SPARK III is a universal robotic research platform based on 8051 microcontroller. SPARK III is designed by NEX Robotics in collaboration with Embedded Real-Time Systems Lab, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, IIT Bombay.

SPARK III is based on Philips P89V52RD2FA microcontroller. It has wide range of sensors such as white line sensors, digital and analog proximity sensor, directional light sensor, position encoder etc. It is powered by Litihium ion batteries. It can be controlled remotely with IR remote control. Robot can communicate with other robots or with PC using ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) wireless communication module over 80 separate channels.

Unique Features:

• Hands-on learning platform
• Covers wide range of subjects like Microcontrollers, Embedded Systems, Mechatronics, Sensor Networks, Image processing.
• Detailed tutorials help in interactive learning.
• Ideal for doing research in the areas of robotics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence, and sensor networks etc.

Specifications:

CPU: P89V52RD2FA

Crystal frequency: 11.0592MHz

Sensors:

• Three White line sensors
• One forward looking Sharp GP2D120C infrared range sensors (optional two sensors for left and right direction)
• Two infrared digital proximity sensors
• Two position encoders (shaft encoders) one on each wheel
• One directional light intensity sensor
• Battery voltage sensing

Indicators:
2x16 character alphanumeric LCD
Audio buzzer
Indicator LEDs
Smart battery monitoring circuit (protects battery form deep discharge)

Operational Modes:
Standalone
PC as master and robot as slave
Distributed (multi robot communication)

Communication:
Wired RS232 (serial) communication)
USB
ZigBee (IEEE 802.15.4) (Wireless)
Simplex infrared communication (From infrared remote to robot)

Dimensions:
Cylindrical shape: Diameter 16cm, Height 9cm
Weight: 450 Gms.

Power:
Two 3.7 Volts,600mAH Lithium Ion batteries or Auxiliary power using battery charger
Battery Life: 50 minutes of continuous motion

Locomotion:
Two DC geared motors and caster wheel at front as support
Top Speed: 20 cm / second
Wheel Diameter: 50mm
Position encoder: 30 pulses per revolutions
Position encoder resolution: 5.36mm

Charging:
1 Hour ultra fast Lithium-Ion charger

Software Support:

Software Support:

Programming:

Features:

• Development environment: C and assembly language

• User manual

• Sample programs (C and assembly language)

• Matlab and Scilab interfacing

• Serial downloading and programming

• Serial cable provided

Kit Contains:

• SPARK III Robot with all the sensors mentioned above

• An Infrared remote control

• One Hour ultra fast lithium ion charger

• Flex printed 4 x 4 feet white line grid

• Flex printed 6 feet white line

• Serial cable

• Instruction CD