This is my first build so it might take a while. Here is an overview of the project an Omnibot will be mated to a Roomba to create cleaning bot that can run on its own or by my control. I still have lots of things to work out but the robot will be getting the full EZ Robot kit so I'll be adding the camera with a servo for head movement. Still trying to figure out if his head will go just side to side or tilt pan. Servo's for his arms and wrists. The sonar with possible scaning servo. I am not really sure if this is necessary and would appreciate hearing the pro's/con's of this from some of the more experienced builders on the board.
For the front panel, where the cassette deck was, I am planning to relocate the Roomba control buttons and led's. It is going to be a cleaning robot after all. The ability to give the robot a voice and some personality. That's all I have for now but I am sure there will be lots of other things that come up down the road here are some pictures. Not much done yet but this is an idea of what Romni will look like.
Other robots from Synthiam community
Steve's Grace’S First Robot
DJ's Philo Junior Color Tracking Test
The sonar won't pick up everything and sometimes his arms or head will get stuck on things but with the Roomba base that should minimise some of this.
There is a great some great web resources for the Roomba this guy Dean Segovis
shows how to use the motors and the H bridges that the roomba has on board. I doubt mine will be a vacuum bot but you never know.
Keep us posted and a very tidy workshop you have!
i design roomba robots,they are great platforms,i also repair them also
looking for idea's to make it better,one idea i remove all vacuum motors and parts from the robot
second is gives 3 controlled outputs that can be controlled by EZB 15 to 17 at 1.5 amp and 2 at 500ma,second by removing all that and adding a deck it has room for a second battery and boards
plus i designed a second automatic battery switching circuit
i also design and updated the pcb to use higher torque motors and change the motors on the drive system,on the top i added a 12 inch circle for about $8 already cut
this project i see as a TURTLEBOT DESIGN that sells for over $500 ,i sell alot less
it shows 3 decks you only need one,easy to attach your omnibot
also you dont need to relocate the controls on the roomba the EZB can access them
good idea some use is low cost LCD panel or voltage or temperature montior or both
in place of the cassette
@winstn60 that link you added ,i save his idea before,but main item needed is the optical encoders the the roomba main board has
i have the schematic on the roomba
@robotmaker Maybe you could help me with this but I hit my first real snag today I got cover off and removed the control unit with the intention of relocating but realized it is too big to fit anywhere and cannot be cut. The problem is the way I'm mounting the Omni it will be covered and I will have no way to access it. I was thinking since its just four buttons and three led's that I might just be able to buy new individual ones and wire them direct. Or else see if you know of another solution.
@MovieMaker Thanks I'm interested to see the outcome as well might be slow going though as I'm new to this but the forum has been a huge help for ideas and inspiration.
As for Romni I used bondo to fill in the space where the Roomba handle was today and cut a plate to attach the Omni. I'm planning on solid mounting the front half with blocks, screws, epoxy, and bondo to prep it for paint. The back half will slide on and off for access and I'm going to have to notch the rear to get to the dust bin latch. Here are some pictures. The first one is my problem if any one can help.
I just won a Roomba on Ebay should arrive in a few days
@bret.tallent Yes is was hoping do the arms like you did on Bob excellent job with him by the way.
Why do you need the control panel ARC can do all the Roomba control for you?
I see the there is a bundle of wires on that board. If you follow the trace on the board from the buttons back to the pins you can identify them. I would take a photo and on your computer and as you figure out which bottons are wired to each pin.... label them in your photo. Then you can cut and splice one wire at a time to standard momentary switches and leds. Once your done splicing the wires to the new switches and leds you can trash the original board and just plug your new wiring harness into your roomba board... -Josh