Pololu m3pi Robot - Line Follower robot with ATmega328P microcontroller and mbed socket

Description

Pololu m3pi is an extended version of the Line Follower Pololu 3pi mobile robot. It was based on the popular AVR ATmega328P microcontroller, which is an excellent platform for people starting their adventure with programming in C language and robotics. The plate has been fitted with a dual-channel TB6612FNG motor controller and a flexible power supply system. The robot moves thanks to 2 Pololu 30:1 HP motors. The whole is powered by 4 AAA batteries.

The robot performs its basic task, i.e. driving on the line thanks to 5 reflection sensors located on the bottom of the platform. In addition, it is equipped with signaling diodes, user buttons, a buzzer and a 2x8 character display.

The robot controlling microcontroller is programmed in C language using popular environments such as Atmel Studio. The rich and easy-to-use Pololu AVR C/C++ Library are available to support individual robot systems. Pololu 3pi is also compatible with the popular Arduino programming platform.

To program the robot, you need a programmer for AVR microcontrollers, e.g. Pololu Programmer USB AVR v2.1 (not included). The programmer is connected directly to the ISP connector and is programmed from the level of the environment.

In addition, m3pi has an mbed expansion board with sockets enabling the robot to expand its capabilities with the use of an additional 32-bit LPC1768 microcontroller in the form of a mbed NXP LPC1768 development board and Xbee and Wixel communication modules.

The mbed module connects directly to the socket on the expansion board (no soldering is required) and connects to all devices on the m3pi expansion board, as well as to the lines of the 3pi base board. Library support and sample programs for m3pi are available on mbed.org.

Our offer also includes m3pi robots in a set with the mbed module.

Video presentation

Features

• Microcontroller: ATmega328P
• Motor controller: TB6612FNG
• Drive: 2 x Pololu 30: 1 HP engine
• LCD display 2x8 characters
• I/O user lines: 21
• Maximum PWM frequency: 80 kHz
• Reverse voltage polarity protection
• Power supply: 4 x AAA battery (not included)
• Operating voltage: 3 V to 7 V
• Dimensions: 95 mm (diameter)
• Weight: 83 g (without batteries)