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| DATE | 2014-02-14 |
| FROM | Ruben Safir
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| SUBJECT | Re: [NYLXS - HANGOUT] Focus on Robots
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hipping its hackable, Linux-based Lego Mindstorms EV3 robot for $350.
Texas Instruments revealed that the robot is powered by its 300MHz
ARM9-based Sitara AM1808 system-on-chip and CC2560 Bluetooth chipset.
As promised a month ago, Lego is now shipping its Lego Mindstorms EV3
robot kit for $350. In conjunction with the release of the hobbyist and
educational robot kit, Texas Instruments (TI) revealed that the
robot’s “brick” computer runs Linux on its Sitara AM1808
SoC, confirming earlier rumors. TI also noted the EV3 brick’s
inclusion of its CC2560 Bluetooth module enables control of the robot
via an Android or iOS app.
Lego Mindstorms EV3 and its Linux-powered “Brick”
(click image to enlarge)
The Mindstorms EV3 is also said to integrate TI’s TPS62590 and
TPS40210 DC/DC converters, said to improve power management. Additional
TI components in the EV3 include its ADS7957 16-channel SAR
analog-to-digital converter, and the “space-saving” SN74LVC2G07
gate driver, says TI.
The Sitara AM1808 is an ARM9 SoC that can be clocked from 48MHz to
300MHz. The SoC is said to enable interactive touch screens,
high-resolution displays, and the EV3?s new USB port, among other
features. With the USB port, robots can be fitted with a WiFi dongle.
TI Sitara AM1808 SoC block diagram
(click image to enlarge)
Like some other Sitara processors, including the BeagleBone’s 1GHz
Sitara AM3359 SoC, the AM1808 includes a Programmable Real-Time Unit
Subsystem (PRUSS) for customizing industrial interfaces. The PRUSS
includes two independent, programmable 32-BIT RISC PRU cores. It’s
unclear whether the EV3 supports this feature or disables the PRUSS to
save power.
Up to four EV3 bricks can be stacked, each with a Sitara SoC, 64MB of
RAM, 16MB of internal flash, and a 32GB microSD slot. On the robotics
side, the Mindstorms EV3 has added a set of infrared sensor
“eyes,” enabling the robot to detect objects up to six feet away
and respond to visual events.
There’s also a new gyro and an improved color sensor. Additional
functions include a speaker, ultrasonic sensor, two touch sensors, and
multiple servo motors. A total of 594 Lego-style Technic parts are also
said to be available. A number of open source designs can be downloaded
ranging from a 16-inch tall humanoid to a bulldozer.
The Mindstorms EV3 is also available in an educational version, which
offers more customizable curriculum and other tools aligned with
Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Education
Coalition guidelines. According to TI, the chipmaker is a strong
supporter of STEM, and the company and its TI Foundation has contributed
more than $150 million to education over the last five years.
Stated Miller Adair, general manager for Sitara processors, TI:
“TI’s Sitara processors and Bluetooth connectivity power the new
EV3 brick that lays the foundation for users to explore and learn about
construction, engineering and programming through hands-on problem
solving that is first and foremost fun.”
The Lego Mindstorms EV3 is available now for $350. More information may
be found in our earlier EV3 coverage as well as at Lego’s Mindstorms
EV3 product page.
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