iRobot Create (2007)

iRobot (USA) · 2007

Was $129.992007 launch price for the base robot. The optional Command Module cost about $60 more, and a 10-pack was $999.99.
Discontinued · unavailablePython from a laptopRoomba 400 basedOpen InterfaceCargo bayDiscontinued
UnavailableShipping: Used only. Discontinued in 2014. Used units occasionally appear on eBay, often without a working battery.
Remote control: A laptop sends Open Interface serial commands through a USB-to-serial cable, or a netbook rides on top as in the original TurtleBot.

Overview

A Roomba 400 with the vacuum replaced by a cargo bay and a 25-pin expansion port, sold as a hacking and education platform. It was a staple of university robotics courses and the base of the first TurtleBot. The remanufactured Roomba 600-based Create 2 replaced it in 2014.

Specifications

CategoryWheeled rovers · Laptop is the brain
Released2007
CountryUSA
AvailabilityDiscontinued · unavailable
ProgrammabilityFull SDK
Best forAges 14+ (estimated)
Vision sensorsNo vision sensors
ActuatorsDC / gear motors
AudioSpeaker
Compute typeProprietary / undisclosed, Arduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote controlPython from a laptop
SizeRoomba 400-series footprint, about 34 cm diameter (unconfirmed)
Drive2-wheel differential (vacuum-less Roomba 400 chassis)
ComputeNone for the user. Optional Command Module (Atmel ATmega168, 18.432 MHz) plugs into the 25-pin cargo bay port
VisionNone
LidarNone
SensorsAbout 30 built-in sensors including bumpers, cliff, wall and wheel-drop sensors, IR receiver, encoders
RuntimeNot published
Speed0.5 m/s max
SDKiRobot Open Interface (documented serial protocol over a 7-pin Mini-DIN port), Command Module C toolchain, community Python and ROS drivers

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits