Robko js

ROBKO-JS

JavaScript controllable robot hand

TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv

Once upon a time computers looked like this:


Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

In 1980s the development of 6800, 6502 processors made possible computers to become small, efficient and more affordable. Bulgaria was part of this process. In Botevgrad semiconductor plant was built and it start producing, diodes, transistors, 74xx series of IC and later 6800 series of Motorola, DRAM memories and 6502.



The arrival of the small compact computers, opened new possibilities for automation and use of robotics. In UK Armdroid1 was developed for use in education:



Armdroid1 was driven by TRS-80, sold as kit and assembled, so kids could assembly it themselves. More than 5000 pcs were sold to UK schools.There were several modifications and improvements, the firmware was on Audio tape, kids could make their own programs which to move the hand.



A little bit later Microbot in USA made their own design Minimover5 which is very similar to Armdroid1 but with simplified construction and easier to manufacture and assembly. The control is made with TRS-80 again:



Minimover5 is the base to create the Bulgarian clone named Robko-1. Obviously the controller was Apple ][ which was also coloned here at that time.



Minimover5 was not the only design considered. Searching on the internet is possible to find prototype like CNC table:



SCARA type robot:



Or even mini plant:



I wanted to make something cool! Robot hand which to be easy to control and program. I was hesitating to use BLE or WiFi and at the end WiFi seem to be more universal, as you can use any device with browser to control the robot.The research of what is available found only small, slimsy and expensive kits made in China based on servos with Arduino boards.



After dozen of different prototypes we understand what electronic engineers suck on mechanical designs :)



After dozen of different prototypes we understand what electronic engineers suck on mechanical designs :)



Finally we made some clumsy design,which is far away from what we wanted to make:



The only thing we are proud of in this design is the electronics controller:



The 6 servos are controlled by microcontroller connected to ESP8266, running web server and with JavaScript API which allow you to control it and to make your own programs:

http://olimex.com/robko/ holds the demo code

http://olimex.com/robko/refernce.html programming reference guide



The information about Robko-1 was taken from the Internet and old magazines, newspapers.

The pictures are taken from obsoletecomputers.wordpress.com



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Robko js