lego mindstorms ev3 use cases

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LEGO Mindstorms EV3 is a new package in the LEGO Mindstorms series. The main controller of the EV3 comes with Linux preinstalled, enabling robot development in a variety of programming languages.

In the NXT, wireless communication with external devices was basically limited to Bluetooth. The EV3, however, is equipped with a USB interface, allowing communication with external devices over wireless LAN and other networks by connecting a USB Wi-Fi adapter.

With Linux as its operating system, the EV3 enables more flexible and advanced robot development than ever before.

This document introduces how to install OpenRTM-aist on LEGO Mindstorms EV3, use it for robot control, and develop RT Components.

Specifications

The appearance of the EV3 is shown below.

LEGO Mindstorms EV3

The EV3 computer has the following specifications.

LEGO Mindstorms EV3 Specifications
Processor ARM9 300MHz
Memory (ROM) 16MB Flash
Memory (RAM) 64MB RAM
OS Linux-based
Display 178 x 128 pixels
Output Ports 4
Input Ports 4
Analog
Digital 460.8kbit/s
USB Communication Speed High Speed (480Mbps)
USB Interface Supports daisy-chaining EV3 units (up to 4)
Supports Wi-Fi communication dongles
SD Card Slot Supports Micro SD cards up to 32GB
Smart Device Connectivity iOS, Android, Windows
User Interface 6 buttons, illumination function
Program Size (Line Tracing Example) 0.950KB
Sensor Communication Performance 1000 times/sec, 1ms
Data Logging Up to 1,000 samples/sec
Bluetooth Communication Can connect to up to 7 slave devices
Power Supply Rechargeable battery pack or six AA batteries

The EV3 includes a rechargeable battery pack. Its specifications are as follows.

Battery Type Lithium-ion
Capacity 2050mAh
Compatibility with NXT DC Battery No
Charging with NXT DC Adapter Supported
Comparison with AA Batteries The rechargeable DC battery lasts longer than using AA batteries.
Charging Time 4 hours (full charge)

Overview of This Book

This book explains how to build an environment for developing and running RT Components with OpenRTM-aist, useful techniques for practical use, methods for controlling mobile robots, and how to use I/O devices.