Kondo KHR-2 HV Robot

Editor's Opinion Improved version of the famous bi-pedal combat robot.

Description KHR-2 is a bipedal humanoid robot kit that allows you to build a fighting robot. It can perform a wide range of motion, such as walking, kung-fu fighting, sucker kicks and acrobatics. The Robot comes unassembled in a box full of little parts and servos. Additionally you can purchase add-ons like twin gyro stabilizer , radio control units , chest and Shoulder extenders etc.. To assemble this kit you will need a screwdriver, nippers or cutter and tweezers. The servos are highly controlable and especially made to move robot limbs. The control unit of the Kondo KHR-2 communicates with a PC via USB. The Software bundled with the robot works on Windows XP and 2000. The robot responds immediately to commands. If you would swung the control joystick back and forth, the robot's arms would track in real-time. This version of the Kondo KHR kit has several improvement over the old one: performance and usability improvements including expanded programability, real-time master/slave control, high performance servos, and scalable analog inputs, new version of the HeartToHeart software (HeartToHeart 3), that features drag and drop programing using flow chart type blocks and allows for conditional branching; simpler resin plastic joints that should make assembly much easier; main power switch; Interface is USB RCB-3J control board can control 24 servo motors and features analog and digital sensor input channels, multi-tasking, master/slave control. It communicates with PC via UPC. To support real-time control, the RCB-3J incorporates two serial communication approaches - a high speed serial port capable of 115,200 bps communication, and a lower speed serial port for use with R/C type controls. The low speed interface is compatible with the existing KHR-1 controls. In addition to 24 output ports to control servos and other similar devices, the controller features digital inputs as well as three analog input ports. Analog signal inputs can be scaled and mixed to trigger conditional program branching within the controller. This opens up a wealth of interface and autonomous behavior possibilities. The RCB-3 is what Kondo refers to as a HV, or high voltage (9-12 volt) device. The KHR-2 kit contains multiple digital Servos that can communicate via ICS Interface to adjust pulse stretch (stiffness of servo), seed (maximum speed of servo), punch (initial acceleration response), dead band (neutral zone dead band), damping (to control overshoot and settling time), protection timer (time to disable servo after current or position error), range Limits (to reduce maximum travel of servo), servo reversing. Programming is done using the HeartToHeart version 3.0 motion editor. It supports all functions of RCB-3J and runs on Windows 2000/XP. Based on an easy to understand and use graphical interface, it's easy to create positions, tests, and branching conditions. Branching conditions include counters as well as external sensor inputs. It's also possible to scale and mix the inputs. Program flow is determined by clicking on a line icon, then using it to connect the positions and branching conditions you've already created in the programming window. It is also simple to copy, edit, and reuse program/sequence segments. Just copy and paste them in the programming window, or pull them in from files.

Pros New version of the HeartToHeart software (HeartToHeart 3). The robot responds immediately to commands i.e. real-time operation. High performance servos, and scalable analog inputs. Simpler resin plastic joints. Cons Cannot turn or change direction while walking. Radio control unit is not included, you have to purchase it