SpikerBot
SpikerBot is a neurorobot - a robot controlled by a computer model of a biological brain. It is equipped with a camera, a distance sensor, a speaker, four lights and two motors. It communicates via Wi-Fi with the SpikerBot app, which runs its neural networks.
Getting Started with SpikerBot
- Power on: Flip the switch under the robot.
- Connect via Wi-Fi: Find the network name (written on the robot).
- Wait for green LEDs: Indicates successful connection.
- Press Play in the SpikerBot app to run a brain.
SpikerBot’s Sensors
SpikerBot is equipped with a camera and a distance sensor. The camera processes images in real-time, detecting red, blue, and green colors, along with 16 different objects. Detection can be localized to the left or right side of the visual field. The distance sensor identifies objects at varying proximities: ‘far’ (100-20 cm), ‘medium’ (20-5 cm), and ‘near’ (less than 5 cm) directly in front of the robot.
SpikerBot’s Effectors
SpikerBot features two independently controlled motors, four LED lights, and a speaker. The motors allow precise control of direction and speed for each wheel. The lights can be set to different colors independently, enabling dynamic visual signals. Additionally, the speaker can generate tones ranging from 50 to 4950 Hz for auditory feedback.
Technical Specifications
| Processor | ESP32 |
| Power supply | 4xAA batteries |
| Control Switch | On/Off |
Troubleshooting
- No Response from Robot: Check that it’s turned on and charged.
- Wi-Fi Connection Issues: Ensure you’re connected to the correct robot’s Wi-Fi network, the robot’s LEDs should change from blue to green when the WiFi connection is established.
- Movement Problems: Check wheels and tires, re-seat if necessary.
- Camera Recognition Issues: Adjust lighting, use a clearer color sample and check the camera view to see what the robot “sees”.