Mobile robots
Mobile robotics can be a real game changer in many projects. Mobile robots are powerful tools, which autonomy can take over from humans strenuous or dangerous tasks.
What is an autonomous mobile robot?
An autonomous mobile robot is a robot that can move around in an open or closed space. It does not remain stationary in one position. The autonomous mobile robot can map its environment and navigate on its own, without being controlled by an operator.
Autonomous mobile robots do not need any external relays to operate (such as beacons). Instead, they use SLAM (Simultaneous Localization And Mapping) technology, which enables them to build a map of their environment in real time, and do some self-localization. If needed, autonomous mobile robots can also be remotely operated.
Usually, an autonomous mobile robot is made up of:
- A chassis (with motors and controller)
- An embedded computer
- A battery
- Sensors (at least a LiDAR)
- Actuators
The sensors and actuators will change depending on the tasks the robot has to perform.
Types of sensors:
- Thermal sensor
- Panoramic camera
- Gas sensor
- Motion sensor
- Microphone
- Etc
Type of actuators:
- Robotic arm
- Screen
- Speakers
- Drone
- Etc
Mobile robots: missions and applications
In which situations can mobile robotics be a real advantage? We won't list the many tasks a robot can take over from humans, there are too many. We will list the one we are familiar with at Génération Robots.
Missions where a robot can be essential, or mandatory:
- Nuclear dismantling
- Space exploration (rovers, sample collection, etc)
- Heavy equipment transport (construction sites, rescue missions, scientific missions, etc.)
- Transport of mail, medication, light equipment, within a single building, a complex or a district
- Robotised cowshed cleaning
- Surveillance and preventive maintenance of sensitive sites (SEVESO sites, airports, oil & gas)
- Etc
How to choose the right mobile robot for your project?
The environment and the terrain are both major considerations, as they cannot be easily changed.
Depending on the environment and the terrain on which the robot will drive, as well as its missions, the locomotion will be different:
- Mecanum wheels ➡ allows lateral movements, suitable for warehouses and indoor navigation (Clearpath Robotics' Dingo robot type)
- All-terrain wheels ➡ for outdoor navigation, suitable for exploration missions, agriculture, etc (RR100 robot type from Generation Robots)
- Tracked ➡ outdoor navigation, on uneven terrain (potholes, small ditches, rocks, steps, etc) (Bunker Pro robot type)
- 4 legs ➡ allows robots to move on stairs or rocks (Spot robot type)
You will also need to consider the following features:
- The payload (does the robot need to carry heavy equipment?)
- Autonomy (an important factor in surveillance and security missions)
- Agility (speed and turning radius)
- The budget allocated to the project
Other factors, such as the possibility to quickly add extra addons, can also be important. Agilex mobile robots are equipped with rails that allow for quick customization.
Finally, ROS/ROS 2 compatibility is often a major factor in the choice of a mobile base, especially for research and R&D centers. All our mobile robots are ROS compatible.
The Turtlebot3 Burger is a mobile robotics educational platform that’s lightweight, compact, cost-effective and customisable at will. It’s the perfect solution for all those looking for a fun medium to use in their robotics programming workshops, but also for apprentice robotics engineers, and for creators and designers.
Do you need to make an addition to your TurtleBot3? You’ll never get caught out with the IPL-01 plate for TurtleBot Waffle!
Your TurtleBot3 deserves robust and long-lasting wheels: the TB3 Wheel/Tire Set-ISW-01 is the perfect fit for your Dynamixel servos!
The A01 ball caster is fully compatible with the plate of your Turtlebot3 Waffle Pi robot.
Remember the TurtleBot3 Waffle, the advanced robotics platform with the distinctive shape? Meet the TurtleBot3 Waffle Pi, a brand new mobile robot featuring a Raspberry Pi 3 and a compatible camera module!
This set of 12 IBB-01 supports for TurtleBot Waffle will allow you to connect various devices to upgrade your mobile robotics platform!
This camera mount is designed to attach a Raspberry Pi camera to a TurtleBot3 robot or OpenManipulator TurtleBot3 controller.
The ICT-01 component for TurtleBot3 allows you to replace the used caterpillar parts of your robot quickly and easily. Here you go again!
In this construction kit, the small Leo Rover mobile robot bares all, from A to Z. The Leo Rover Developer Kit allows you to assemble the robot’s essential components. With internal Raspberry Pi, powerful controller and ROS-based software you’re ready to begin programming!
Interbotix Labs is pulling out all the stops with its latest addition to the family: TurtleBot 2i is a flexible, innovative, 100% open-source robotics platform that will delight researchers, students and designers alike! It's a robotics set that needs to be assembled.
The Lidarbot Odos mobile base is an AGV equipped with a Lidar telemeter and mounted on 4 Mecanum wheels. It is remotely controlled with a joystick allowing speed control by PWM or voltage regulation.
Kobuki is a mobile robot well-known to TurtleBot 2 enthusiasts. He can also enter many ROS projects on its own.
The LIMO simulation table tests the LIMO robot’s ability to navigate independently and analyse signals found on its journey.
SPOT Core I/O is a Spot robot payload designed for equipping your quadruped mobile platform with a variety of robotics accessories.
The TurtleBot 4's mobile robot is built on top of the iRobot® Create® 3 educational robot that provides an IMU, optical ground tracking sensor, and wheel encoders for precise positioning and location. TB4 comes in two models: TurtleBot 4 Standard and TurtleBot 4 Lite
Delivery: June 2022
Extend the life of your Unitree Robotics Go 1 Quadruped Robot by adding an extra battery!
Meet the Go 1 Edu and Edu Plus quadruped robot by Unitree Robotics, a mobile robotics platform designed for developing professional applications and for higher education.
The Hunter SE robotics chassis, designed for speed and distance, is the ultimate exploration robot.
The SWD® Starter Kit is a development kit for AGVs (automated guided vehicles), AGCs (automated guided carts) and AMRs (autonomous mobile robots). You can use it to rapidly begin developing your own mobile robot compatible with the ez-Wheel SWD® Safety Wheel Drive technology.
The AgileX Bunker Mini tracked mobile robot is a small UGV that performs well on all terrains.
The Aliengo robot dog battery provides up to 4.5 hours of autonomy for all the routine operations carried out by your four-legged mobile platform.
Aliengo is a real-time exploration, navigation and mapping robot designed by Unitree Robotics. While ideal for professional and industrial environments, it’s also an excellent tool for research and teaching.
The Bunker Pro mobile robot is a tracked UGV robot with a heavy-duty design. It can handle the toughest terrain, both indoors and out, while putting up a solid defence against dust and water.
This new camera kit offers an unprecedented collection of sound and image devices for use with the Spot robot. A great way to develop your canine senses!