For many years now I have wanted to build a robot.

I was recently inspired by the videos in this thread:
http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/pid-project.103265/#post-780103

and this one:

So now I'm on my way with initial design of the platform and drive components.

The drive mechanism will be similar to the Segway design:
http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/yes-its-another-segway-clone.101012/#post-759698

Next, I have to come up with a tilt-angle sensor which reminds me of this thread:
http://forum.allaboutcircuits.com/threads/electronic-spirit-level-for-5th-wheel.103100/#post-778624

This will certainly be a multi-year project like all of my unfinished projects.
I will be sure to post some photos along the way.

What's it going to look like? A waste bin on two wheels
I have already chosen a name for the robot: Isaac

but I haven't come up with a meaning of the acronym ISAAC. Looking for suggestions.

 

This one

I hope it doesn't kill the builder like the original did....

 

Solowheel.

This is cool. Time to put away my unicycle.

 

... I haven't come up with a meaning of the acronym ISAAC. Looking for suggestions.

Some thoughts.
I International, intelligent, internet, insane
S System, sentient, silly, silicon
A Asimov, automatic, anthropogenic, ampere, ambulatory, animatronic
C Companion, computer, cowboy

 

Thanks for the ideas:

ISAAC

Insanely Silly Automatic Ash Collector

Intelligent Sentient Autonomous Aluminum Can

 

Hahaha, I like that.

Insanely Silly Animatronic Ash Can

 

I Stand Always Around Confused
It'S All Around the City
Idiots Smells Ants And Chemicals
In Shit All Around is Clear
Instant Super Aunt At Chin
Instant Slack Agent After Coffee
Important Smart After Action Circus
Industry System Ancient Agent Circuit
...

 

Intelligent System Avoidance And Collision

 

Here are the parts I have acquired so far:


Isaac's body:

Isaac's locomotion:

The can is 12" diameter x 16" tall.
I have a rough idea on how to mount the wheels and motors to the base.
What you see there is a 1/4" aluminum plate which I hope to cut into a 12" diameter base this weekend.
Then I have to cut the wheel slots.

I have a firm idea on the tilt sensor. That should be ready for testing some time during the week ahead.

 

I like so far for ISAAC:

I Stand Around Always Confused

Insanely Silly Animatronic Ash Can

With the latter in mind, one of the duties of ISAAC is to go around looking for smokers and inviting them to butt out. The lid of the can will pop open and invite them to drop their butt and ashes into the can. When they do so, there will be a flash of lightning and a loud explosion, followed by a round of applause.

Then ISAAC can do a silly dance around followed by a bow.

 

Hmmm, how does one bow on two wheels, with no waist?

 

Hmmm, how does one bow on two wheels, with no waist?

He would tilt forward as if to take a bow ..

 

Don't the wheels have to stay under the center of gravity? Unless he can stick his butts out (hahaha), won't shifting the CoG will cause the wheels to accelerate in that direction?

 

I Survived All About Circuits

 

Irradiated stainless autonomous ash can

 

I Survived All About Circuits

How did I not see the AAC?

I Spammed All About Circuits.

 

In the running for ISAAC so far:

I Stand Around Always Confused
Insanely Silly Animatronic Ash Can
I Survived All About Circuits
I Spammed All About Circuits

 

Here is my experimental tilt sensor before sealing:

And the sensor assembly, sans LEDs and phototransistors:

 

The wheel base and wheels mounted:

Next to come:

1) Mount the motors
2) Attach the tilt sensor
3) Develop the balance PID control.

That's when the real fun begins!

 

Which MCU are you planning to use?

How long are the tilt sensor?