Happy new year to you too Zach!
I can’t say I have any experience with these, but the DFRobot 100x100 sensor looks interesting. As well as the plug-and-play appeal, the screen on the back seems like it might be helpful for debugging and experimenting. As I understand it there isn’t a huge cost difference?
Hi Rich,
I did originally consider mounting a camera to the gripper but have since settled with a static stereo camera that has movement as done in Monty Meets World. I actually didn’t realise you could buy decent endoscope cameras for that cheap, so something I might consider if project time allows.
I considered using a turntable like in the Lego Robot project, with a motor underneath that Monty controls. It might still be something I use if my sensors (and robot) struggle to model/reach parts of the objects being learnt.
I’ve not heard of Turtles before, so I’ll check it out! Thanks
I’m not sure about maintaining potted plants for this project as I wouldn’t know how to apply Monty to it in the timeframe (and besides, I’m not super skilled at keeping houseplants alive! I once managed to kill a cactus). But still an interesting concept!
Hi Niels,
They are roughly similar costs, after shipping and the additional items for the LightRanger 14.
My main worry is the minimum range, the DFRobot can get within about 15cm of an object before readings stop. This might be ok but the robot I’m using only has a range of 44cm so it might be a little tight.
On the other hand, the LightRanger 14 can get as close at 1cm, but again is a lot more fiddly.
I will give it some thought and pick one over the next day (best to get the purchase order form in sooner to prevent procurement delays)
Ah I see, yeah that’s a good point about the minimum range. From a functional point of view, there’s no real reason that the surface agent (or let’s maybe call it “exploring” agent - since it will be physically moving) needs to actually be very close to the object, so long as it is relying on depth sensors rather than actual touch. Assuming your final examiners are not expecting it to move close to the object, then I think the more distant sensor would be fine. It would be neat though if you are able to have something that closely approximates the surface agent in Monty. If your budget allows, maybe you could order both, highlighting your reasoning for having both options available?
I’ve just sent off a purchase request for the DFRobot sensor. Looking at this demo video it seems to work pretty well.
The budget might just about stretch to get me the LightRanger 14 and its additional necessary components. I was considering using any extra budget on a sensor of another modality (we’ll see if time permits), but I could go for the LightRanger instead. For now I’ll stick with the DFRobot sensor.
In other news, I believe I’ve made a breakthrough with the XCode-less Monty Meets World, using the iPads back facing LiDAR sensor instead of the front facing TrueDepth Camera. Will share the method later!
Ok nice, sounds like a good plan. And that’s great to hear! Looking forward to hearing more soon.