MapBot

A project to explore the creation and uses of 3d maps made by a semi-autonomous robot with imaging sensors.

Introduction

This is a prototype of a bigger, more accurate beast capable of mapping an entire town with at least 10x10x10 cm Voxels

Implementation and Scratchpad

The arduino and motors work well powered from the USB port on the Netbook. The webcams are mounted

Now researching software to do machine vision, robot localization, and 3d mapping.

Part Research

• Motors - 5 volt geared steppers
• Motor controller - Arduino Uno with discrete transistor drivers, gets power from USB
• Main processor - Acer Netbook
• Vision sensors - 2 * 2Megapixel USB webcams

Links

• Groundhog - A robot for mapping abandoned coal mines in 3d - http://www.agiweb.org/geotimes/aug03/technology.html