You can access the following on the ER1:
Click a link to jump to more details below.
Computer Vision & Object Recognition
Visual Range Detection
Hearing
Speech
Remote Control
Email
Autonomous Mobility
Gripping
IR Sensing Capabilities
Human-Robot interface
Computer Vision & Object Recognition
The ER1 is the first robot to feature an advanced, useful, and customizable vision system able to capture, recognize and identify thousands of objects and locations. The vision algorithm analyzes an image, identifies up to 1,000 unique characteristics of that image, and then uses the data to recognize the image. The ER1 can then be programmed to track and follow targets based on features or colors, as well as to navigate by recognizing locations and landmarks.
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Visual Range Detection
The ER1 can be trained to stop a specified distance from a recognized object. In the Robot Control Center (the ER1 Software), you specify a Distance and Units (inches, centimeters, etc.) between the object and the camera at the time of image capture. This enables the robot to estimate actual distance when you ask it to stop a specified distance from a recognized object.
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Hearing
The ER1 contains 'Listen for' speech recognition. You type the word or phrase the robot should listen for, e.g. "mailman." The robot can also respond to a certain sound level. For example, you can train the robot to listen for the sound level associated with your dog barking (a separate microphone is highly recommended).
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Speech
The ER1 can talk using a 'Phrase to Speak' function. You type in what you would like the robot to say or specify a file. For .txt files, the ER1 will read aloud the contents of the file. Using this feature, you can download text versions of books from the Internet and have your ER1 read them to you.
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Remote Control
The ER1 can be teleoperated from an external computer. This action requires the following additional hardware:
- A separate PC that meets or exceeds the laptop requirements (see What Do You Need?)
- A wireless network card for your laptop
- A wireless network card for your PC
You can use this functionality to have the robot patrol the house or check up on a family member when you are away.
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Email
You can program the ER1 to act on receipt of an email (a.k.a. Robotmail) based on text/substrings specified by you to trigger the behavior. You can use this functionality for such activities as moving your robot or having it take a picture and send it to you.
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Autonomous Mobility
The Move functionality is used to specify movement parameters such as direction and target characteristics. This function allows the robot to move around by itself, not by remote control. You can select from the following move types:
- Drive Toward Color — the robot stops when a specified percentage of a certain color is displayed on the video display.
- Drive Toward Object — the robot drives toward a specified object and stops at distance specified.
- Rotate Toward Color — the robot will rotate to face a color.
- Rotate Toward Object — the robot will rotate until it sees the object specified.
- Distance — this parameter specifies the distance the robot should move when a behavior is triggered.
- Relative Condition — this feature allows you to program the robot to perform a measured movement along the x and y axes (forward/backward and left/right).
- Stop on Sensor — for all Move types, you can set the robot to stop should one of the three IR sensors detects an obstacle — for example, an object entering the Gripper.
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Gripping*
The Gripping functionality is accessible on the robot with the addition of the ER1 Gripper accessory. While not a full motion arm, the Gripper is useful for picking up and carrying objects. The gripping functionality takes advantage of the ER1's If/Then programming to work.
Using the If condition,
- Object Enters Gripper — This option will be triggered when an object is detected entering the Gripper. Note that this does not close the Gripper, it simply triggers the action(s) specified.
- Gripper is Opened using Push Button — This option is triggered when the Open button on the Gripper is pressed.
Using the Then condition,
- Open Gripper — This behavior occurs if a trigger condition is met.
- Close Gripper — This behavior occurs if a trigger condition is met.
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IR Sensing* Capabilities
IR sensing is possible on the ER1 with the addition of the IR Sensor Pack accessory. These three sensors are mounted around the robot's body (however you customize its build), and provide object presence detection. The IR condition allows you to trigger a behavior if an object is detected by sensor 1, 2, and/or 3. You may select a single sensor or select multiple sensors for this purpose.
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Human-Robot Interface
The Robot Control Center (RCC) software allows you to control the ER1 Vision™ system, as well as all of the other RCC functions, including recognizing colors, sounds, words, sending and receiving email, acting on schedule, moving around autonomously or by remote control, playing sounds and music, or taking pictures and video. You can use the RCC software to combine these individual behaviors into any number of complex behaviors.
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* Requires additional accessories
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