Ambler

Following on from BigFoot, Ambler, designed by David Buckley, is the latest generation of two servo biped walkers. The kit is aimed specifically at the beginner in electronics and robotics and comes with the control-board already assembled. No special knowledge of electronics is required and the kit is easy to assemble using a small screwdriver, a pair of pliers and wood-glue.

Ambler uses two servos to achieve real walking, rolling from one foot to the other as it walks forwards, backwards and turns right or left all under the control of a Basic Stamp2 from Parallax Inc. or with any other compatible module.
Ambler stands about 24 centimetres high and weighs 560 grams (9.5" high, weighs 20oz), has an onboard Sounder, UserPot and large Breadboard area.
Requires four AA cells and a PP3 9v battery.

Features

• The UserPot, a user potentiometer, allows easy setting of the speed of walking or any other parameter using RCTIME;
• sounder - so Ambler can tell you which part of the program is running using SOUND;
• expansion connector allows plugin modules;
• IIC connector, suits BS2P;
• large plugblock breadboard for custom circuitry;
• two touch switches, one per toe can stop Ambler trying to kick down the wall;
• 24 pin processor socket to suit any 24 pin Parallax Stamp module from a BS2 to a Javelin Stamp or other pin compatible modules such as the BasicMicro Atom and Netmedia BasicX-24;
• comprehensive documented BS2 program explaining how to use your Ambler;
• requires four AA cells and one PP3 9v battery.

The two servos allow Ambler to shift its weight from one foot to the other and thus lift either foot and to move its legs forwards and backwards. Turning is done by standing upright and sliding the feet in a tank style turn. A simple fully documented Basic program is provided. The supplied program operates Ambler in a static balance walking mode.

The two toe switches, one on the front of each foot, are activated when the wires seen in the photo touch obstacles. Ambler can then be made to step back and turn away.