Remote-controlled Tank Tread Robot Will Walk The Dog For You

remote_controlled_robot

Instructables user [IAMTHEBOT] recently finished building his robot which can be controlled by a human using an R/C transmitter, via a PC, or through its built-in object avoidance system. The robot doesn’t seem to have a name, though Johnny Five might be appropriate.

The robot was built using plenty of erector set parts, as well as a Lynx motion tank tread kit. The robot is crammed full of controllers, including a Propeller USB servo controller which operates the arms, and a pair of Parallax motor controllers to manage the tread movement. A pair of Parallax Stamp controllers are used to drive these controllers as well as to manage the remainder of the robot’s functions.

The robot’s head consists of a custom pan and tilt wireless camera system, which allows him to drive it around from the comfort of his home, while watching the video stream on his PC. The robot also has the ability to roam around autonomously, avoiding objects using a ping sensor that can be mounted where the camera is currently located. It seems all that’s missing is Steve Guttenberg.

As you can see in the videos below, the robot manages pretty well on all sorts of surfaces, and even walks this guy’s dogs.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLuBOUzhSWc&w=470]

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgGu_RPKA-w&w=470]

30 thoughts on “Remote-controlled Tank Tread Robot Will Walk The Dog For You

  1. While I’m sure it’s advanced and awesome in some way, my dog won’t even go near my brother without growling or barking. I’m gonna venture that he won’t go near this either.

  2. Lynx motion actually sell a complete kit with the tracks as a jhonny 5 replica so im sure they will be glad thats what people think.
    http://www.lynxmotion.com/images/hi-res/j501.jpg

    I have one of these triTrax kits at home and i have been impressed with them. The triangle formation makes it easier for the laser cut parts to have some ground clearance. An important point to note is that there is an alternate motor configuration that comes with shaft encoders. A useful addition considering the large internal firction of the tracks. My pwm motor controllers (ardumoto) run at 80% duty just to get the tracks moving without load on them.

  3. looks fun
    all lynxmotion kit by the looks of it.
    fairly pricey all the stuff though. i wanted a robot platfrom like the lynxmotuion 4×4 rover, but i ended up just building it from metal L section shelving.
    i did buy the sabertooth 4×10 diferential motor controler though, it’s great, easy to control, and with regenerative breaking!

  4. cool, but this is a complete off the shelf kit bar the usb cam which he doesn’t even explain how it is hooked up (i think it is all looks at the moment)

    overall, nothing special, awesome or hacktastic given you can buy this entire kit off the shelf…

  5. You obviously know nothing about robotics or electronics. First off I used tank tread kit brackets and some servos. I built the body, and configured everything else including the head pan and tilt and wireless camera. I used all my own electronics and wired everything up my way and programmed and incoorperated the remote. Robotics is about what it can do and the program and I’ll out program you anyday!!!. So no it is not even close off the shelf there buddy. SOMEONE SOUNDS JEALOUS!!… Where is yours at?

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