Ai Dreams Forum

Robotics => Home Made Robots => Topic started by: Tony Ellis on January 22, 2010, 02:55:05 pm

Title: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Tony Ellis on January 22, 2010, 02:55:05 pm
(http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4001/4294763881_055e865662.jpg)

My next (hobby) robot creation will be a radical change of direction for me, so far (as with the earlier AIMEC series) I have opted for the more complex stuff like speech recognition, TTS etc to be off-robot on a bi-directional 2.4GHz wireless link. Then I used multiple microcontrollers in the robot itself.

Inside the new robot I am now going to use 2 micro PC's:

http://www.fit-pc.co.uk/meet-fit-pc-II.html

These puppies are absolutely miniature, yet have good enough spec and one will do quality speech recognition (DNS10) and TTS while the other will do and face/object recognition and have the Ai core. A couple of PIC18Fxxxx microcontrollers will do all the slave stuff like sensor data pre-analysis and controlling motors etc. But there will be no need for the external PC.

Toymaker
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Maviarab on January 22, 2010, 03:37:14 pm
You made Robin Williams  ;D
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Freddy on January 23, 2010, 04:10:50 pm
Looks like a great start.  How did you make that head ?  Is it solid or are there movable parts in there ?
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: lrh9 on January 23, 2010, 04:47:37 pm
Those mini-PCs do look cool. If I ever went into robotics I was thinking about using one. Not that small, but maybe a mini-ITX.

How are you going to power them if you don't mind me asking? I noticed a DC 12v jack on the back. Do you have a portable power solution?
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Tony Ellis on January 24, 2010, 09:58:08 am
The head is hollow and made from fibreglass nothing is installed yet the hardest bit will be getting the cameras into the eye area!

The micro PC's will be powered from a sealed lead acid battery they only consume 9W so portable power is not a problem. I always use 2 separate batteries on my robots one for electronics and the other for motors.

Toymaker
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on January 28, 2010, 07:09:03 pm
How were you able to make those shapes with fiberglass i'm curious
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on January 29, 2010, 01:58:57 am
Toymaker,

You didn't really say that you made the Bicentennial head, just that it was constructed of fiberglass.

I've seen them on other sites and some offered for sale as it is almost an exact replica of the one
used by Robin Williams.

It would be perfect for a home built robot and I'm sure the other interested members would love to be
kept informed of your progress so please consider posting it here (on this forum).

Thanks!
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on January 29, 2010, 04:00:23 am
ok I see thanks alot
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 01, 2010, 05:06:21 pm
What type of OS is being used for this project? Is it somthing like Ubuntu (poor spelling) ,or somthing like a light version of windows?
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 02, 2010, 10:09:08 am
I think it  (the robot) would use a programming language instead of an Operating System.

There are so many "standards" from which to choose it comes down to what the programmer
is most comfortable with and what he's trying to accomplish.

With robotics, it all comes down to the programming not the hardware.

Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 02, 2010, 08:38:55 pm
Tell me about it  I currently have projects not completed because of not being to handle programming but I have completed alot due to finding other methods
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Tony Ellis on February 03, 2010, 12:12:23 pm
The OS on this robot will be XP, this is necessary to have DNS10 (speech recognition) and TTS

I glad you guys like the project!

Toymaker
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 03, 2010, 04:51:16 pm
Are you kidding I've been working on a project like this for a while
i'm curious though can this work with ultra hal meaning can ultra hal control servos?
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 03, 2010, 09:56:31 pm
Hal is capable of a lot of things and running external program is one of them.

Whether or not it is capable of sending data to an external port such as USB or SERIAL
would be the real question for it to be able to actuate servos.

Girder used to have a free version of its program that could handle a lot of externals.

One program you might look into is really designed for HA...Home Automation and it's
called vCrib. It can handle a variety of hardware and also features Speech Synthesis and
voice recognition. Oh...it is also FREE.
www.vcrib.com - nice, helpful people there!

Not robotics but they can certainly help and perhaps give you a nudge in a better direction.

You might also try www.cocoontech.com

Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 04, 2010, 04:45:40 pm
Thanks alot art this will surely get me going I'll let you know of my progress

Girder I've never heard of it have you tried i for your robot?

You stated that hal can run external ptograms and sendings signals to USB may be a problem
what if A micro controller(s) sends the signal to the servos to handle movement can this be a possibility?

Vcrib this may be used for a later project and may be tied in to many others thanks for the link!

Sorry for all the questions
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 06, 2010, 04:18:19 pm
<what if A micro controller(s) sends the signal to the servos to handle movement can this be a possibility?>


Yes, I'd say that in your example it might be very possible.

Bear in mind that as a testbed, Hal might work with some limited success. This is also depending upon whether or not you wish to attempt to control your robot via voice commands. Keep in mind that VR is still NOT a perfect science and as such, your degree(s) of success with this will vary greatly.

Most robots of the older variety were programmed into various IC's and basically did (or attempted to) do what the program instructed.

There are many bots that respond to verbal commands. I have been out of the area for some time but have followed a lot of the technology.

Again, with robots, it all comes down to the programming.

Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 06, 2010, 08:07:54 pm
ok then how about this I use a home automated system to run the dribe with a customprogram for robot control
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 08, 2010, 12:11:01 am
Also check out Autoit (I think name is correct). It allows one to put together batch files and turn them into executables (exe's)..

Not familiar with the word "dribe"/ Did you mean drive?

Check into some of the SSD (Solid State Drives) with which to hold the program. No moving parts and minimum heat...can be modified / erased / rewritten as required. (Most likely good for several thousand rewrites).

Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 11, 2010, 05:08:21 am
sorry for my poor typing skills
anyrate yes I really ment drive for the servos mainly using vcrib and linking them with ultra hal
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 11, 2010, 07:53:16 pm
Read the entire article if you want but the gist is found at the bottom of Page 1. Notice my statement regarding X-10, Insteon, Z-wave...and controlling external devices.

Here: http://aidreams.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2874.0

Then pick it up on page 2 with Bruce's response about middle of topic dealing with external devices.

Similar to what you were attempting.

-------------

Also, you do not need a powerful computer to do, robotics on a starting level or AI or Home Automation.

A lot of people use an older, almost discarded computer with which to experiment.

If interested in Linux check out the TouchBook http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/touchbook/
OR
The Joojoo at: https://thejoojoo.com/
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 15, 2010, 04:59:24 pm
I've seen some of bills work art and it seems he tried and succeded in making his er1 compatable with ultra hal I may try it this way only with a custom control board
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 22, 2010, 05:41:00 pm
Read the entire article if you want but the gist is found at the bottom of Page 1. Notice my statement regarding X-10, Insteon, Z-wave...and controlling external devices.

Here: http://aidreams.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=2874.0

Then pick it up on page 2 with Bruce's response about middle of topic dealing with external devices.

Similar to what you were attempting.

-------------

Also, you do not need a powerful computer to do, robotics on a starting level or AI or Home Automation.

A lot of people use an older, almost discarded computer with which to experiment.

If interested in Linux check out the TouchBook http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/touchbook/
OR
The Joojoo at: https://thejoojoo.com/



I've checked the link after gaining some time and i'm at a bit of a loss I understand the part about susette being a better chatbot and that's about it I'm going to need some help in tring to to see what you are pointing out for me
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 23, 2010, 12:07:18 am
Page 2 from the link...Bruce's statement (in part):
Controlling outside stuff is "trivial" in a sense. She already passes back as text contained in brackets (which you dont see) commands to control blue mars avatars. ANYTHING can be interfaced by an interface that processes the text within brackets for whatever syntax and commands are implemented.

Sort of similar to the old fashioned means of sending a command to a COM port or printer or to an external RS232 device.

There's more than one way to remove the epidermis from a feline. ;)
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 23, 2010, 06:08:06 am
oh OH ok I see then yes this would be interesting
I also found this Parallax has came up with a Propeller microcontroller
it's generally 8 processors in one but it get's better there's a program called Viewport which has its language called spin it's simple enough that even an idiot like me can just about work with it right now I'm configuring a way for hal to interface with viewport then viewport can control servos and even recieve sensory feedback even vision I think with a few tweaks and mods this can be a cost effective way to complete my project
http://www.parallax.com/Store/Microcontrollers/PropellerProgrammingKits/tabid/144/List/0/CategoryID/20/Level/a/SortField/0/Default.aspx if you want to check it out oh btw ICCV7 what does that mean and how does that work
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on February 24, 2010, 12:17:09 am
It stands for Image Craft Creations Version 7 (ICCV7).

Unless you are well versed in programming in assembly language
I'm afraid you'd be getting in over your head with this one.

It also does NOT support USB dongles

It does NOT support Floating Point Math.

It seems fairly limited in many ways.

The program also reverts to a non-commercial version after 45 days.

Me...I'd keep looking.

Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Sigma X on February 24, 2010, 04:16:17 am
I figured ICCV7 would be impossible to figure I mean just typing it seems hard but thanks for your help on that so far i'm going to take a chance in working with viewport and ultra hal in a project it seems plausible
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Freddy on February 24, 2010, 09:19:40 pm
At this point the discussion was split into a new topic.

Click here to continue to the new Hal and Robotics thread. (http://aidreams.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3479.0)
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: NoLongerActive on August 18, 2010, 06:57:23 pm
I know this is an old thread but it's worth digging up again because toymaker's robot was featured in an article here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1302783/Childless-millionaire-builds-intelligent-robot-sings-Karaoke-laughs-tells-jokes.html

Now I would think that it would be great if he has WowWee robotics manufacture and market that bot for the price he's asking!

I know I would want one! Yes, even though I have 14 robots now. Hey, why not one more? LOL! And one more... and one more... and...  :D

Is that version 3 in the photos in your first post?
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Freddy on August 18, 2010, 08:37:56 pm
Yes Toy Maker is making some waves.  There were other stories too this week.  Checkout :

http://aidreams.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=3198.msg15546#msg15546
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Tony Ellis on November 05, 2010, 03:51:33 pm
The new AIMEC:4 robot with advanced speech recognition (DNS11), face recognition, eye tracking, object recognition and A.I. core. Brains on-board includes 2 x Intel Atom micro PC and 7 slave microcontrollers. The vision with AIMEC:4 is to produce one of the first truly affordable (useful) Personal Robots.

We have started a new Company "Applied Machine Intelligence" Ltd to bring our robot developments to the mass market - website should be up soon.

Here is the latest picture showing the new AMI logo!

(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x343/toymaker2/AIMEC4iso.jpg)


Toymaker
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Freddy on November 07, 2010, 02:01:34 pm
Looks fantastic  8)

Congratulations on the new company and be sure to keep us updated as things develop  :)
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Tony Ellis on November 24, 2010, 08:30:59 pm
Thanks Freddy!

My new robotics company www.appliedmachineintelligence.co.uk is launched!

Applied Machine Intelligence Ltd. is focused on developing functional robots which can help people in their everyday daily life. The first two sectors we are working in are "entertainment robotics" and "personal robotics".

Introducing our latest robot AIMEC:4

(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x343/toymaker2/AIMEC4medium.jpg)

The key design visions (goals) for AIMEC:4 are very different from the AIMEC:3 series. This robot is targeted as a mass market (high volume) robotic appliance (a useful general purpose Personal Robot). We already have face recognition working well, and we am now quite advanced with object recognition. This now opens the robot to serious applications, as vision has been the main stumbling block until now. When a robot can recognise an object, it can do useful work.

(http://i1177.photobucket.com/albums/x343/toymaker2/trackingmedium.jpg)

Above is Face recognition and eye tracking modes.

AIMEC:4 pretty much does everything that the AIMEC:3 series does but also has the following new features:-
 
  Advanced speech recognition (no limited grammars - any words/phrases can be recognised)
  NLP front-end (you can ask for things in many ways - no fixed command phrases)
  High quality TTS (voice output)
  Face recognition
  Eye tracking
  Object recognition
  Sound localization
  Thermal imaging and tracking
  Volumetric occupancy mapping
  More advanced self-learning algorithms
  Advanced A.I. core
  On-board main processing
  Heavy duty Arms with 3 finger manipulators

Brains on-board includes 2 x Intel Atom micro PC and 7 slave microcontrollers, the robot does not rely on an external PC or laptop but still has full Internet connectivity. Our vision with AIMEC:4 is to produce one of the first truly affordable (useful) Personal Robots.

Toymaker
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Freddy on November 25, 2010, 03:47:05 pm
Aha !  Thanks for posting  ;D

The site looks great and the robot is ingenious !

I wish you well in your venture  ;D
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Tony Ellis on June 21, 2011, 07:29:54 pm
Hi Friends

The AIMEC:4 Robot is on the front cover of the July/August edition of Robot Magazine with a main feature article on Applied Machine Intelligence (AMI) and the AIMEC series of Robots:

http://find.botmag.com/store#ecwid:category=543483&mode=product&product=4403576 (http://find.botmag.com/store#ecwid:category=543483&mode=product&product=4403576)

An AIMEC Robot sizzle for Robot Magazine is on YouTube:

Aimec_video.wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3Eo8ILZDQw#)

Toymaker

Conceptioneering Ltd - Inventors of the Award winning Cube World
To see Product Innovation - visit our website at www.conceptioneering.co.uk (http://www.conceptioneering.co.uk)
To see Robotic Innovation - visit our website at www.appliedmachineintelligence.co.uk (http://www.appliedmachineintelligence.co.uk)

Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Art on June 21, 2011, 11:57:39 pm
Nice going, Tony!

It's good to see you visiting as it's been a while!
Don't be a stranger.

Best! O0
Title: Re: The AIMEC:4 robot build begins
Post by: Freddy on June 22, 2011, 12:14:51 pm
Congratulations and thanks for popping in to let us know.  Best of fortune to you :)