Koala Specifications

The Koala Mobile Robot

The Koala robot is a platform for full-scale demonstrations. Software compatible with Khepera, it has been designed to be easy to use, easy to be transported and able to deal with a standard office environment as well as rough terrain.

Koala Features

Compact size
Modularity
High computational power
Easy control
Khepera compatibility
Low cost

New Possibilities for Testing Mobile Robotics Applications

Experiments on a full size environment
All-terrain experiments
Easy transportability (in other laboratories, conferences, etc.)

Possible Applications

Telemanipulation
Path planning and navigation study
Object research and recognition
Surveillance
Object transport
Visitors guide
Automatic vacuum cleaner

Koala Specifications

ELEMENTS	TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Processor	`Motorola 68331@16MHz`
RAM	`1 Mbyte`
Flash	`256 Kbytes`
ROM	`128 Kbytes`
Motion	`2 DC motors with incremental encoder (about 25 pulses per mm of avancement of the robot)`
Sensors	`16 Infra-red proximity and light sensors Battery and ambient temperature Motor torque and global power consumption`
Power	`Rechargeable NiCd Battery (1.4 or 2.4 Ah) with charge level memory The battery pack can be easily removed and replaced.`
Autonomy	`3 hours (basic configuration with maximal activity using a 2.4 Ah)`
Extension Bus	`The robot can be expanded by modules added on the K-Extension rack. Khepera turrets (with local processor) are also supported. A special support is available on the front part of the robot for any mechanical extensions.`
User Free I/O	`12 digital inputs [5..12V] 4 CMOS / TTL digital outputs 8 power (open collector) digital outputs [12V 250mA/output] 6 analog inputs (10 bits A/D converter, 4.096V of dynamic)`
Size	`Lenght: 32 cm Width: 32 cm Height: 20 cm`
Weight	`About 3 kg`

Configurations

The Koala robot has a very flexible structure. The basic robot (without batteries) can be used with an external power supply, or with batteries and a recharger.

Software Environment

Packlib (on SUN)
LabVIEW (on PC, MAC or SUN). LabVIEW is a trademark of National Instruments.
GNU C Cross-Compiler

This robot is sold by K-Team SA, 1028 Préverenges in Switzerland.

Homepages: K-Family - Robots at LAMI - LAMI - DI - EPFL

Francesco Mondada June 1996. Send me an E-mail for any questions or comments.