Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Robonova-1 humanoid Robot Kit

This exciting new humanoid robot offers educators, students and robotics hobbyists a complete robot package. The ROBONOVA-I can walk, run, do flips, cartwheels, dance moves and once programmed, is ready to compete in any Robo One Class J competition. ROBONOVA-I is available two ways: as a kit, so you can enjoy building your robot yourself or as a preassembled. This version is the unassembled version. The 12" tall mechanical man is controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498HB digital servos. The custom gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as a strong and lightweight exoskeleton. ROBONOVA-I also features durable plastic body case components that protect the control board and battery from damage. Powering the ROBONOVA-I is a 5-cell NiMH rechargeable battery that delivers around 1 hour of operational time. The included D/C to D/C charger features a protection circuit to help prevent battery charging mishaps. 


Built Tough
The custom gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as a strong and lightweight exoskeleton. Robonova I also features durable plastic body case components that protect the control board and battery from damage.
Servo Motors
This fully articulating, 12-inch high, mechanical humanoid is controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498HB digital servos built specifically for the Robonova I by Hitec. These custom servos feature "set pin" locking of the servo arms for easy assembly, over-voltage current protection, super strong Karbonite gear trains, and "feedback" technology for simple programming.
Micom Control Board with Flexible Interface
The control board is the heart of the Robonova I. Secured to the back of the robot under a strong plastic case, the control board can operate up to 24 servos and 16 accessory modules. Optional devices will eventually include gyros, acceleration sensors, speech synthesis modules and operational devices such as Bluetooth controllers and R/C transmitters and receivers. This flexible and sophisticated interface allows you to customize Robonova I into the robot of your dreams.
Easy Programming and Flexible Applications
Programming is simple with the supplied RoboScript and RoboBasic software, which upload programming to the robot via the included PC interface cable. Beginners to robot programming technology will find it a snap to use the supplied RoboScript programming software. Without knowing any programming language at all users can create operational subroutines with the click of a mouse. Meanwhile, you can use the RoboRemocon software to control your Robonova I with the operational data created with RoboScript.
RoboBasic, a programming tool based on the Basic programming language, is provided for more advanced users. Containing specific commands for simple robot operation, RoboBasic can also be used in conjunction with RoboScript to increase the performance of the supplied Micom controller board.
The simplest way to program the Robonova I is with the "catch and play" function. Using RoboScript or RoboBasic, just move the robot into any position and click the mouse to "capture" that position. Move the robot into another position and repeat the process. The software then links these captured positions and once activated, smoothly transitions the robot's movements through these programmed positions.
Functional Extensions
The Robonova I can be retrofitted with several accessory modules and ancillary items to customize its functionality. By adding additional servos and brackets, the head and waist can turn and "gripping" hands can be used. Gyros, acceleration sensors, speech functions, R/C control accessories and more can also be added as they become available.
Battery and Charger
Powering the Robonova I is a 5-cell, environmentally friendly NiMH rechargeable battery that delivers around one hour of operational time. Other battery options can include 7.4 volt 2-cell Lithium Polymer battery packs when used with a 6-volt regulator. The included D/C to D/C charger features a protection circuit to help prevent battery charging mishaps.
What's in the Box
MR-3024 Micro controller board for 24 servos, 16 digital HSR-8498HB servos, re-chargeable NiMH battery and charger, RoboBasic programming software and manual, PC serial port programming interface cable, Remocon IR controller, assembly guide, and user's manual.
Other info about Robonova