This is an experiment where nodeJs acts as a middleware between the UI controller and other services on the back end while the user drives the robot. The nodeJS server could also attach other services to aid the rover, collect data, etc.
A combination of jQuery, nodeJs, Xbee and Arduino. This drives a custom built robot through web page interface around its environment. This is still experimental and code changes often.
This is my first project I am sharing on GitHub, so please be patient.
Left to Right.
- Driving panel
- Engine power (left and right engine)
- Ultra Sonic radar map
Four Quadrants of data around the directional arrows
- Top left is range data
- Top right is the last robot command
- Bottom left will be extra sensor data
- Bottom right robot settings: left engine, right engine, command delay, range.
You need a serial device attached in order to run the nodeJS server otherwise the Serial code will not run. Needless to say you will need a Arduino Rover (instructions not included) but you can look here Arduino Rover for suggestions.
nodeJS
node-serial
Arduino Uno Arduino Uno
Motor Shield Motor Shield
Xbee Shield and Xbee pair Xbee
attach the Xbee to the USB port change var comPort = '/dev/tty.usbserial-A900fwHn' to your comport
Run node server with.. node roverControlServer.js
should result in the following message
done init
Server Running on 8084
comm port ready
connect - localhost:8004/index.html
A typical error results when you get the comm port wrong or the radio transceiver is not attached.
$ node roverControlServer.js
done init
Server Running on 8084
events.js:72
throw er; // Unhandled 'error' event
^
Error: Cannot open /dev/tty.usbserial-A900fwHn
- Grunt / Task Runner Script to help install all the software dependancies
- Ready the documentation,
- add tags to the code and commenting
- Add event handling
- Science package to the code.
- the README file itself has format issues so I need to learn how to format to my liking.
- Better event handling for various error types from nodeJs and the Client side JavaScript.
- Better images for the read me.
- A flow diagram describing how the whole product works.
- Add thermal sensors, arm and camera.
- Add cat Whiskers to detect near objects
- Whiskers to determine surface type like sand, gravel, rock etc.
- Whiskers to determine terrain shape around the rover
- History of Map generation of all scans
- History could also try to guess on shapes bassed on Command history and maps
- Baby Rovers that can be sent out and retrieved
- More Arduinos for Processing locally to the Rover
- Wind direction and speed sensors
- wheel tracking so I can have a memory of distance