MyRobots

MyRobots is an online social network for robots and smart objects. The site claims robots can benefit from being connected to other robots in the same way humans use social networks to interact and collaborate with other humans.[1][2][3][4] The robots reportedly share their sensor information, giving insight on their perspective of their current state.

History

MyRobots has been launched by RobotShop in December 2011.[5][6] MyRobots is one of the first Cloud Robotics initiative. Cloud robotics happens when robots are connected to the Internet. Then, by doing so, robots become augmented with more capacity and intelligence. The cloud lets them communicate with other machines and serve their human operators better. Connected robots equal augmented robots. By collaborating with other machines and humans, robots transcend their physical limitations and become more useful and capable, since they can delegate parts of their tasks to more suitable parties.[7]

API

MyRobots uses the Open Source ThingSpeak API.[8] All internet enabled devices and robots can connect via the API.

MyRobots Connect

The MyRobots Connect[9] is a Serial-to-Ethernet gateway that connects directly to MyRobots Data Engine. It's an Open-source Hardware (OSHW) module that uses a Microchip PIC18F67J60 to run a TCP-IP stack. It relays the serial commands received by an included XBee module using an Open Serial Protocol. The MyRobots Connect receives serial data and messages using the wireless XBee module and sends them to the MyRobot servers using a standard internet connection.

The MyRobots Connect uses DHCP so connecting it to a router is a simple matter of plugging a network cable; no configuration required.

MyRobots App Store

Right now, other app stores (e.g. the Apple App Store) focus on selling applications that need to be downloaded, installed, and run on a physical device. MyRobot Apps Store, although sells downloadable apps too, plans to develop applications that will run on the cloud. This will free computation time and resources on the robots and will make a single app compatible with many different robotic platforms.[10]

See also

References

External links