Mini-Skybot
Date: 2011
Hardware License: CC BY SA v3.0
Software License: GNU GPL
Mini-Skybot is a differential drive robot with two
RC servo-driven wheels and a castor. The robot lacks
motor encoders and only has a single sensor — an
ultrasonic rangefinder. The robot is designed to be
3D-printable and uses open source mechanics and
electronics. Of particular note about the Mini-Skybot
is that it was designed using only open source tools.
The design was created for educational use. The
primary goals were minimal expense and a simple
design useful for teaching students programming.
The design was a collaboration between the Carlos
III University of Madrid Robotics Lab and Universidad
Autónoma de Madrid.
The Mini-Skybot Wiki provides access to the
hardware design files and software, as well as
step-by-step assembly instructions with photos.
No kits or assembled units are available at this time.
The project is still active and a Miniskybot v2
prototype is being developed.
Photo by user IeaRobotics wiki user
Obijuan, GNU GDFL 1.2
Get the design: www.iearobotics.com/wiki/index.php?title=Mini-Skybot
Thymio II Project
Date: 2011
Hardware License:
CC BY SA v3.0
Software License:
GNU LGPL
Thymio II is an improved version
of an earlier robot — not surprisingly
called Thymio. The robot was
developed as a collaboration
between Ecole Polytechnique
Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) and
the Ecole Cantonale d’Art de
Lausanne. Goals of the project
include minimal cost and wide distribution. Thymio II is a small differential drive
robot with a variety of behaviors. It can be programmed using a visual
programming language. A fully assembled Thymio II robot can be purchased for $200 USD. Hardware design files
including CAD files and schematics can be found on the Thymio II website. No kits are available at this time.
Photo by flickr user colin&claire,
CC BY-SA 2.0
Get the design: https://aseba.wikidot.com/en:thymio
Buy a complete Thymio II: https://techykids.myshopify.com/
Other Free/Open
Hardware Robots?
It’s almost certain I missed some projects, and new projects
will have started by the time this article is printed. You can find an
updated version of this article online at the FreeIO.org website
that also includes video of each of the robots in action.
46 SERVO 06.2013
