Building...

[I had big plans back then - and I started with building a frame. It could do what GrowBot did before, but nothing more - and the laptop was not running long enough to do anything useful]

I am working on a new WebTruck version. This one will be completely wireless and offer at least as many features as there are now.

I had to redesign the frame. The design with casters in front and at the back if often used, but the risk of getting wheels off the ground is too big.

I will use 4 servos. They will work in pairs, so for the control there is no difference to the 2 servos 2 casters concept.

Here you see the GrowBot on it's new platform. Here I have 2 bumbers, 2 ultrasonic sensors and 2 light resistors. In this setup Webtruck NT drives around nicely and never gets stuck, although the back sometimes hits when turning.

I will add a IR sensor, some more bumpers, more light resistors, batteries..., the laptop with camera and the wireless connection.

I plan to use the laptops USB for the camera, the serial line for input from Growbot, the parallel interface for output to the Growbot and the PC-Card slot to get network access.

New Wireframe

this was actually driving like this, with the GrowBot board controlling the 2 servos, 2 distance sensors and 2 bumpers

New Wireframe with Servo mounted

A study of how to place components

for a while I was considering a octaconal structure with coasters on 2 upper corners and servos on 2 other corners

Layout study with notebook, batteries, camera, controller board