get sold cheap because the batteries stop holding charge. Replacement aftermarket batteries on Amazon are a popular affordable option.
This is all very good information to know before hand and will doublecheck before I buy
Great to hear that you're finding the information helpful! When considering a used iRobot Roomba for your project, here are some key points to keep in mind:
Compatible Models: The iRobot Roomba Movement Panel robot skill is compatible with the 500 and 600 series robots, as well as the iRobot Create. These models have the necessary Serial Command Interface (SCI) for integration with ARC.
Battery Replacement: As mentioned, used Roombas often have worn-out batteries. You can find affordable replacement batteries on platforms like Amazon, which can significantly extend the life of your Roomba.
Connection Type: Ensure you have the right connection setup. The iRobot Roomba Movement Panel supports connections via USB adapter or a microcontroller acting as an EZB (like an Arduino). This allows for bi-directional communication, enabling you to read sensor data.
Baud Rate: Different models use different baud rates. For example, the Roomba 500 series typically uses a baud rate of 115200. Make sure to configure this correctly in the ARC settings.
Sensor Data: If you want to read sensor data, ensure your connection supports it. This requires a bi-directional connection, such as a PC COM port or HW UART.
NMS Compatibility: The iRobot Roomba Movement Panel is compatible with the Navigation Messaging System (NMS), which can be useful for mapping and navigation tasks.
If you have any more questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask!
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As I had some issues with my telepresence robot and its navigation, I decided to try a different approach. First, I needed a reliable navigation system - and vacuum cleaners actually have excellent capabilities. So, I installed a robot with a camera on top.
I found an old Roomba J7, removed the brushes and dirt bin, and mounted JD’s head on it. It worked okay, but JD wasn’t integrated - the navigation and robot control were handled separately.
I later replaced the Roomba J7 with a used Roborock Q8, which offers better navigation and more options, like Pin & Go. This allowed me to set up multiple patrol routines and monitor things remotely over the internet.
I also managed to get a Roborock Q7, which I plan to use as a transport system - something like the SwitchBot K20. I might install JD on it as well. The weight won’t be on the vacuum cleaner itself but supported by a 4-wheel base.
Again, the challenge is that JD is controlled through ARC, separately from the navigation. Maybe there's a way to link both - JD's control via ARC and Roborock's navigation - but I’m not sure yet. There are so many skills available in ARC, maybe one of them could handle this kind of integration.
Still learning!