Project which aimed to creating small robot which giving possibilities to learning for robotics and designing cooperative robotic systems(swarm robotics) .
On the market are many different robotics platforms, but all this solutions are toy-alike or much complex for newbies and kids. So this project would be "middle class". What is it mean?
MicroPython Robot kit is a constructor, it changable, you can using your own types of sensors, that gives more possibilities for learning and practice.
Main core, the "heart" of the robot, is ESP32. It giving us more compact and flexible system with BLE and Wi-Fi onboard.
You can use MicroPython for rapid prototyping and shortener development time, but hardware of the robot give possibilities to use C/C++ on FreeRTOS for more complex and fast applications.
Published under GNU GPL v3.0 license + CERN Open Hardware License
Today is a day when I completed beta version of the PCB design for ESP32 edition of the Micropython Robot Kit.
Why "ESP32 edition" ? Because I want to made two versions of my robot kit.
First one - based on ESP32 wireless module which can be used with Micropython or FreeRTOS. And I will call it like a "Starter".
Second one - based on STM32F4 microcontroller with additional wireless module which can be programmed with Micropython, FreeRTOS or "Baremetal" by C or Assembler and I will call it like a "Pro".
Anyway, part of work is done, and let me show you a result.
Another year - another HackadayPrize. And we love it! And of course, for participate in the contest, you need to create new project page. In this year I enter to the contest with side project from my main big work - #Rhoby.The Social Robot.
My new project is about creating flexible, versatile kit for rapid prototyping robots for numerous purpose. I planning use for this - ESP32-WROVER module which have a powerful microcontroller onboard and equipped with BLE+WiFi transmitters. ESP32 microcontroller is supported by Arduino IDE, have a MicroPython port, and, of course, you can use FreeRTOS for programming this chip on C/C++ language.
In opposite side, I have idea - using STM32F407VGT6 + HM-11 module, because this architecture is supported by similar set of the IDEs and programming languages, but it use pair of controllers versus one module with SoC like ESP32.
Next few weeks I will spent for testing both of this architecture, after that I will publicate my conclusion with all Pros and Cons, which will contain different aspects include economic of the both.