If it's just for your Tiled-floor, a sweeper might be better suited than a vacuum. Beyond that, just make a robot that avoids objects (probably via IR or sonics) and give it a support structure for a sweeper. (Ala iRobot's DirtDog.)
I used a DirtDog for a long time. Only bumpers for obstacle avoidance, IR was for virtual wall. We loved our sweeper for use on hard floors (that's all we have in our house).
There are many websites on how to build a robot. Look around especially if you have never built a robot. I have not built a vacuum robot yet, but I do build robots. Here is a list of stuff you will need:
-Time to research and plan, asking questions are a good first step -patience, you will need it -A computer, very handy -Vacumm cleaner: one that works and you don't mind cannibalizing -2-4 drive motors and wheels depending on your design. Id recommend a 4 wheel robot with all 4 wheels powered -motor controllers, to power the motors -robot controller: The robot brain that calculates and controls everything: to control motor controllers, get info from your sensors, etc. -software and cables for programming the robot, since it will be autonomous (working by itself) - At least one IR sensor could be fixed for proximity and a ultrasonic could be mounted on a servo that pans around to see around and measure how far away things are. More if you have the money. -Several rechargeable battery pack and charger, you need power. You will also need a separate large one for the vacuum cleaner. -DC to AC inverter, Because the vaccum is AC and you will be needing the robot to be portable so you will be carrying big DC batteries -some sort of feedback, LCD, LED lights, buzzer, etc -wire, -basic tools, and knowledge of how to use it -wood, plastic, metal, etc. -Hardware: angle braces, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, etc. -basic knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and computer programming -a lot of patience -and (unfortunately) a fair amount of money in the neighborhood of a couple hundred dollars -safety gogles: be safe!
The ones I have had uses the IR to detect a 'virtual wall' that sends out an IR 'beam' across a room or door way you want to block. The beam gets wider the further it goes. ... Sorry, it is not for obstacle avoidance. Obsticales are 'bumped', then a short reverse, and a 'random' turn to the left or right.
Roomba does not map a room. It does a random walk, and if left going long enough it gets it all from different angles. But it is not totally a random walk. Not as efficient as a planned walk, but it works. Also, if it finds something, it does a spiral out search until it reaches an obstacle. At times it appears to wall following. I really liked the DirtDog. No vacuum, just a floor sweeper.
Discussions
10 years ago
If it's just for your Tiled-floor, a sweeper might be better suited than a vacuum. Beyond that, just make a robot that avoids objects (probably via IR or sonics) and give it a support structure for a sweeper. (Ala iRobot's DirtDog.)
Answer 4 years ago
I used a DirtDog for a long time. Only bumpers for obstacle avoidance, IR was for virtual wall. We loved our sweeper for use on hard floors (that's all we have in our house).
Answer 10 years ago
i was gonna use sdpd switches as sensors
10 years ago
There are many websites on how to build a robot. Look around especially if you have never built a robot. I have not built a vacuum robot yet, but I do build robots. Here is a list of stuff you will need:
-Time to research and plan, asking questions are a good first step
-patience, you will need it
-A computer, very handy
-Vacumm cleaner: one that works and you don't mind cannibalizing
-2-4 drive motors and wheels depending on your design. Id recommend a 4 wheel robot with all 4 wheels powered
-motor controllers, to power the motors
-robot controller: The robot brain that calculates and controls everything: to control motor controllers, get info from your sensors, etc.
-software and cables for programming the robot, since it will be autonomous (working by itself)
- At least one IR sensor could be fixed for proximity and a ultrasonic could be mounted on a servo that pans around to see around and measure how far away things are. More if you have the money.
-Several rechargeable battery pack and charger, you need power. You will also need a separate large one for the vacuum cleaner.
-DC to AC inverter, Because the vaccum is AC and you will be needing the robot to be portable so you will be carrying big DC batteries
-some sort of feedback, LCD, LED lights, buzzer, etc
-wire,
-basic tools, and knowledge of how to use it
-wood, plastic, metal, etc.
-Hardware: angle braces, screws, nuts, bolts, washers, etc.
-basic knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and computer programming
-a lot of patience
-and (unfortunately) a fair amount of money in the neighborhood of a couple hundred dollars
-safety gogles: be safe!
Good sites to check out:
http://www.jameco.com/Jameco/robot/robotstore.html
www.parallax.com
www.sparkfun.com
www.pololu.com
www.servomagazine.com
www.societyofrobots.com
www.instructables.com
Good luck! Make an instructable too!
Answer 8 years ago
Does the roomba just avoid obstacles and move in circles or does it actually map the room?
Answer 8 years ago
I have on it uses a (ir?) sensor on top to avoid obstacles and it moves aroun in random lines using its dirt detector to detect dirt.
Answer 4 years ago
The ones I have had uses the IR to detect a 'virtual wall' that sends out an IR 'beam' across a room or door way you want to block. The beam gets wider the further it goes. ... Sorry, it is not for obstacle avoidance. Obsticales are 'bumped', then a short reverse, and a 'random' turn to the left or right.
Answer 4 years ago
Roomba does not map a room. It does a random walk, and if left going long enough it gets it all from different angles. But it is not totally a random walk. Not as efficient as a planned walk, but it works. Also, if it finds something, it does a spiral out search until it reaches an obstacle. At times it appears to wall following. I really liked the DirtDog. No vacuum, just a floor sweeper.
10 years ago
Vex Robotics ?
http://www.vexrobotics.com/vex-products.shtml