Autonomous Mini Robot "Alice 2002"


Motivation

  • Design as cheap and small as possible an intelligent mobile robot
  • Study collective behavior with large quantity of robots
  • Acquire knowledge in highly integrated intelligent system
  • Provide an HW platform for further research

System Description

  • 2 SWATCH motors with wheels and tires
  • Microcontroller PIC16LF877 with 8Kwords Flash program memory
  • Plastic frame and flex print with all the elecronic components
  • 4 active IR proximity sensors (reflection measurement)
  • NiMH rechargeable battery
  • Receiver for remote control
  • 24 pin connector for extension, voltage regulator and power switch

Extension modules

  • Linear camera 102 pixels
  • bidirectional radio communication
  • tactile sensors
  • gripper
  • solar panel

Projects and applications

Advantages

  • Small size
  • Long power autonomy
  • Soft- and hardware flexibility
  • Simple, inexpensive and nice

Specifications

Dimensions 22mm x 21mm x 20mm
Velocity 40 mm/s
Power consumption 12 - 17 mW
Communication local IR 6 cm, IR & radio 10 m
Power autonomy up to 10 hours

History

  • Different version from 1999 to 2002
  • Version 2002 produced in 200 exemplars
  • Still in use in several projects