The Clodbuster

The Clodbuster platform (which is referred to as CB for brevity) is based upon a 1/10 scale radio controlled model of a monster truck, made by Tamiya Inc.   We have made significant modifications to the vehicle, to include:  the addition of an omni-directional camera, a video transmitter for sending images to a remote workstation for processing, additional on-board power, and an improved suspension.  This setup provides us with a robust, low cost, autonomous all terrain mobile platform.  More detailed technical specifications can be found in our CB Factsheet.

Clodbuster-II

Though using the same base platform, significant improvements were made to the second CB varaint.  The most obvious is that processing was moved on-board.  CB-II sports a PIII 850 MHz processor, 128MB RAM, and 802.11B wireless ethernet connectivity.  These modifications will yield truly distributed platforms, provide additional processing power, and eliminate the EMI and frame dropouts associated with the wireless transmission used in the previous variant.  An additional sensor suite integrating IR detectors, accelerometers, and gyroscopes will also be added in the near future.  More detailed technical specifications can be found in our CB-II Factsheet.

 

Clodbuster-III

With the constant demand for higher processing power, the third version of the Clodbuster has a newly designed chasis with impoved adaptability to hold various components.  Newer robots now use a Sony Viao laptop instead of an onboard computer to allow for easy upgrading of computer hardware.  Curent laptops have a PIII 850 Mhz processor, 256MB RAM, built in wireless connectivity and a Windows XP operating system.  The new aluminum and wood chasis can also be modified to cary a variety of sensors.  The configuration shown above holds 12 IR detectors with 3 in each corner and two Ibot cameras facing forward and to the rear.  Alternate designs allow for the use of a Dragonfly or Firefly omni-directional camera.  Detailed technical information can be found in our CB-III Factsheet.  Instructions for construction of the robot can be found in our CB Building Instructions.