Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

Introducing the Robot Core!

The Robot Core is a robot control board for the Raspberry Pi and Arduino that brings many different elements into one awesome package! You can now power your Raspberry Pi, control motors, servos and read sensors without needing five additional boards to hook up. The boards can even be daisy chained to add even more functionality.

Leveraging the design prowess of Freeburn Robotics Limited (PiBorg), we commissioned a board that combines advanced motor control, input, and power on a single core board. Plus, it looks EPIC.

This powerful robotics controller was developed from the ground up for STEM education. Providing a way for educators to engade students early on to pave the way for teaching core topics in robotics, electronics, coding and making.

Easy to connect to:

Robot Core uses I²C (Inter-Integrated Circuit). I²C is a serial computer bus invented by Philips Semiconductor. I²C is a very easy to use, two wire bus, that your Pi has no problem talking with. A built-in level shifter ensures compatibility to both 3.3 volt and 5 volt I²C buses.

You can also easily daisy chain the board and the I²C buss is compatible with hundreds of devices and sensors.

It is compatible with all current and past generations of Raspberry Pis and with many Arduinos. (The Raspberry Pi Zero will need 6 pin headers soldered to it).

Open Source:

All board files and software will be released at the end of the successful funding of this Kickstarter.

Below is a autonomous outdoor robot created with Robot Core during a weekend.

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Vast amount of Features:

Behold the vast and powerful features on the Robot Core board! Wait...do I see a 5 volt 6 Amp DC-DC converter ? Yes. Yes, you do.

Full list below:

Easy to talk to:

The board has software provided in the form of libraries and python example programs to get you started fast.

Power:

Main power input - 6.4V to 14V DC

On-board DC-DC regulator for generating 5 volts, Capable of handling 6 Amps total load. (This also allows it to power the Raspberry Pi).

Optional separate supply input for servos (approx 5-7.2 volts)

Separate power input for Dynamixel servos

Motor drive:

Up to two 5 Amp continuous load DC motor outputs

Can be used as a pair to drive a single stepper motor

Built-in safety protection from motor faults and overheating

Optional connector for a normally-closed EPO (emergency power off) switch

Servos:

16 bit PWM driver provides accurate positional output

Supports both analog and digital servos

Tuning GUI (graphical user interface) allows each servo to be set for the correct operational range

Start-up positions can also be set for each servo

Up to 8 conventional servo outputs

Dynamixel servos:

Two ports are provided for connecting Dynamixel servos

Support for multiple Dynamixel's connected at the same time

Simple positional control functions make basic moves easy

All functionality of the Dynamixel servo is accessible via low-level commands.

There are also example python programs for finding rouge servo baud rates and ID's. Also a way to set them once found.

Ultrasonics:

Up to 4 HC-SR04 ultrasonic modules supported

Filtered readings can be used for better accuracy, unfiltered readings can be used for faster readings

Readings are converted into millimeters by the provided library

Analog:

Up to 8 12-bit analog inputs for sensors or feedback

Range of 0V to 5V for each input

Protection from exceeding the input limits

Additional analog reading for the main power voltage

Configurable warnings for low power

Software:

Easy to use Python library for all of the board functionality

Examples provided for each functional part of the board

GUI's provided for most functions on the board

Also included:

Boards can be daisy-chained to connect more than one

Each board uses I²C to talk with the Raspberry Pi + I²C addresses, can be changed if desired

Clear on-board labeling

Functional sections have their own box

Each port and screw terminal has its pins labelled

Prototyping space for adding more functionality

Easy to access voltage rails

Access to the Raspberry Pi I²C at 5V levels

Prototyping space removable to make the board smaller

Status LED's for: Main power voltage, DC motor status, Script controllable status + 5V and 3.3V power

If you find the board is too large for your application, you can always break away the prototyping space on the pre-scored line.

So what can you do with the Robot Core?

Below are just some example projects you can create with the board. Robot Core is an all-in-one solution for many projects. With its widely used I²C bus you can daisy chain even more sensors and PiBorg boards.

A two plant monitoring system that reads ambient light, temperature, plant moisture, and even uses two water pumps to water two different plant sizes.

Have you always wanted to build a Johnny 5 robot but it always got a bit complicated? Make it easier with a Robot Core!

Using a single board, you can create a 2 wheeled robot with a ring of 8 analog ultrasonic sensors and a strong Dynamixel smart servo arm.

Build a lab-based Dynamixel arm that moves test tubes and uses a temperature probe to bring solutions up to the correct temp.

With an IMU ( I nertial M easurement U nit) tied into the I²C and tied into the expansion port, you can create a two wheeled balancing robot for all to see.

nertial easurement nit) tied into the I²C and tied into the expansion port, you can create a two wheeled balancing robot for all to see. Build a biped walker based around the board and a Pi using powerful servos or Dynamixel smart servos.

Make a hexapod walking robot with sensors to navigate.

Build an R2D2 droid replica, run two powerful drive motors and use servos for features of the droid.

Make an automated greenhouse. Have analog sensors for light, temperature, carbon dioxide, moisture, water leaks, control two water pumps.

Make a K9. Affirmative, Master!

And much, much more....

A autonomous plant monitor/watering system

Meet The Team:

The team is made up of Raspberry Pi geeks, entrepreneurs, students and designers. Here's the team who is helping to make Robot Core a reality.

Apollo Timbers - Project Leader

Apollo is the owner of Second Robotics. A 31 year old Maker working with electronics and robotics for over 13 years. He served six years in the U.S. Air Force, working on missile guidance systems and electronic subsystems of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBM’s). He is the mind behind Robot Core, molding the overall specs and design elements of the board.

Timothy Freeburn - Engineer

Timothy is the the guy who brought Robot Core to life. From the schematic to board layout, he did it all. Using the Altium design suite. A special thanks to Freeburn Robotics for taking on the project.

Arron Churchill- Programmer

Also with Freeburn Robotics, Arron is the brainchild behind the library and GUI demos that will get you up and running so fast it will make your head spin. He has thoroughly tested the example Python programs to ensure you have a easy time using them.

Brian Ellis - Graphic Designer

Brian helped refine the logo, and created many of the images, gifs, and the 3D cartoon animation for your enjoyment.

Jason Metropoulos - Videographer

Jason with Metrospect Media spent countless hours recording and editing the main video.