As a Universal Robotic Research Platform, Fire Bird IV provides an excellent environment for experimentation, algorithm development and testing. Its modular architecture allows you to control it using multiple processors such as 8051,AVR, PIC and ARM7 etc. Modular sensor pods can be mounted on the platform as dictated by intended applications. Precision position encoder makes it possible to have accurate position control. The platform can be upgraded to tank drive and Hexapod insect very easily. It is powered by Lithium-Ion batteries with excellent recharged time of one hour. A 2.4 GHz CDMA module provides state of the art secure and multi-channel communication over wireless channel.

Current Deployment:

• Embedded Systems (IT 606),KReSIT, IIT Bombay. (Embedded systems and Real-Time Operating Systems)
• Embedded Systems, Distance Education program (IT 606 CDEEP), KReSIT, IIT Bombay. (Embedded systems and Real-Time Operating Systems) Across 17 remote centers in India
• New Trends in IT (Sensor Networks) (IT620), KReSIT, IIT Bombay

Specifications:

Microcontroller: ATMELATMEGA128 or 8051RD2

Sensors:
Three white line sensors
One forward looking Sharp GP2D120C infrared range sensors (optional two additional sensors for left and right direction)
Five bump sensors
Two position encoders (shaft encoders)
One directional light intensity sensor
Battery voltage sensing
Servo mounted sensor pod (optional)
Wireless color camera (optional)

Indicators:
2 x 16 Characters LCD
Indicator LEDs
Buzzer

Control:
Standalone
PC as master and robot as slave
Robot as master and other robot/robots as slave

Communication:
Wired RS232 (serial) communication
Simplex infrared communication (From infrared remote to robot)
Wireless 2.4 GHz CDMA communication

Dimensions:
Length: 13.2 cm
Width: 13.0 cm
Height: (with one sharp infrared sensor): 7.2 cm
Weight: 150 g (Approx.)

Power: Two 3.7 Volts,600mAH Lithium ion batteries or Auxiliary power using battery charger


Locomotion:
Low power DC motors
Two wheel differential drive with caster wheel at front as support
Top Speed: 12 cm / second


Position feedback:
3.14 mm / pulse
2.5 degrees / pulse (turning with both wheel rotating)
1.2 degrees / pulse (one wheel rotating while other wheel is stationary)

Features:

• Development environment: C and assembly
• User manual
• Sample programs (C and assembly)
• Matlab and Scilab interfacing
• Serial downloading and programming
• Serial cable provided
• Pre assembled

Kit contains:

• Fire Bird IV Robot with all the sensors mentioned above
• An Infrared remote control
• Serial In System Programmer (ISP)
• Parallel In System Programmer (ISP)
• One Hour ultra fast lithium ion charger
• Flex printed 4 x 4 feet white line grid
• Flex printed 6 feet white line
• Serial cable