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Loki 200mm, Fido pet robot build, bring-up instructions

Loki 200mm, Fido pet robot build, bring-up instructions

Here is Loki, a 200mm pet robot. Loki’s dimensions is small enough to fit the widely used 210x250mm and 220x220mm 3D print volumes, so you don’t have to invest in a bigger 3D printer.

Loki comes with his bigger brother Fido, 250mm. Both robots are basically identical, except for the size.

Snoopy, a 300mm robot, is the oldest and the biggest brother in the family.

Once the software is finished, Loki will act as a pet - look cute, play ball, hide-and-seek and chase, demand its owners’ attention and greet its owners happily at the door. To get a feel of what Maker’s Pet robots will do, watch Loki’s big (300mm) brother Snoopy (in a simulation)

Utility functions will include patrolling the house.

You can download design files here:

Each design repository includes:

  • Fusion 360 3D CAD design files
  • 3MF, STL files for 3D printing
  • Arduino firmware source code
  • ROS2 robot description package, configuraiton files and a Gazebo simulation model
  • KiCad electronics schematics, BoM; PCB layout is in the works
  • Assembly documentation is in the works, including assembly and bringup videos

Step-by-step assembly instructions.

One-time robot and PC setup instructions.

Robot bring-up instructions video

Robot 3D printing instructions

Robot’s Arduino ESP32 breakout board setup instructions

CAD design animation (Fusion 360).

Loki’s head 3D printed

Loki’s head gets 3D printed using a silk red PLA on a Prusa MK3.5S.

Loki design notes

Loki is designed

  • to be easily scalable to different sizes, including 250mm.
  • to be modular - similar to Snoopy, but simplified
    • the side body will be segmented and modular, unlike Snoopy’s, so you can add body sensors - including ultrasonic, optical proximity, collision, touch, laser pointer, optical distance - without reprinting the entire Loki’s body. I would also venture a guess that - for now - Roomba-like bumper collision sensors may not be necessary for a pet robot.
    • the assembly becomes simplified because, unlike Snoopy, by default, Loki doesn’t have a bumper (to sense collisions), yet you can add a bumper and collision sensors later if you wish so.
    • the CAD design becomes simpler (including for myself)
  • to be sturdier than Snoopy. The side walls now support upper plates.

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