It always seems impossible to combine STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) with fun. To prove that the opposite is true, Indiegogo recently launched Bittle (a palm-sized robotic dog) to fascinate and entertain people. It can play tricks like real animals and has raised more than 60,000 funds. Bittle is the ideal tool for studying, teaching, researching or giving gifts to family and friends.
Bittle runs on NyBoard V1. NyBoard V1 is a customized Arduino board with abundant peripherals. The chip is fully utilized to coordinate complex movements.
The board can drive up to 12 PWM servos and help balance the unit through IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit). In addition, it also stores muscle memory and detects body conditions to maintain stability.
The device comes with an infrared remote control, which can trigger basic actions such as “walk” or “sit” string commands.
Bittle can be customized through the Arduino board to coordinate all instinctive and complex movements by tailoring various sensors to turn perception into reality.
It can also inject artificial intelligence functions by installing Raspberry Pi or other AI chips through a wired/wireless connection.
The device has been equipped with 2 x 5 sockets on NyBoard V1 for installing Raspberry Pi, where it powers the Pi and communicates via I2C network. Pi enables Bittle to analyze sensory data, connect to the Internet and make decisions on its own.
Bittle has four legs, and the movement of the legs allows it to freely browse the unstructured terrain. Usually, this operability is only visible in luxury robots.
It uses 9 P1S servos to drive, 8 of which are used for walking joints and the other is used for head panning. In addition, it can remember dozens of instinctive movement patterns, and can perform more peculiar skills through real-time instructions.
Bittle’s self-assembly design further adds to the fun. It has an interlocking frame similar to a 3D puzzle, with symmetrical body parts for simplicity and beauty.
The entire device can be set up from scratch in almost an hour, so it is relatively easy to use. You can also enhance its functionality and design by adding expandable modules.
In order to facilitate installation, Bittle’s head is designed as a clamp that can be held firmly. The screw holes around the head allow you to fix other modules.
Bittle has many functions and is still evolving. Its customizable and user-friendly design paves the way for a larger audience. This unit was launched by the crow fund website Indiegogo. To learn more about this product, all interested users can click here.
