Ez Encapsulated

The answer to all of your questions is yes and no. EZ-B requires a connection to a computer, either Windows, Android or iOS (and there are limits in Android and iOS, including your last question about voice recognition, which requires Windows).

There are sample ARC applications for each of the Revolution robots so you don't need to program them from scratch, but ARC is so simple, you could develop your own easily.

For performing on power up, you can have the computer running ARC running a script that tries to connect. If it can't find the EZ-B, it can sleep for a while (a few seconds or a few minutes depending on your needs), then try to connect again. Once successfully connected, it could start your pre-determined movements. Powering down the EZ-B after it is done is more challenging. You'll need some 3rd party stuff. Probably a relay that the EZ-B could trigger to cut the power, but not sure then how you would power it back up. If this is critical functionality, we can help you figure it out.

Your question about EZ falling... I am going to assume you are talking about the JD Revolution Robot, since of the Revolution bots, that is the only one that could fall over. You can add on the 4in1 sensor, and there is a sample application that uses it to determine if JD has fallen and execute the maneuvers to stand back up.

The JD does not come with a distance sensor, but again, one is available and determining if he is near an object is easy. The sensor only looks in one direction, and the JD design does not really lend itself to mounting sensors for 360 degree awareness.

All that being said, if you give some more information about what you are trying to achieve and why, there is one other possible solution. EZ-Robot made a bunch of "special" JD robots as sales samples for Brookstone. They were all in plastic enclosures, and all of their movements were pre-programmed on a special version of EZ-B so they would just do their movements when powered on and stop when powered off. This is not commercially available, but if you are a retailer and looking for a sample to help resell EZ-B, they might be able to help you out with that.

Alan

1. All revolution robots have sample projects with moves pre made.

2. The robot must be connected to an iPhone/ android/ pic to operate. If powered down, JD will act almost like you just took him out of the box. You would have to write a script to make the robot perform for 3 minutes.

3. In the connection control, you can add a script that will start when the ez-b/robot is connected. This could work closer to your goal.

4. The robot must be connected to a device running ARC to operate.

5. If the robot falls over, in the stock configuration he won't. You will need to add an orentation sensor to the robot, and write a script to take it into equation.

6. Stock, he is not aware of his surroundings. You would need to add a distance sensor to the front and script it to make sure he doesn't walk into something.

7. Once again, the robot must be connected to ARC on iPhone or android to operate. Nothing is available on the robot alone.

These may not the answers you wanted Jeffrey, but ez-robots are built for interaction and learning, not a display robot.

I would suggest you figure out how the demo robots at the retail stores are operated.

If you are a reseller and looking for a display case demo, similar to what we have designed for brookstone, Contact Us and we'll help you.

Hi Alan,

Thanks so much for your detailed reply.

I am trying to do exactly what you described.

Our company is a vending company and we are looking for novel ideas to get the public to buy our products and its difficult to find new ideas.

I saw an ad for Meccanoid and became interested in the concept as follows.

We have a cabinet that we used to use called a grabber. The jaw would come down and pick a toy. The machine is not working and I was about to dump it when I put 2 and 2 together and thought what fun to put a robot into the cabinet and have it do tricks for a £ (we are in the UK). Hence my questions.

Meccanoid is too big and I prefer something more nimble and exciting.

Comments please.

Thanks to DJ Sures. I am interested in your concept please can you provide more details.

Contact us goes to your Contact Us page but which contact do I use please

I suspect you would use the Contact Us page and click Reseller Partners, since you would like to be a reseller and carry ez-robot?

Also, here's an example of one of our retail displays. Brookstone has their own as well, which is a little different. The robot doesn't fall down, ever - because it has a hinge attached on the back foot to prevent him from falling over.

Thanks DJ Sures.

Your cabinet is the wrong sort but thanks any way.

Actually we are a vending company vending sweets and toys in capsules.

We are looking for unique ideas to interest the public and we all love robots.

A person would put a coin in a simple coin mechanism, turn the handle and the micro switch will be flipped turning the Robot on.

If you are interested in discussing this project let me know and we can talk.

I could envisage the cabinet being a good advertisement for us to sell the robot also.

We are in hundreds of sites throughout the UK.

Kind regards