maggy_logo2 (21K)

Build your own Tele Presence Robot:

Main Page

Remote Control

Parallel Port Adapter

Velcro it together

Software

Videos

 

Welcome to The Maggy Project web site!

This site was created to offer robotics enthusiasts an Internet based, tele-presence robot (TPR) design that has a practical use and is easy to duplicate.

We would like to thank iRobot for donating the Roomba Discovery that enabled this project.

roombamod (13K)
 

Please note that this design is for educational purposes.  Although we haven't had any problems, we cannot guarantee that damage to your Roomba won't occur.

Design Concept:

This simple project shows hot to build a nimble robot using iRobots popular Roomba, without having to open it up. We use ours as a telepresence robot, which works very, very well.

Step 1 - Get your hands on a Roomba that is compatible with a remote control (the Roomba Discovery Series, the Roomba Pro and Roomba Pro Elite work with the remote. The original silver-colored Roomba does not). The Roomba Red retails for about US$120 after coupons.

Step 2 - Open the Roomba remote control ($15.00) and solder a couple of wires to each button contact point (turn right, forward, turn left).

Step 3 - Build a simple parallel port interface that switches inexpensive relays (such as reed relays, Radio Shack 275-232). Connect the relays to the wires coming from the remote control.

Step 4 - Install a parallel port control software on a laptop. For a telepresence robot, you will need a wireless connection and a PC camera.

Step 5 - Velcro your laptop to the Roomba. Velcro the remote control and parallel port interface to the laptop (add a PC camera and microfone for a telepresence robot).

Step 6 - Have fun!!! .

For details, check the links on the menu to the top left.

Any feedback and suggestions are greatly appreciated: mailto:mark@villela.com