Attempt to make Robot ARM with servo motors controllable with JavaScript

1. ROBKO-JS
JavaScript controllable robot hand
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv

2. Once upon a time computers looked like this:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

3. In 1980s the development of 6800, 6502 processors made possible computers
to become small, efficient and more affordable. Bulgaria was part of this
process. In Botevgrad semiconductor plant was built and it start producing,
diodes, transistors, 74xx series of IC and later 6800 series of Motorola, DRAM
memories and 6502.
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

4. The arrival of the small compact computers, opened new possibilities for
automation and use of robotics. In UK Armdroid1 was developed for use in
education:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

5. Armdroid1 was driven by TRS-80, sold as kit and assembled,
so kids could assembly it themselves. More than 5000 pcs were sold to UK
schools.There were several modifications and improvements, the firmware was
on Audio tape, kids could make their own programs which to move the hand.
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

6. A little bit later Microbot in USA made their own design Minimover5 which is very
similar to Armdroid1 but with simplified construction and easier to manufacture
and assembly. The control is made with TRS-80 again:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

7. Minimover5 is the base to create the Bulgarian clone named Robko-1. Obviously
the controller was Apple ][ which was also coloned here at that time.
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

8. Minimover5 was not the only design considered. Searching on the internet is
possible to find prototype like CNC table:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

9. SCARA type robot:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

10. Or even mini plant:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

11. I wanted to make something cool!
Robot hand which to be easy to control and program.
I was hesitating to use BLE or WiFi and at the end WiFi seem to be more
universal, as you can use any device with browser to control the robot.
The research of what is available found only small, slimsy and expensive kits
made in China based on servos with Arduino boards.
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

12. After dozen of different prototypes we understand what electronic engineers
suck on mechanical designs :)
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

13. After dozen of different prototypes we understand what electronic engineers
suck on mechanical designs :)
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

14. Finally we made some clumsy design,
which is far away from what we wanted to make:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

15. The only thing we are proud of in this design is the electronics controller:
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

16. The 6 servos are controlled by microcontroller connected to ESP8266,
running web server and with JavaScript API
which allow you to control it and to make your own programs:
http://olimex.com/robko/ holds the demo code
http://olimex.com/robko/refernce.html programming reference guide
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM

17. The information about Robko-1 was taken from the Internet and old magazines,
newspapers.
The pictures are taken from obsoletecomputers.wordpress.com
TuxCon 2016, Plovdiv
Robko-JS JavaScript Internet Controllable Robot ARM