RoBoard, robot brains with PC aspirations

Robotics
RoBoard, robot brains with PC aspirations
RoBoardV2_1.jpg
RoboardV2_2.jpg

What do you get if you cross a full-featured PC with a microcontroller? Trossen Robotics is hoping you get a Roboard RB-100, a new breed of robot brains that is like a tricked-out microcontroller or an extremely svelte PC, take your… ah… PIC.

The Roboard RB-100 is a new breed of robotics controller: a fusion of a traditional microcontroller and a full function computer. Think of it as an OS capable microcontroller on steroids, boasting a 32bit x86 CPU running at 1000MHz and 256MB DRAM. The ability to load an operating system of your choice and have direct access to I/O, Comm ports, USB, and networking opens this controller up to a wide range of robotics based applications. Our Roboard Starter Kit comes with just about everything you need to implement this feature rich controller in your next robotics project! All you need to supply is a 1-2gb Micro-SD card to load an OS onto, 6-24v, and a robot!

  • * Powerful Computer dedicated to robotics applications.
  • * Starter Kit includes Interface Cables and Mini PCI VGA Card.
  • * Based on the Vortex86DX, a 32bit x86 CPU running at 1000MHz with 256MB DRAM
  • * Compatible with Windows, Linux and DOS
  • * Open Source C++ Library for Roboard’s unique I/O functions (sensors, actuators, etc.)
  • * A perfect solution for Microsoft Robotics Studio development.
  • * Only 2 watts of power consumption!
  • * Tiny size measuring in at only 96 x 56 mm

The Roboard Starter Set, which includes the RB-100 and nine different power and data cables, sells for $299.

Roboard

4 thoughts on “RoBoard, robot brains with PC aspirations

  1. The Oracle says:

    You might want to point your readers at the pico-ITX form factor motherboards.

  2. Ian says:

    Although I do understand where the Oracle is coming from as the pico-ITX/nano-ITX boards are a LOT cheaper, they’re just a computer and don’t offer all the PWM/GPIO ports that this thing does. That can come in real handy for the robotics/automation crowd. You could buy adapters, but they’ll add more volume and about the same price to the project.

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Gareth Branwyn is a freelance writer and the former Editorial Director of Maker Media. He is the author or editor of over a dozen books on technology, DIY, and geek culture. He is currently a contributor to Boing Boing, Wink Books, and Wink Fun. His free weekly-ish maker tips newsletter can be found at garstipsandtools.com.

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