Open-source robotic manipulator and sensory platform

Abstract

We present an open-source robotic platform for educational use that integrates multiple levels of interaction through the use of additional vision sensor. The environment can be used in virtual, augmented-reality and real-robot modes, enabling smooth transition from a virtual robot manipulator to a real one. We describe the main aspects of our platform that ensure low production costs and encourage openness of both its hardware and software. The main goal of our work was to create a viable low-cost robotic manipulator platform alternative for the university level courses in intelligent robotics, however, the application domain is very broad.