Roboteq Launches Sponsorship Offer to Participants to DARPA's $2M Grand Challenge
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Aug. 23, 2004 -- Roboteq Inc (www.roboteq.com), a leading manufacturer of motor controllers for robotics applications, announces its renewed sponsorship of participants in the DARPA 2005 Grand Challenge. Successfully used by 4 of the 19 finalist teams of the 2004 Grand Challenge, Roboteq's controllers can be used to easily convert a stock automobile into a computer-controller robot. Each of the four vehicles used Roboteq's AX2550 controller in the position mode to drive the steering with one channel and the throttle with the other. Steering is particularly challenging because of the high force that it normally takes to turn the wheel and the difficulty to move it to a desired position in a fast and accurate fashion, using traditional electronics.
For the 2005 race, Roboteq will offer to qualifying teams the opportunity to buy up to two AX2550 or AX2850 DC Motor controllers at a significant discount off the Published List Price. More importantly, these teams will be provided with Privileged Engineering Assistance for the successful integration and operation of the controller in their robots.
"Winning the $2,000,000 Grand Challenge price is 90% a sensing and software navigation exercise," says Tony Santoni, Roboteq's President. "Our controller allows participants to take care of the vehicle part by converting a stock automobile into a robot in a matter of hours." Roboteq publishes instructions on how to perform such a conversion on its web site at www.roboteq.com/rcauto.shtml.
The $495 AX2550 is a popular dual channel DC motor controller for robotics applications capable of delivering up to 120A at 40V per channel. The controller supports many operating modes, including open or closed loop speed control, or position mode using potentiometer feedback. The AX2550 can easily be interfaced to any computer through its built-in RS232 interface. The controller can also be operated with a standard RC radio or direct analog joystick, which is handy for manually driving the vehicle until the computer pilot is activated.
"We found that Roboteq's AX2550 is by far the simplest and fastest way to automate a full size automobile," says Chris Pederson, Leader of the AIMotorvators Team (www.aimotorvators.com). His team's robot is a custom-made, off-road vehicle powered by a V8 Chevy engine fitted with GPS, video cameras, laser range finder, and guided by two Intel Xeon(R) Processors.
"The AX2550's high current drive, PID closed loop feedback, and handy PC utility made steering control literally a plug and play experience," reported Warren Williams, Leader of Team Phantasm (http://iidbs.com/phantasm.zkb). His Ladibug robot is a modified Kawasaki ATV fitted with short-range microware radar, ultrasound sensors, and GPS.
"The AX2550 was easy to interface to our 586 microcomputer and delivered the exceptional response time and accuracy needed by our challenging vehicle," said Anthony Lavandowski, Leader of the Blue Team (http://www.ghostriderrobot.com/). His Ghostrider robot is an automated dirt bike and the only two-wheeled vehicle in the race. This self-balancing design used two Roboteq controllers, one for the steering and throttle, the other for extending legs if and when the bike comes to a stop.
About Roboteq
Founded in 2002 and located in Scottsdale, AZ, Roboteq designs and manufactures advanced motor controllers for autonomous or remote-controlled robots for use in military and industrial applications, underwater exploration, research and entertainment. Installed in nearly 300 robot designs since its formal release in 2003, Roboteq's AX2550 now has an exceptional record powering drive trains of electric robotic vehicles and as a steering and throttle/brake actuator for gasoline-powered robots.
About the DARPA Grand Challenge
DARPA is the central research and development organization for the U.S. Department of Defense. In 2005, DAPA will award $2M to the team whose robotic vehicle can complete a 142 miles desert trek from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in less than 10 hours, without a human driver or operator.
NOTE TO EDITORS: Product photo at www.roboteq.com/press/AX2850.jpg