Kovan - Open source smart robotics controller

Kovan is a top - notch offering from Sutajio Ko - Usagi, an Open Source hardware firm led by Andrew 'bunnie' Huang. It's a smart robotics controller designed for applications that demand full autonomy and high - level integration. All the essential features for building a self - guided robot are integrated onto a single PCB. Actuator capabilities include 4x 1.2A H - bridge motor drivers and 4x servo drivers. Sensing capabilities offer 8x 10 - bit analog inputs (with 5v/3.3v selectable range), 8x digital I/O (5v/3.3v selectable levels), rapid - prototyping headers, and a 3 - axis accelerometer. For connectivity, it has 802.11b/g wifi, 2x USB 2.0 ports, 2x 3.3V UART, IR rx & demodulator, and IR tx. The UI comes with an LCD + touchscreen connector (natively supporting 3.5' screen), mono audio output, and pushbutton and status LED indicators. The processing part runs a Linux core on an 800 MHz ARM with 128 MB DDR2 + microSD for firmware and an FPGA co - processor for hard real - time control and advanced image processing. There's also an integrated 2 - cell Li - Ion battery charger (C = 1.5A), though a battery or battery emulator is needed for proper operation. The native development environment for Kovan is based on OpenEmbedded, just like the Beaglebone. Sutajio Ko - Usagi's PCBA - only version supports C and Python right out of the box, so you can start development without setting up cross - compilers. Check Kosagi's site for more software environment info. Adafruit offers a limited - quantity package of the Kovan main board and power supply for development, configured as a battery emulator, for $249, aimed at intermediate and advanced developers. The 501©(3) non - profit KISS Institute for Practical Robotics' next - generation controller, with a value of $400, uses this board as its core. KIPR's solution will come with a case, integrated battery, LCD, speaker, and an enhanced development environment for entry - level hobbyists and students, and will be available at the Botball store in January.

Using the Kovan robotics controller is quite straightforward. First, make sure you have a battery or a battery emulator connected as it's required for the controller to work properly. Once powered on, if you're an intermediate or advanced developer using the PCBA - only version from Adafruit, you can start coding right away with the built - in C and Python support. For those waiting for the KIPR's solution, you'll have a ready - to - use package with a case, battery, LCD, and more. When it comes to development, refer to Kosagi's site for details about the software environment. As for maintenance, keep the controller in a dry and clean place. Avoid exposing it to extreme temperatures or moisture. If you're using the battery charger, don't overcharge the battery. And always handle the controller with care to prevent any physical damage.