Let's Make Robots!

Camera that can do everything - call for suggestions

rik's picture

I need your suggestions and recommendations.

What if I were to buy a fancy camera for a robot? I want it to be able to do pretty much everything. And still fit on my robot.

Let's see first what "everything" means. This list can grow as you make suggestions in the comments.

  1. shoot video at nice resolutions
  2. store video locally on digital media
  3. send live video over a cable to a computer
  4. send live video over a wireless link to a user far away (up to, say, 250 meter)
  5. visible light only
  6. daylight conditions
  7. survive a rain shower
  8. be light weight (not sure how light it must be exactly)
  9. shoot stills at nice resolutions
  10. store stills locally on digital media
  11. local media are accessible over cable to computer
  12. camera can be operated by micro controller or proper computer over a cable
  13. create time lapsed series of stills or videos
  14. <your suggestion here>

Some of these requirements are ridiculous, I know. But for a hacker, all or most of them should be makable. I could take a standard device and throw a micro controller at it. Or a mini computer. Or a RC receiver. Or a video transmitter. Or a combination of those.

How would I connect all those extras to a camera? All suggestions are welcome: cameras, web shops, howtos, examples, cool videos, first hand experiences and anecdotes.

Comment viewing options

Gareth's picture

I think an SLR camera with bluetooth would fit most of your requirements, but not the lightweight constraint.

I would kill for a "normal" camera that has a bluetooth tube attached to it, all mobile phones have blue tooth .....seriously why cant normal cameras have them too......... okok rik glue your Natel to the front of your bot..... i am sure Grogs Elves would write a "Tab" in his MRL to service it......

rik's picture
GroG's picture

Ya, that's a relief...
I didn't want the little guys anywhere near my belly-button.. 

Markamas's picture

Dynaspy seem to have a nice collection. I'm planning on buying a camera from them and we already have an LMRian who has bought from them and is happy. The site does seem sketchy though, but it's okay (I guess). Just take a glimpse, you might find something you'll like ;).

GroG's picture

My experience has been with the wii-camera (very specialized hardware usage) and webcams (cheap) plugged into computers (getting cheaper).  My criteria has just to make sure the webcam works on Linux.   Some of this depends on the minimal amount of brain you intend to use.  I have not seen great success in re-broadcasting a remote video.

Chumby seemed like a nice brain which I think is webcam compatible.  Chumby runs a modified Linux kernel, and its open source...

Looks like it runs Java too ... hmmmm.... http://www.sparkfun.com/products/10106 a little spendy though..

writing about it here makes me one to get one.... 



Ro-Bot-X's picture

If you get one, I would love to know how to install MyRobotLab on it! Also, a Cumby One has built in touch screen, wireless, accelerometer, uSD card, etc. Search for sales! They are out of it at Costco, but you may find it on ebay. Much cheaper and better than a CHB. Also look for Insignia Infocast (there are 2 versions, 3.5" (same as Chumby One and 8", same as Chumby 8 - newer and more powerfull).

voodoobot's picture

We were talking about this the other day! If you can find one on sale, I'd snag it. The local shop I had seen it at no longer has it apparently....  :/

GroG's picture


I'd like to see that too.  Thanks for the info. hmmm, maybe Santa will come early this year.

rik's picture

I know, I know. My list is way too demanding. But it will take the hobby community only a year or two to surprise us. Again. So, I decided this time I want to ride the wave. Perhaps not on the very crest, but trailing behind the pioneers.

So again: what items should I drop to get near-possible setups? Without (re-)inventing everything myself? What platforms (camera, CPU, software) do you consider "most hackable"?

antonio.caciuc's picture

What you are asking for...

Is just a regular Android phone .. like a Samsung Galaxy S or HTC Desire or the like... (wrapped in a transparent condom to make it waterproof [the condoms must be without lube])