iAMdriver - AndyMark - Demonstration/Workshop - Dec. 4th

FIRST General Forum
1

Teams,

Robolytics, in partnership with AndyMark, Inc., is pleased to announce the debut of a new plug-and-play controls system, which can be used for testing, demonstrating, and developing your FIRST Robotics Competition Robot. This device, the iAMdriver, uses an Apple iPod touch, iPhone, or iPad as the exclusive operator interface, and runs independently of the kit of parts Robot controls. We have developed a one-page summary of the iAMdriver, which describes the device and its awesome capabilities. All teams are encouraged to read this information, which is contained in the PDF attachment.

Robolytics and AndyMark will be debuting the iAMdriver at a demonstration where Teams can see first-hand what the iAMdriver is capable of, and Teams will receive the opportunity to test an iAMdriver device. All members of Michigan FIRST Robotics Teams, including Students, Mentors, and their families, are invited to attend this event. In order to participate, those wishing to attend must RSVP on, or before December 2, 2010. Please have a representative from your team send an e-mail to [email protected] with the name of each Student, Mentor, or Family member who will attend.

What: iAMdriver Demonstration and workshop
When: Saturday, December 4, 2010 from 7:00am to 9:00am
Where: The North Side of The Somerset Mall, located at 2800 West Big Beaver Road, in Troy, Michigan in the building containing Macy’s and Nordstom’s. Free parking is available in front of the North Side of The Somerset Mall, and Teams should enter The Somerset Mall via the entrance under the glass bridge, then turn right at the main corridor, and look for the Macy’s sign… that’s where we will be.

iAMdriver Information - https://www.andymark.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=AM-0820

If you have any questions feel free to ask.

Thanks,
-Clinton-

2

This looks very interesting. Any hope of recording and posting video from this event?

Let me be the first to post the obligatory “Will the developers release a version compatible with Android?” question. :slight_smile:

3

I like the idea if I understand it correctly, but couldn’t teams get this functionality out of a Vex microcontroller and transmitter, if they use PWM?

4

Based on what I read…

It has 4 PWM outputs for tank drive, fed by the accelerometer in the controlling device

It has 4 PWM, 4 Dgtl In, 4 Dgtl Out, and 4 Analog In for accessories. All code runs on the controlling device, I have no idea how you can program it.

We are one of the demo teams, and will be putting the device in our robot today.

Also wondering, will there be an Android version?

5

Unfortunately, due to some restrictions that have been placed on us by Somerset Mall security, we will be unable to record and post video of the event. We will have some still-photography available after the event.

We will also be posting demonstration videos after the event, and will make them available on Youtube. More details will be available later.

Yes, it could be possible, but the iAMdriver is a simple, plug-and-play option that will interface with the iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad. The iAMdriver will allow Teams to quickly get a demonstration or prototype Robot up-and-running without the need for sophisticated code. This device will also allow for team to reallocate their CRIO, Digital Sidecar, and Wireless Bridge to other projects or Robots.

6

It sounds great, really, and I don’t mean to take away from that huge accomplishment by talking about other ways you could do something similar, seriously. Just wanted to make that clear.

I do feel compelled to note that the Vex Default Code is great for this application, or the Vex Signal Splitter with Y-cables.

7

This is a great idea and action by AM. We usually just push our own prototypes around. With something like this, it would make the prototype much more realistic.

Can’t wait to see the demonstration videos! And sorry about the mall security. :frowning:

8

In response to your question about an Android version, our company, Robolytics, who is the developer of the iAMdriver, has a working agreement with Apple, so we have no current plans to create an Android version.

-Clinton-

9

In addition to the demonstration at the Somerset Mall, the Apple Store Somerset will be offering a discount of 5% on the iPod touch, and 2% the iPad.

Discounts will be distributed the day of the demonstration, and remain valid through December 31. In order to be eligible for the discount, attendees must be placed on the “FIRST Robotics” Discount Profile at the Apple Store Somerset. You may be placed on this list by a member of the Robolytics or AndyMark Team, from 7am to 9am on the day of the demonstration.

If you have not RSVP’d for this event, you may still attend, and are still welcome to bring family members or guests.

Please contact Brandi Bolinger at [email protected] with any questions.

-Clinton-

10

This is a very interesting concept that I can see has potential to allow us to spread inspiration to others who would be otherwise uninvolved. If we purchase the hardware, would others be able to drive the bot with their own phones based off of a free app they can download?

11

Assuming they know the IP of the iAMdriver box and there is not already an existing connection to the robot, anyone with the iAMdriver app could drive the robot on an iPhone, iPod Touch, or iPad.

12

Can you use the iamdriver with pneumatics? I know it has a pwm, I/O, digital inputs and outputs can you use this for pneumatics.

-Thank you.