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Sam the Emotional Robot

Sam the Emotional Robot

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Sam

 

When powered on, Sam will calmly greet you. However, Sam scares very easily. Move closer to Sam and he will throw up his arms and fear will consume his face. Once the initial shock subsides and Sam calms down, he will put down his arms and become happy once again.

 

Want to Build Sam?

 

At the core, Sam employs a Raspberry Pi, PiStorms, and serveral Lego bits and pieces. In this demo, EV3 motors and sensors are used alongside the touchscreen interface to provide a smart and interactive link from human to robot.

 

For those technically inclined, Sam uses his ultrasonic sensor to detect when something is too close to him. Motors on either side of his body jerk backward at full speed to show his startled emotions. His face (a small touchscreen display) shows a small image of a scared emoticon until the fear dwindles and he is calm again. His face is cleared and his arms lower back down to his sides. He sits unknowingly, awaiting the daunting attack of the next object to approach him.

If you want to build your own Sam to accompany you, the DIY instructions are listed below.

The along with python code.

 

Parts List:

 

  • PiStorms

  • PiStorms Frame

  • 4 - Mounting Screws

  • Battery Box - 6 AA

  • Raspberry Pi - A, B, or B+

   

LEGO Parts:

 

  • 16 - Connector Peg
  • 6 - Double Angular Beam - Assorted Colors

  • 4 - Technic 7M Beam

  • 4 - Technic 5x3 Angular Half Beam

  • 4 - Right Angle Peg Connector

  • 3 - LEGO Mindstorms Cables - EV3 or NXT 

  • 2 - Straight Peg Connector 

  • 2 - LEGO Mindstorms Motors - EV3 or NXT 

  • 2 - 90 Degree 2M Cross Block

  • 2 - Technic 11M Beam

  • 2 - Technic 9M Beam

  • 2 - 3M Connector Peg

  • 2 - 4M Cross Axle

  • 2 - 6M Cross Axle

  • 2 - Double Cross Block

  • 1 - 3M Cross Axle

  • 1 - Technic 15M Beam

  • 1 - LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Ultrasonic Sensor

 

 

  

Step 1:

  • Assemble the PiStorms Frame

  

 

Step 2:

  • Mount the Raspberry Pi using mounting screws

  

  

Step 3:

  • Slide battery pack into the PiStorms Frame

  

IMG_5698.JPG

 

  • Make sure to feed the wires through the battery pack hole

  

IMG_5699.JPG

 

Step 4:

  • Attach power wires to PiStorms

  

IMG_5700.JPG

 

Step 5:

  • Place PiStorms onto the Raspberry Pi.  The pins line up with the first row on the Raspberry Pi

  

IMG_5700-2.JPG

 

Step 6:

  • Assemble the two motor pieces

  

IMG_5701.JPG

 

  • Careful, each side is different

  

IMG_5702.JPG

 

  • Align it properly (left side of PiStorms)

  

IMG_5703.JPG

 

  • (right side)

  

IMG_5700-1.JPG

 Step 7:

  • The lower support structure.  This protects the wi-fi adapter and Raspberry Pi from any damage.  It also props Sam up a little bit on the desk

  

IMG_5707.JPG

 

  • The grey beam will go on the end in a second

  

IMG_5708.JPG

 

  • After attaching the two black beams, place the gray one on the end

  

IMG_5709.JPG

 

  • Done!

  

IMG_5710.JPG

 

Step 8:

  • Now to build Sam’s hands

  

IMG_5713.JPG

 

  • Each one is connected using the smaller cross beam through the back of the hand

  

IMG_5714.JPG

 

  • Then connect the two hands back to the motors with the other axle beams

  

IMG_5715.JPG

 

Step 9:

  • Let’s give Sam a head

  

IMG_5716.JPG

 

  • The support structure for the ultrasonic sensor looks very similar to the lower support structure

  

IMG_5718.JPG

    IMG_5723.JPG

 

  • Easy assembly for the ultrasonic sensor.  A cross axle hold the ultrasonic sensor between the two 90 degree

  

IMG_5720.JPG

 

  • Attach the left support beam…

  

IMG_5721.JPG

 

  • ...then the right

  

IMG_5724.JPG

 

  • Place the ultrasonic sensor atop the support beams

  

IMG_5725.JPG

 IMG_5726.JPG

 

Step 10:

  • Add your wires

  

IMG_5728.JPG

 

  • I cleaned up the wires, and added a long beam to support the back

  

IMG_5729.JPG

 

  • All you have to do is pop the batteries in and he’s alive!!!

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