K-Team announced KoreBot, a miniature Linux-based single-board computer (SBC) board designed for mobile robotics and other embedded applications. KoreBot is based on an Intel XScale processor equipped with 64MB RAM and 32MB Flash memory, runs the Familiar Linux distribution from handhelds.org, and includes an extensive… set of interfaces useful for implementing control and communications functions.

According to K-Team, the KoreBot SBC is one of the smallest, low power board-level embedded platforms based on XScale. The SBC also includes onboard voltage regulation and can be powered by a wide input voltage rage (3-30V), making it particularly well suited for mobile robots and other battery powered projects. KoreMotor, an expansion module, adds contol for up to 4 motors.

KoreBot was designed through a collaboration between K-Team and two labs at the Swiss Institute of Technology at Lausanne, for use within the Armonie and Swarm-Bots projects, K-Team said.

“KoreBot was first designed to increase performance and connectivity with low power consumption to Koala, our medium size mobile robot, but it is also perfect for upgrading existing mobile robots or prototyping new ones, from student competitions to advanced research,” a K-Team spokesperson said. “It's also well suited to the needs of OEM developers of handheld devices.”

KoreBot comes complete with all the hardware and software needed to start Linux Embedded development with no hidden license cost, the company said. However, K-Team does offer optional fee-based support and training for developers.

A limited number of preproduction KoreBot SBCs are available now, and volume production will be available later this year, the company said.

Summary of KoreBot features and specs . . .

• Processor: 400MHz Intel XScale PXA-255
  
• RAM: 64MB
  
• FLASH: 32MB
  
• Connectors:
  • 2 CompactFlash Type I sockets
    
  • 2 USB Host
    
  • 1 USB Client
    
  • 1 JTAG debug port
• KB-250 Interface:
  • 2 RS232
    
  • UART for Bluetooth
    
  • UART for IrDa
    
  • MMC controller (MutiMedia Card)
    
  • LCD controller
    
  • I2C bus
    
  • SSP/SPI bus
    
  • AC97 sound controller
    
  • 2 PWM pins
    
  • 53 GPIO pins (if not used for above features)
• Power:
  • Input voltage: 3-30VDC
    
  • Output power: 10W embedded power regulation for USB, Compact Flash, KB-250 extension, etc.
    
  • Power consumption: Idle, 500mW; Max., 1200mW
• OS Support: Linux 2.4.19 (Familiar Distribution)
  
• Options:
  • KoreBot Serial Interface (2 x RS232, USB Client)
    
  • KoreBot JTAG Interface: JTAG to USB on host computer
    
  • KoreMotor to control up 4 DC motor with encoders.
    
  • Multimedia Extension (coming soon)
    
  • CAN Bus Extension (coming soon)
• Size: 3.3 x 2.2 x 1.8 in.
  
• Weight: 1.4 oz

 
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