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Hacked rug-roving Roomba robot runs Linux

Dec 5, 2006 — by LinuxDevices Staff — from the LinuxDevices Archive — 9 views

A newly published book includes a chapter about installing Linux on iRobot's “Roomba” robotic vacuum cleaner. Hacking Roomba, by Tod E. Kurt, includes a variety of fun robotic hacks and projects, none of which will void the device's warranty or prevent its operation as a vacuum, according to the… publisher.

(Click for larger view of book cover)

iRobot makes large Linux robots for the military markets, as well as a number of simple household robots, such as the Roomba vaccuum and Scuba mopping robots.

iRobot's household robots are based on a simple proprietary RTOS, albeit one with an open “ROI” (robotic operating interface) API. Hacking Roomba describes a variety of fun projects that exploit the ROI API in order to get the robots to do various tricks.

One project involves piggybacking a Linux-based LinkSys wireless router, and using it to wirelessly control the robot. Another appears to involve actually installing Linux on the device itself.

Projects listed by the publisher include:

  • Build a serial interface tether
  • Set up a Bluetooth interface
  • Drive Roomba
  • Play with sensors
  • Make it sing
  • Create a Roomba painter
  • Use your Roomba as a mouse
  • Connect Roomba to the Net
  • WiFi your Roomba
  • Replace Roomba's brain
  • Build the RoombaRoach
  • Install Roomba-cam
  • Put Linux on Roomba

Availability

The 436-page book can be ordered online from Amazon, Powell's, and Barnes and Noble, for $20 or less. Additional information about the book is available at its companion website, here.


 
This article was originally published on LinuxDevices.com and has been donated to the open source community by QuinStreet Inc. Please visit LinuxToday.com for up-to-date news and articles about Linux and open source.



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