Crafting an interactive desktop cat robot with LattePanda
Inspired by Disney, a Japanese enthusiast, Ryota Kobayashi, dreams of crafting his very own Disney cat robot. As a devoted fan of Disney animations, this lifelong ambition is now within reach with the support of LattePanda, who are fully committed to assisting him on his creative journey.
Project Introduction
The black cat robot, designed with a stylized aesthetic akin to real cats, boasts 13 motors that control its facial expressions, head, and tail movements. Equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker, this robotic feline can interact with users in a unique way—by speaking human language instead of typical cat meowing.
Hardware and Software Components
Ryota's cat robot is a blend of various hardware and software elements:
Hardware:
- LattePanda Alpha 864s (CPU)
- M5Stack Basic (Microcontroller)
- OAK-D Lite (AI Camera)
- STS3215 (Servo motor)
- SCS0009 (Servo motor)
- FS0403 (Servo motor)
- Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer
Software:
- open-source AKARI project
- https://akarigroup.github.io/docs/source/tutorial_web/main.html
- https://github.com/AkariGroup
The Making Process
1. Design a 3D Model
Create a 3D model with an enlarged head to achieve an animated, cute appearance for the black cat robot.
2. 3D Print the Parts
Utilize a home 3D printer to produce all the exterior parts of the cat, ensuring a high-quality finish.
3. Conduct Head Movement Tests
Mount the head on a stand to test its range of motion, including smooth blinking, mouth opening, and ear movements to confirm functionality.
4. Assemble the Neck Mechanism
Construct a unique neck mechanism based on a Stewart platform with three motors for smooth and lifelike movements.
5. Test Neck Movements
Evaluate the neck mechanism to ensure it can move the head in all directions and extend or retract the neck, mimicking realistic expressions.
6. Implement Tail Movements
Install a wire-driven tail mechanism to allow for natural side-to-side swaying, enhancing the robot's ability to express emotions.
7. Integrate Camera and LattePanda
Incorporate a camera and a LattePanda to enable the robot to detect user inputs and respond with corresponding movements.
The Role of LattePanda Alpha 864s
- Central Processing: The LattePanda Alpha 864s is responsible for the core data processing, coordinating various subsystems to ensure the robot operates smoothly.
- Data Analysis: It processes input from the AI camera and other sensors, vital for the robot to understand and engage with its environment.
- Task Management: Through USB-CAN, it interfaces with the robot's electronics, directing movements and expressions.
- Communication: It enables the robot to transmit data, facilitating real-time monitoring and interaction.
Conclusion
LattePanda serves as the technological backbone of this project, making it easy for the cat robot to chat using the latest tech and keeping things affordable and compact. It goes to show that with LattePanda, anyone with a dream and a bit of know-how can make something amazing happen.
Inspired by Disney, a Japanese enthusiast, Ryota Kobayashi, dreams of crafting his very own Disney cat robot. As a devoted fan of Disney animations, this lifelong ambition is now within reach with the support of LattePanda, who are fully committed to assisting him on his creative journey.
Project Introduction
The black cat robot, designed with a stylized aesthetic akin to real cats, boasts 13 motors that control its facial expressions, head, and tail movements. Equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker, this robotic feline can interact with users in a unique way—by speaking human language instead of typical cat meowing.
Hardware and Software Components
Ryota's cat robot is a blend of various hardware and software elements:
Hardware:
- LattePanda Alpha 864s (CPU)
- M5Stack Basic (Microcontroller)
- OAK-D Lite (AI Camera)
- STS3215 (Servo motor)
- SCS0009 (Servo motor)
- FS0403 (Servo motor)
- Bambu Lab P1S 3D printer
Software:
- open-source AKARI project
- https://akarigroup.github.io/docs/source/tutorial_web/main.html
- https://github.com/AkariGroup
The Making Process
1. Design a 3D Model
Create a 3D model with an enlarged head to achieve an animated, cute appearance for the black cat robot.
2. 3D Print the Parts
Utilize a home 3D printer to produce all the exterior parts of the cat, ensuring a high-quality finish.
3. Conduct Head Movement Tests
Mount the head on a stand to test its range of motion, including smooth blinking, mouth opening, and ear movements to confirm functionality.
4. Assemble the Neck Mechanism
Construct a unique neck mechanism based on a Stewart platform with three motors for smooth and lifelike movements.
5. Test Neck Movements
Evaluate the neck mechanism to ensure it can move the head in all directions and extend or retract the neck, mimicking realistic expressions.
6. Implement Tail Movements
Install a wire-driven tail mechanism to allow for natural side-to-side swaying, enhancing the robot's ability to express emotions.
7. Integrate Camera and LattePanda
Incorporate a camera and a LattePanda to enable the robot to detect user inputs and respond with corresponding movements.
The Role of LattePanda Alpha 864s
- Central Processing: The LattePanda Alpha 864s is responsible for the core data processing, coordinating various subsystems to ensure the robot operates smoothly.
- Data Analysis: It processes input from the AI camera and other sensors, vital for the robot to understand and engage with its environment.
- Task Management: Through USB-CAN, it interfaces with the robot's electronics, directing movements and expressions.
- Communication: It enables the robot to transmit data, facilitating real-time monitoring and interaction.
Conclusion
LattePanda serves as the technological backbone of this project, making it easy for the cat robot to chat using the latest tech and keeping things affordable and compact. It goes to show that with LattePanda, anyone with a dream and a bit of know-how can make something amazing happen.
