Augmented Robotics’ RoboHeart Aims to Be Your Path to Augmented Reality Robo-Gaming Projects – Hackster.io

Augmented Robotics offshoot RoboHeart has launched a crowdfunding campaign for a pair of robot-centric development boards, Hercules and Vela, with which it aims to offer a simple route into augmented reality robotics.

"RoboHeart is a combination of [the] maker boards 'Hercules" and its 5G connector board Vela,'" Augmented Robotics' Tony Nitschke explains. "RoboHeart Hercules is our special development board that abides by the motto 'one board for all purposes.' We at Augmented Robotics have gone the extra mile by infusing the magic of Augmented Reality with embedded systems. RC Car + RoboHeart Hercules + Smartphone App [equals] 'Drive RC Car in Augmented Reality!'"

The Hercules board is built around an Espressif ESP32-WROOM32 module with Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity, and includes an integrated inertial measurement unit (IMU), three motor drivers with 1.5A maximum current on two and 3A "for beefy motorsport" on the third, a USB Type-C port with serial bridge for easy programming from the Arduino IDE, various general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pins, two Grove connectors, a JST-PH connector for optional battery power, and a JTAG connector.

The idea is that the board can be installed into an existing remote-control vehicle by simply removing the stock control board. Once installed, the board is linked to the companion smartphone app that scans the area and creates a virtual play space before allowing the user to drive the real-world vehicle through the augmented-reality racecourse.

If local Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity isn't enough, RoboHeart offers the Vela expansion board. Compatible only with the Hercules board, the company claims, Vela adds a 5G cellular modem enabling the board to be controlled from any remote location, providing there's network coverage.

The company is currently crowdfunding the RobotHeart kits on Kickstarter with rewards starting at 39 (around $39) for the Hercules board alone; a kit including the Hercules board and a remote-control truck, plus access to an augmented reality game the company has developed, is available for 85 (around $85). All hardware is expected to ship in February 2023.

The RoboHeart Arduino library, meanwhile, can be found on GitHub under the permissive MIT license.

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Augmented Robotics' RoboHeart Aims to Be Your Path to Augmented Reality Robo-Gaming Projects - Hackster.io