Freescale Semiconductor has revealed the updated version of the Freescale Tower System mechatronics robot as well as a development board targeted at designers.
Freescale Mechatronics Robot
The Freescale development board enables designers to develop software for sensor applications. The mechatronics robot board allows the robot to respond to external stimuli such as touch, vibration, motion and tilt and also enables the robot to walk. Supported by StickOS-based programming language, the board provides wireless capabilities and also features the Xtrinsic magnetometer that provides highly accurate compass information. The Freescale robot and board will enable designers to integrate sensors across innovative designs and across a wide range of applications.
The Freescale Tower System mechatronics robot and mechatronics board are available with a 12-channel touch sensor, a three-axis accelerometer, an Xtrinsic MAG3110 magnetometer and four servos. Navigation functions are enabled by the communication with the accelerometer, thus gathering highly accurate compass heading data while the programming starting point is defined by a ready-to-use code. Equipped with the MC13201 transceiver, the updated robot offers wireless capabilities and also supports high-speed and reliable RF communication, offering greater remote operation of devices. Powered by a 32-bit ColdFire microcontroller, the mechatronics board enables designers to develop simple application for industrial and consumer applications. Fully compatible with Freescale’s Xtrinsic sensors and the complete range of Tower System boards, the mechatronic board can also be used as a standalone with a 12-channel touch sensor and a three-axis accelerometer.
The field applications engineer manager at Freescale Semiconductor, Kevin Anderle stated that the improved robot and development board designed by Freescale allows even amateur designers to program the robot to dance, balance or find its way through a maze. Designers can use the development board and the robot to acquire technical abilities that will prove useful in medical, industrial and consumer markets.