Trossen Robotics - LoCoBot WX250

The LoCoBot is an ROS research rover for mapping, navigation and manipulation (optional) that enables researchers, educators and students alike to focus on high level code development instead of hardware and building out lower level code. Development on the LoCoBot is simplified with opensource software, full ROS-mapping and navigation packages and modular opensource Python API that allows users to move the platform as well as manipulator in as few as 10 lines of code.

The rover is built on the Create 3 from iRobot and powered by the Intel NUC NUC8i3BEH Core i3 w/ 8gig of ram and 240g HD. An Intel® RealSense™ Depth Camera D435 sits atop an independently controlled pan / tilt mechanism (2XL430-W250-T) at the top of the platform which allows mapping and scanning. The (optional) 360 degree LIDAR can further improve both mapping and scanning for more advanced projects. There are 3 different robot arms that can be added to the LoCoBot platform, offering 4, 5 and 6 degree of freedom options. All of the arms are based off of the X-Series servos from Robotis Co., specifically the XM430-W350-T and XL430-W250- which offer easy hardware setup, available software API’s and other ‘smart servo’ benefits.

Interbotix products are aimed at getting users up and developing on ROS as quickly as possible, which is why we've designed our platforms to ROS ready in under an hour. The robot comes pre-assembled with only minimal hardware setup and software is loaded with a few terminal commands allowing for ROS development in under an hour from receiving the LoCoBot.

SPECIFICATIONS

SOFTWARE

Simultaneously localize and map out its environment (SLAM), generating a new map in the process, localize itself in a pre-generated map, create a 3D point cloud representation of its surroundings (viewable in Rviz), develop local and global costmaps to be used for obstacle avoidance and path planning in real time (viewable in Rviz), automatically move the base to follow the planned route, move to a desired spot specified by a mouse-click on a virtual map in Rviz

Get familiar with your LoCoBot platform by visualizing a model of it in Rviz. Using Rviz, you can also see sensor data, monitor your LoCoBot’s progress as it navigates or does perception, and view maps. This can be done on the LoCoBot itself or from a remote computer via ROS networking.

With the onboard Intel RealSense D435 camera and robotic arm, your LoCoBot can; find the transform to multiple small objects within the camera’s field of view, pick up a slew of objects in a specified order (based on distance), sort objects based on color / point cloud size / or their respective positions, allow for a researcher to dynamically tune various point cloud filter parameters using an intuitive graphical user interface.

Abstract away motion planning, inverse kinematics, and collision checking by using MoveIt to manipulate the arm on your LoCoBot. Our custom Moveit package is already fully integrated to be used with ROS Control on both the physical and Gazebo simulated robots. It can also be simulated in Rviz using MoveIt’s Fake Controller Manager plugin.

See how to use MoveIt’s Move Group Python or C++ interfaces with the arm on your LoCoBot. Pose the arm’s end-effector using a custom graphical user interface built on the Move Group’s C++ API. Or launch an interactive tutorial that moves the arm to different poses based on the Move Group’s Python API.

HARDWARE

Create 3 from iRobot

Welcome to the next generation of iRobot’s affordable, trusted, all-in-one mobile robot development platform. Grasp the fundamentals of robotics, computer science, and engineering by programming the Create® 3 to perform simple behaviors, sounds, and movements, or tap into advanced applications including multi-robot exploration, navigation & mapping, and telepresence capabilities.

Intel NUC NUC8i3BEH Mini PC

8th Gen Intel Dual-Core i3, 8GB DDR4 Ram, 240GB Solid State Drive (SSD), Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, Wifi, Bluetooth 5.0, Gigabit Ethernet, 4k Support, Card Reader, Dual monitor Capable, HDMI, USB, Thunderbolt 3, Ubuntu 20.04.

Intel® RealSense™ Depth Camera D435

Is part of the Intel® RealSense™ D400 series of cameras, a lineup that takes Intel’s latest depth sensing hardware and software packages them into easy to integrate products. Perfect for developers, makers, and innovators looking to bring depth sensing to devices, Intel® RealSense™ D400 series cameras offer simple out of the box integration and enable a whole new generation of intelligent vision equipped devices.

Pan & Tilt

The DYNAMIXEL 2XL can control two axis with a single module, which serves as the pan & tilt for the camera of the LoCoBot. This servo allows for scanning or object detection whether the platform is in motion or stationary. The 2XL series adopts new features that allow 360 degrees control mode with its contactless magnetic encoder and hollow back case assembly structure and Metal gear (Powder Metallurgy) is used for high durability.

Aluminum Construction

Constructed of 20x20 extruded aluminum and 3mm anodized aluminum plates the LoCoBot is extremely durable. The T-Slot aluminum bars have channels used to connect other bars, parts or to create mounting points for additions to the LoCoBot. Standard 20x20 post assembly T-Slot nuts can be used for easy customization of the platform.

WidowX Robot Arm

The WidowX 250 is a 6 degree of freedom manipulator with a maximum reach of 650mm and a working payload of 250g. The WidowX 250 is built using the DYNAMIXEL X Series servos from Robotis which feature high resolution (4096 positions), user definable PID parameters, temperature and positional feedback and much more.

RPLIDAR A2M8 360° Laser Range Scanner (Optional)

The RPLIDAR A2 is an indoor, 360 degree 2D LIDAR. Each RPLIDAR A2 can take up to 8000 samples of laser ranging per second thanks to its high rotation speed. The on-board system can perform 2D 360° scans within a range of 12 meters (18m with a bit of firmware adjustment). Additionally, the generated 2D point cloud data can be used in mapping, localization and object/environment modeling.

LOCOBOT BASE

WIDOWX 250 6DOF ARM

DOCUMENTATION

Documentation

Github

MESH / STL Files

URDF

Troubleshooting

STEP File

Technical Drawing