POWERBOT is an amazing high-payload high-speed highly maneuverable platform with all the intelligence of our smaller platforms. PowerBot moves up to 6 kph with a payload up to 100kg. It is built on the same core client-server model as all MobileRobots robots, making it software compatible. PowerBot offers a full-sized PC computer option, opening the way for onboard vision processing, Ethernet-based communications, laser, DGPS, and other autonomous functions.  The PowerBot stores up to 2100  watt-hours of rechargable batteries. Fourteen forward and 14 rear sonar sense obstacles from 15 cm to 7 m. PowerBot's powerful motors and two monster wheels on steel frame with suspension is designed for higher speeds with good response. The PowerBot uses 500 tick motor encoders. Its sensing extends far beyond the ordinary with laser-based navigation options, DGPS, bumpers, 6 dof DC arm, vision, and a rapidly growing suite of other options.

The bare PowerBot base with included ARIA software has the ability to:

• WANDER randomly, avoiding obstacles
• DRIVE controlled by keys or joystick
• COMMUNICATE SENSOR & CONTROL INFORMATION including sonar, motor encoder, motor controls, user I/O, and battery charge data
• RUN C/C++ PROGRAMS created with or without ARIA or our other software development environments
• SIMULATE BEHAVIORS OFFLINE with the simulator that accompanies each development environment

• MAP rooms, labs or buildings in minutes
• PLAN PATHS to goals
• AVOID OBSTACLES along the way
• NAVIGATE TIGHT SPACES for delivery or docking

PowerBot provides a ready-to-use base with:

• steel frame and suspension
• 85cm x 62.5cm x 43cm aluminum body
  
• slide-out battery access
• 2 12v lead-acid batteries, wired for 24v, 90 amps
• 2 drive wheels
• 2 motors with encoders
• 2 rear casters
• microcontroller
• sonar boards
• motor power board
• 28 sonar
• 2 500-tick motor encoders
• front and rear bumpers
• ARCOS microcontroller server software
• charger
• operations manual

In addition, the robot requires:

• communication with a PC client, via one of the following:
• wireless radio modem
• robot-to-laptop connector
• robot-to-desktop tether
• or connection to an embedded computer

• laser mapping and navigation
• automatic inertial correction
• desktop PC onboard
• wireless Ethernet
• pan-tilt-zoom color cameras
• color-tracking
• GPS
• 6 dof arm plus gripper options
• and more!

FOR MORE INFORMATION:  Robot Accessories

PowerBot can climb a 15% grade and sills of 3cm. On flat surfaces, PowerBot can move at speeds of 6kph. At slower speeds on flat terrains, it can carry payloads greater than 100 kg. Payloads include all accessories and must be balanced appropriately for effective operation of this or any robot.

PowerBot can operate approximately 2.5 hours on two fully charged batteries. Re-charging time is 5 hours.

PowerBot has a side access door. Inside is an 32-bit RISC-based controller, sonar boards and other electronics. Each robot has 28 sonar and two 500-tick motor encoders. 

A small proprietary ARCOS transfers sonar readings, motor encoder information and other I/O via packets to the PC client and returns control commands. Users can run the robot from the client or design their own programs under Debian Linux or under WIN2000 using their favorite C/C++ compiler. Our ARIA and other robotics development environments supply library functions to handle navigation, path planning and many other robotic tasks.