RoboDS
Posted: March 19th, 2007 | 1 Comment »Turn your Nintendo DS into a mobile robot for $99 with roboDS (see video):
“his is a pre-order for RoboDS kit for DSerial2 multiple-interface card for NDS. It is an open robot platform for NDS that can be controlled via NDS Wi-Fi connection using a web browser interface. Install your own wireless camera onto RoboDS and monitor your home remotely! Wire-up your own laser pointer for extra flair, but use it responsibly!“
Why do I blog this? this is the sort of thing I qualify as “intriguing”. But why the hell is this interesting? What is funny is the majority of websites and blogs that deal with gadgets never stress why such artifacts have a potential value (apart from their engineering/technical value). So, few points:
(1) It raises the question of the “robot” identity? why is robotDS a robot? in this case it’s called so because the wheels allows the DS to move around. Well, if a robot is defined by locomotion that’s a bit limited and sad; plus it does not account for the current convergence between robotics and ubiquitous computing.
(2) Modularity: the idea of turning a mobile device into something more complex through such as add-on is intriguing. Building artifacts or services on top of others artifacts is pertinent and curious especially when done in a DIY way.
I agree that it can not be called a “robot” in it’s current form since it’s merely a remote controlled vehicle. However it has the potential to become more with addition of sensors and some smart software. So maybe I should refer to it as “protorobot” instead.
My primary objective was to demonstrate DSerial2 interface card. Of course, it’s not only for robotics, but that kind of application gets more attention.
Also, I am aware that telerobotics similar to this has been done before. But I am pretty fond of my control interface which actually took longer to build than the “robot” itself.
Thank you for your attention, I like smart blog entries like yours.