Robot platform – Stingray Robot

„The Stingray robot from Parallax Inc. provides a mid-size platform for a wide range of robotics projects and experiments. The Propeller Robot Control Board is the brains of the system providing a multiprocessor control system capable of performing multiple tasks at the same time. The Propeller chip provides eight 32- bit processors each with two counters, its own 2 KB local memory and 32 KB shared memory. This makes the Propeller a perfect choice for advanced robotics and the Stingray robot.

Features:

  • Multicore Propeller chip based control board
  • Extra large EEPROM (64 KB) for storing additional data
  • On-board 3.3 V & 5V switching power supply
  • 5 V I/O translators to simplify interfacing to 5 V sensors/devices
  • Integrated dual full bridge driver
  • Two DC spur gear motors
  • Two-wheel differential drive system with rear omnidirectional wheel
  • Multiple mounting locations for sensors, add-ons, etc.
  • Free online Propeller Tool programming software for Windows and example Stingray source code (requires Win2K/XP/Vista, IE7 or higher, and USB port)

Key Specifications:

  • Power requirements: 6 AA 1.2 V Rechargeable Batteries (not included)
  • Communication: USB A to Mini B Cable (included)
  • Operating temperature: +32 to +158 °F (0 to +70 °C)
  • Dimensions, assembled: 13 x 10.9 x 5.5 in (330 x 277 x 140 mm)“

http://www.parallax.com/Store/Robots/AllRobots/tabid/755/ProductID/601/List/0/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName

For just 299$, it looks like the perfect base for own roboter projects. We’ll see how good it’s when my kit arrive.