RoboRealm What's New

FIRST Rebound Rumble

Sun, Jan 15 2012 01:00:00 PST

In the spirit of inspiring young people to be science and technology leaders, RoboRealm is actively supporting this year's Rebound Rumble FIRST challenge. With the allowance of laptop/netbooks to be placed on the robot, RoboRealm has now become a viable vision platform for the Hybrid (Autonomous) period and human controlled parts of the competition (Augmented Driving). We are happy to announce that this support comes with free copies of RoboRealm for any team that chooses to use RoboRealm in some way for the competition. To apply for this donation please Contact us and send us your team number, location and website URL. Good luck at the competition!

Xaxxon Oculus

Wed, Dec 21 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Oculus module provides a way to interface RoboRealm with the Xaxxon Oculus robot. The Oculus platform instantly converts a small laptop into a telerobotic, remotely operated vehicle. The platform allows the robot to also be converted into an Autonomous System by running applications on the netbook. Using the onboard camera provided in most netbooks today, you can use the Oculus robot as an inexpensive vision based robot that provides a familiar keyboard, touchpad, and monitor (i.e. the netbook) to work with. You can pre-order and/or help out the creator of the Oculus robot by contributing to KickStarter.

Price Alert

Mon, Dec 12 2011 01:00:00 PST

Warning, as of Jan 1st, 2012 RoboRealm's price will be changing. Pricing for personal and academic use will be lowered but pricing for commercial use will be increased. As we enter our fourth year in selling our machine vision robotic application we are happy to now be in a position that allows us to make RoboRealm even more accessible to hobbyists and academics. Through the continued enthusiasm of RoboRealm from all domains of robotics and computing we look forward to the new challenges that 2012 will bring and will continue to provide new modules that allow you to easily utilize some of the most powerful imaging techniques, device interfaces, and algorithm explorations.

Digital Video Recorder Module

Tue, Aug 9 2011 01:00:00 PST

The DVR module is another 3rd party plugin from EDV that is distributed along with RoboRealm. This module adds a digital video recorder to RoboRealm that can be used either as a Video Surveillance System or a debugging tool that saves all variable values while other modules are running.

Recognizing Hand Gestures

Sun, Jul 31 2011 01:00:00 PST

This tutorial describes one way to use RoboRealm to recognize hand gestures from an overhead webcam looking down at a single hand over a solid background.

Automated Dice Counting

Sun, Jul 24 2011 01:00:00 PST

This tutorial shows how to use a webcam and RoboRealm to count the value of dice that are placed in front of a camera.

Finch Robot

Mon, 6 Jun 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Finch Robot module provides an interface to the BirdBrain Technologies Finch Robot from RoboRealm. This $99 dollar robot has 2 servo motors, 2 photoresistors (light sensors), 2 IR distance sensors, a thermister, buzzer, 3 axis accelerometer and a multi-colored LED. This module provides access to all the robot's features from a GUI and allows you to combine them with the additional capabilities of a camera.

Origin Probe

Wed, 25 May 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Origin Probe module allows you to specify a reference position that can be used in other probe modules to specify relative placement based on the origin. This is useful if you cannot use long measurement probes with your object due to size constraints but can use long probes to create a reference position. This enables the system to compensate for large movements without compromising measurement positioning.

Differential Drive

Sat, 21 May 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Differential Drive module provides a quick and easy way to convert from a forward/backward and left/right input into a forward/backward left and right wheel. This is often needed when mapping an input device like a joystick into a differential drive robot.

XIMEA Camera

Thu, 19 May 2011 01:00:00 PST

The XIMEA Camera module provides access to the XIMEA line of cameras that use the M3API protocol. XIMEA produces a range of high quality cameras for use in industrial machine vision applications. One of their latest cameras, the CURRERA RL13, is innovating the way smart cameras are created by combining high end optics with an embedded PC capable of running Microsft Windows all in a small compact package. This environment makes a great host for the RoboRealm application when industrial solutions are desired.

Foscam Internet Camera

Wed, 18 May 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Foscam Internet Camera module provides access to the Foscam cameras that stream video over the internet. Most of the Foscam units provide pan & tilt capabilities and night vision at a reasonable price.

RoadNarrows Graboid

Wed, 2 Feb 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Robotis Dyanmixel module provides an easy to use GUI interface to the RoadNarrows Graboid Series D gripper. The Graboid is an ideal solution for those looking for a simple, low-cost gripper with force feedback for their robotic application. Built around 2 Robotis Dynamixel AX-12A Actuators, the gripper offers two degrees of freedom, wrist up/down, and gripper open/close.

MCU Communicator

Sat, 22 Jan 2011 01:00:00 PST

RoboRealm provides access to many microprocessors through dedicated modules which provide interfaces to most of the functionality available in the MCU. However, there are times when a simple transmission of a variable's value to an MCU would be preferred over a dedicated module. In this scenario, a value is sent from RoboRealm to an MCU which is able to execute on that value within the processing capabilities of the MCU. This allows for programs to be written on the MCU that may provide better reaction time to sensed events than passing those events back to the PC. The MCU Communicator module provides a generic mailbox module to facilitate this communication.

Pololu Orangutan SVP

Tue, 18 Jan 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Pololu Orangutan SVP is an ideal controller for a mid to small sized robot. It provides many of the capabilities one would want on a robot including motors controllers, digital input and output, analog input, 2 line LCD screen and servo (PWM) control. All that functionality also comes at a very reasonable price! The SVP module provides an easy way to interface from your PC to this controller from RoboRealm.

Object Recognition

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:00:00 PST

The Object Recognition module provides a way to identify specific trained objects within the current image. Once the module is trained with sample template images it will identify those objects within the current image depending on the filtered parameters of confidence, size, rotation, etc. Templates are saved as regular JPG images that can be moved, edited and changed using any paint program. Several object matching techniques are provided as each has its advantages within different environments.

Sparkfun Arduino Mega

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:00:00 PST

To complement the Sparkfun Arduino, RoboRealm now includes a module specifically for the Arduino Mega which adds more servos, more digital and more analog pins for your projects! If you haven't heard about the Arduino boards be sure to check them out for your next robotic projects.

Sparkfun SerIO

Mon, 17 Jan 2011 01:00:00 PST

If you are not quite up to speed with the Arduino line of products but want to scale into them be sure to have a look at the Sparkfun SerIO board which provides a bunch of PWM, Digital and Analog lines run by a pre-programmed Arduino behind the scenes. Its a quick and easy way to take advantage of the Arduino line of products while still having the ability to scale to a regular Arduino with your own custom programming if needed.

Microsoft Kinect

Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Microsoft Kinect module provides an interface to the Microsoft Kinect XBOX 360 sensor. The sensor is remarkably useful for robotics and is a great depth sensor at a reasonable price. The main feature of the Kinect is that it provides a 640x480 depth map in realtime (30 fps) that indicates which objects are near versus far in the given scene. This is invaluable for use in obstacle avoidance and navigation. In addition to the depth sensor the Kinect also provides a traditional 640x480 RGB image, a 3 axis accelerometer, the ability to tilt its head and a nifty LED that you can even change the colors on!

Align Image

Sat, 27 Sep 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Align Image module provides a way to align two images. The module will look for characteristic properties between two images in an effort to determine how they overlap. It will determine the translation (X,Y) movement, the Z plane rotation or orientation and the scale changes between the two images. This module was developed to allow for comparison between two images that may be somewhat misaligned such as in a security setting to determine abandoned or removed objects. It also incorporates image differencing in order to visually see differences between the two images.

AVM Navigator (3rd party)

Sat, 18 Sep 2010 01:00:00 PST

The AVM Navigator module is our first 3rd party plugin that is distributed along with RoboRealm. This zippy module adds some great object recognition capabilities that are extended into visual navigation to get your robot around the room. Detailed information about the AVM algorithm can be found here. There are a bunch of great videos that show off the capabilities of the module. Best of all, it's an inexpensive plugin.

Trossen Mosquitio Turret

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Trossen MosquitIO module provides an interface to the MosquitIO Pan/Tilt system created and sold by Trossen Robotics. The robotic turret platform provides a very complete and easy way to integrate pan and tilt functionality into your robotics project. In addition to the Arduino based MosquitIO board providing the servo PWM signals it also has 2 motor controller ports, 3 analog in pins and 5 digital input/output pins. This provides enough control capability for whatever you happen to chose to attach to the top of the pan/tilt system.

CScript Program

Tue, 27 Jul 2010 01:00:00 PST

Joining the ranks of the VBScript and Python pluging modules is the CScript module that uses PicoC interpreter to allow you to use C code to perform simple tasks within RoboRealm. As always, for more power and control you can use any of the Plugin or API architecture to extend RoboRealm using more traditional programming tools.

Sparkfun Arduino

Mon, 26 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PST

Have a look at the Sparkfun Arduino Duemilanove if you are looking for a servo controller plus digital and analog input/output lines for your next project. Using a generic micro-controller as a part of your robotic project provides some nice flexibility if you need to quickly react to inputs before reporting back to the PC brain. The Sparkun Arduino module provides a quick way to get servo, digital and analog controls in your project and provides a good framework in example Sketch code to customize your system beyond the original use. With 6 servo controls, 6 analog in and 14 digital in/out the Duemilanove can become a valuable and inexpensive part of your project.

Robotics Expo and Mini Maker Faire

Sat, 24 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PST

Join us and many other robotic companies and enthusiasts on Sat, July 17th at Club Workshop in Denver, Colorado for the Robotics Expo and Mini Maker Faire. We're celebrating what makes robotics really cool by gathering together many of the local makers and roboticists at Club Workshop to share and enjoy everything robotic. We're expecting to have quite a few robotic companies and local organizations participating. If you are in the area and enjoy robots and things, stop by to support your local community as it stands to be quite a show. Best of all, it is free to attend!

Sample Curve

Thur, 24 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Sample Curve module can be used to detect points in an objects outline that have high curvature. For example, an image of a hand exhibits high curvature at the fingertips and inbetween the fingers. Isolating just the convex points leaves you with just the location of the fingertips.

Phidgets RFID

Thur, 17 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Phidgets RFID module provides an interface to the Phidgets RFID tag reader. Using this device any RFID tag placed about 3 inches from the reader will respond with a unique identification number. This number can then be used to localize the robot, detect the presence of specific objects or be used to indicate tasks to perform.

Phidgets Accelerometer

Thur, 17 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Phidgets Accelerometer module provides an interface to the Phidgets Accelerometer. Using this module you can read all 3 axis of the Accelerometer by accessing the appropriate variables created by this module. This can be used to determine if your robot is tilted in a way that may flip it over. Accelerometers are also very useful in balancing robots to help them stay on two wheels!

HTTP Module

Sat, 12 Jun 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Web is the largest repository of information known to humans. With the HTTP module you can now leverage some of that knowledge by sending and receiving information over HTTP (the web's protocol) and utilize that information within your Robotic project. With the HTTP module's powerful tag based extraction language you can automate the extraction of textual information from many websites regardless of if they provide a feed or not. Included in the documentation are examples on how to grab stock quotes, jokes, and the current weather.

GPS Reader

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:00:00 PST

The GPS Reader module provides a way to interface RoboRealm to most NMEA GPS devices that can be hooked up to a PC using either a USB or serial connection. GPS devices provide a wealth of information including latitude and longitude that can be used to localize where your robot is, it's heading and where it should go. The GPS Reader module interprets the NMEA text from the GPS device to provide you with a visible interface of the course your robot has taken and allows you to specify waypoints that can be used to create a path.

Hokuyo URG Laser Scanner

Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Hokuyo URG module provides an interface to the URG laser scanner. This small, compact and speedy scanner is ideal for robots that need obstacle avoidance or navigation using a laser scanner. The scanner is capable of 100 ms scans (10 fps) and can detect objects up to distances of several meters. You can purchase one of these great scanners from stores like RoadNarrows.

Color Calibration

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Color Calibration module provides a way to better align the colors within an image to that of reality. This is accomplished by including a standardized color chart within the image that can be used as a color reference. By aligning the image color chart with the known color chart the rest of the image's pixels can be moved towards the calibrated colors.

Woot, Hackaday & Rovio

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 01:00:00 PST

Partnered with Hackaday, Woot has a Rovio Special at $99.00! Get your copy of RoboRealm at a huge discount along with the Rovio robot.

DMP RoBoard

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 01:00:00 PST

The RoBoard module provides an interface to the intrinsic control capabilities of the RoBoard nano sized PC based computer board. This miniature computer can run RoboRealm (assuming WinXP is installed) and provides a shared 24 PWM servo or digital IO pins and 8 analog in pins (not to mention the ability to attach a USB webcam!). This PC was built for embedded robotics and offers a great solution for onboard processing with RoboRealm.

NXTServo

Mon, 8 Mar 2010 01:00:00 PST

The Lego Module has been upgraded to increase the ability and flexibly of the Lego NXT robotics kit by supporting the mindsensors.com NXT Servo board. Now you can control an additional 8 regular RC servos using this handy extension to the Lego NXT system using the I2C bus capabilities.

CoroWare CoroBot

Thu, 4 Mar 2010 01:00:00 PST

Provides an interface to the CoroWare CoroBot robot. The CoroBot is a PC based robot that contains an ITX motherboard that is very capable of running RoboRealm onboard the robot. With standardized interface boards the PC can control the robot to perform many complex tasks including robot vision. The new RoboRealm CoroBot module quickly gets you started in using RoboRealm with the CoroBot.

Phidgets 888 Interface Kit

Mon, 1 Mar 2010 01:00:00 PST

Provides an interface to the Phidgets 888 Interface Kit. The Interface kit has 8 digital output, 8 digital inputs and 8 analog inputs that provide you with enough inputs and outputs to interface with many sensors.

GCtronic e-puck

Mon, 15 Feb 2010 01:00:00 PST

The GCtronic e-puck module provides an easy way to interface RoboRealm to the GCtronic e-puck robot sold in the USA by RoadNarrows Robotics. The E-puck has several sensors and is an ideal robot for small desktop based research and experimentation. More about this great little Swiss robot can be found at the RoadNarrows website.