DIY Robotics in the home - Steven Danilowicz

The DIY Robotics community has taken advantage of several low cost opportunities to showcase their inventiveness.  The community uses devices such as Arduino, Rasbperry Pi, Phidgets, and .NET Gadgeteer to run various types of motors, servos, and sensors in a way that enables them to create any range of projects.  These projects may range from a network controlled car to a hack of an existing home system.  Regardless of the project, the flexibility of the platform as well as the openness of the hobbyist and making community are what make this a very strong and vibrant area of interest. 

This world is divided into two different focuses: Machine focused and Computer focused projects.  To help explain the difference between these two, we can examine the difference of the capabilities of a microcontroller (Arduino) versus a microprocessor (Raspberry Pi).

So, a microprocessor such as a Raspberry Pi lends itself to more computer driven and "brainier" processes.  Meanwhile, microcontrollers such as the Arduino, are not as good in the processing heavy portions, but are excellent at driving a variety of different sensors and motors.  In the end, it all depends on which project you are looking to accomplish.

Here's an example of the computing power of 40 Raspberry Pis put to use in a scanner:

Very computation heavy, but this doesn't necessarily mean that Raspberry Pi must be used in such a manner.  You can use it in something as simple as a quadcopter:

More Raspberry Pi examples HERE

In terms of the Arduino, home hacks are more common, as are simpler, more mechanical machines rather than computer type machines.  In relation to the home environment, several people have hacked the HomeEasy application.  HomeEasy is a set of hardware that one can tie into his or her home in order to control outlets, lights, and temperature of the house.  

How to hack it.

Arduino Instructables Page. Arduino Playground.

Raspberry Pi and Arduino are the simpler boards that can connect with basic parts you may find online or at RadioShack.  Phidgets are another example that uses plug-and-play technology with sensors and plugins that are already wired up and ready for use in your project.