RobotProtos

Robotics prototypes, hardware and software

Engineering services

From turn-key robots to design assistance or production risk analysis, we help our clients achieve their goals.

Machine Learning

Machine learnig opens up a new world of possibilities, data can be understood and used like never before. We use Neural Networking, Natural Language Processing, Genetic Algorithms and custom intelligent systems to achieve a wide range of tasks. From automating business processes to autonomous robots.

Besides solutions based on industry standard platforms we also deliver fully in-house developed solutions.

Robotics

We design and build production ready robot prototypes, specialty one-off designs and can provide any service related to designing autonomous robots.

Use cases

Combining Machine Learning with electronics and mechanical engineering we've build robots to, for example:

  • Replace conventional production machinery to allow greater flexibility in product properties
  • Autonomously maintain solar panels in locations were human access is dangerous or expensive
  • Clean building windows more efficiently and safely

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM)

Significant improvements to deployment time and flexibility of robots are made possible by having a robot self-discover it's working enviroment.

The SLAM technology we offer is field tested on multiple robots and actively used in production.

Robotics and software products

We provide several hardware and software products related to robotics and machine learning.

Efficient 850W stepper motor controller

Easy to use and fully integrated stepper controller for bipolar motors up to 85V and 10A.

The state-of-the-art performance of the high efficiency ST powerSTEP01 controller and H-bridges combined with the integrated EMI filtering, high grade terminal connectors and configurable voltage monitoring in a compact and practical form-factor. Offering a clear upgrade from both current industrial solutions and powerSTEP01 evaluation boards.

Key features

  • Power system-in-package
  • Integrated dual full H-bridge with low, 16 mΩ, RDS(on)
  • Operating voltage: 7.5 V - 85 V
  • Phase current up to 10 A RMS
  • Power OK and fault LEDs
  • Up to 1/128 micro-stepping
  • Programmable speed profile
  • Programmable non-dissipative overcurrent protection
  • Sensorless stall detection
  • Adjustable output slew rate
  • Overtemperature protection
  • Suitable for multi-motor solution
  • Integrated voltage regulators
  • SPI interface for stepper control
  • I2C supply programmable voltage monitor
  • Low quiescent standby currents
  • RoHS compliant

Board overview

Stepper controller PCB image

Dimensions

  • Length: 65mm / 2.56"
  • Width: 35mm / 1.38"

Mounting holes

  • Diameter: 3.1mm / 0.12"
  • Diameter tolerance: 0.1mm
  • Horizontal center to center distance: 58.5mm / 2.30"
  • Vertical center to center distance: 28.5mm / 1.12"

Connectors

  • VIN: Main power supply input (top left)
  • SW: Optional end-stop switch connector (top 3-pin)
  • MCU: Control interface, SPI and optionally I2C
  • STEPPER: Stepper motor screw terminal

Custom sensor modules

Sensor modules for rapid prototyping and functional analysis. PCB modules with one specific sensor or functionality are great time savers for both building proof-of-concept robots, diagnosing interations or analysing functionality.

We design and produce our own modules for sensor that are not otherwise available in module format. Custom modules we can design and build for a very competitive price.

Current modules

  • ST VL53L1x gesture and distance sensor

Networking stack for IOT and low power robotics

A complete peer to peer networking stack for microcontrollers, offering the following high-level functionality:

  • Simple peer to peer and multicast messaging
  • Efficient automatic variable (memory) synchronization
  • Remote procedure calls (RPC)
  • Network and peer analysis (RF distances, link quality, peer uptime and status)

Connectivity

Out-of-the-box support for most transport methods:

  • SPI
  • I2C / SMBUS
  • UART / Serial
  • USB
  • IR / Optical links
  • Packet (ISM) Radio like LoRa or Sigfox
  • Bluetooth
  • IP networks, like WiFi or Ethernet

The simple API and configuration flexibility allow adapting to custom transports or any specific requirement.

Advanced features

These are the underlying technologies and features that make the core API simple to use:

  • Flexible routing and bridging between different transports
  • Configurable error correction management
  • Session management offering:
    • Awareness (peer discovery, alive detection, heartbeat)
    • Serverless authentication
    • Compatibility assessment
    • Automatic synchronized value connection
    • Encryption (P2P and group-wide)
    • Compression

To balance between features and code size each of these features can be individually disabled and compiled out, maintaining the ability to communicate with differently configured peers.

Neural network for microcontrollers

Highly efficient Neural Networking software specifically designed for Arm Cortex-M microcontrollers.

Our deep learning Neural Network software allows more efficient and lower latency processing of sensor data, right at the source.

Each network is made to client specifications. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.

Pricing and requests for services

Product pricing depends on order volume. OEM options are available.


Robot Protos Ltd +44 33 0001 0881

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