Serious robotocists will want to check out White Box Robotics' PC-BOT (Fig. 1). This is a professional mobile platform: expandable, with the horsepower to handle add-ons. It is also something that has a presence, compared to the smaller Lego Mindstorms or iRobot Create. At 21 in. and 55 pounds (24 kg), the PC-BOT is a formidable robot in the pattern of Star Wars' R2-D2.
The big difference between the PC-BOT and most off-the-shelf robots is capacity. It has internal bays for user-developed peripherals. It is controlled by a Mini-ITX motherboard, which provides PC-level compute capacity that can use standard USB peripherals like a global positioning system (GPS) module to enhance its capabilities.
Its heavy-duty motors, wheels and casters are still limited to a relatively flat surface but it does not have to be completely smooth. Carpets will not slow it down, but obviously stairs are more than a challenge. Its pair of 12-V, 9-A sealed lead acid batteries provide plenty of power for the two dc stepper drive motors.
Multiple Models
It's not a choice between a truck, sedan, or Ferrari, but the PC-BOT does come in different flavors that will take a different-sized bite out of your pocketbook. The full-up 914 PC-BOT comes in at $4995. This includes all the bells, whistles, motherboard, headlights and plastic case. It is ready to run out of the box and has the look of a professional robot. It is ideal for someone intending to use the PC-BOT in public applications.
The $3995 9-Series Development Platform (Fig. 2) is essentially a naked 914 PC-BOT. Yes, those custom plastic parts are a bit expensive, but not always necessary mdash; especially if you intend to build your own.
The base platform, and of course the 914 PC-BOT, come with a VIA EPIA SP 13000 LVDS Mini-ITX mMotherboard with 1 Gbyte of 400-MHz PC3200 DDR RAM. The system boots from an 80-GB 2.5-in. SATA hard disk or a slimline DVD-ROM/CD-RW drive. External USB ports can be used to temporarily attached more drives or drives can be added internally as well. The 8 half-height 5.25-in. drive bays (Fig. 3) initially house the computer bay speakers and audio interface, along with the DVD/hard disk drive combo.
The two systems comes with a Linksys 802.11g wireless USB adapter. This works with Linux or Windows. Ubuntu Linux and Windows XP Home are included as well. They come configured with VNC remote control support since the unit typically operates in a headless fashion.
Bargain hunters or those with a Mini-ITX motherboard can get away with the $2995 9-Series Basic Unit. This essentially provides all the hardware, including basic electronics. It does not include items like the motherboard, web camera, and USB wireless adapter, but it does include the batteries and power supply. The plastic case is available separately.