CoroBot FAQs

Where has it been sold?

A: Vassar College, Microsoft Redmond Robotics Studio team, Microsoft Developer Platform Evangelism team.

What is it being used for?

A: Vassar College is deploying several CoroBots for use in various lab activities, including the development of swarm robotics applications designed to leverage groups of robots to complete complex tasks.  Microsoft is using CoroBot as a tool for evaluating MSRS.

What tools are needed to disassemble it?

A: Standard and Phillips screw drivers. 

How do I add other payloads?

A: Depends on the payload of course, but we do have access to 12-Volt and 6-Volt power on board. There are also digital inputs and outputs, analog outputs, USB, RS-232, and IEEE-1394 (firewire) ports available.

Do I need to drill or modify the platform to add other payloads?

A: The entire top plate on the armless robot, and most of the top plate on the robot with the arm, is available for mounting additional hardware. This plate is made of a plastic that can be easily drilled for permanent mounting. The plate also accepts various adhesives such as used on Velcro strips for more temporary mountings.

Why should I have confidence in CoroWare’s knowledge of MSRS?

A: The Microsoft Robotics Studio team is in fact using CoroBot as a tool in assisting its development program.  We were involved with MSRS development from its early inception and are located right across the street from the Microsoft facilities in Redmond, WA providing direct access to the MSRS team.

What is the teleoperation app (Windows)?

A: We have produced a sample teleoperation application showing off the major features of the robot under Microsoft Robotics Studio.  It allows the user to remotely control the robot and read sensors. Complete source code is included (for sample teleoperation software and drivers).

What is the teleoperation app (Linux)?

A: The Linux version of the CoroBot comes with Player stage with full Player support for remote control operation.  Complete source code is included (for sample teleoperation software and drivers). The ‘playerv’ program which is provided with the player distribution can be used to drive the robot and the ‘playercam’ program can be used to view the camera image.

What languages can I program it in?

A: Under Windows one can program in any .NET supported language. 

A: Under Linux: Any language.

What level of programming and engineering competence is required to program it?

A: Basic through advanced.  With Windows, users can implement movements using “simple” languages such as Microsoft’s VPL (Visual Programming Language), as well as other .NET based languages such as C#. The Linux implementation requires some advanced coding skills.

Do you offer any online/remote coaching, support, and training?

A: Yes – through professional services. Please contact us at 1-800-641-2676 option #4 for more information.

How long from order to delivery?

A: 4-6 weeks.

What post sales support do you offer?

A: CoroWare offers a 90 limited warranty and 1- year email tech support as well unlimited website forum access.

What’s the warranty?

A: There is a 90 day limited warranty and the details can be viewed at www.corobot.net.

Is the warranty voided if I disassemble the device?

A: Not for the first 90 days.

Do you offer leasing or financing?

A: Sure – we are happy to consider this on an individual basis.

How much does (US) delivery typically cost?

A: $100. This includes the cost of shipping the CoroBot as well as insurance.

Does it come with Wi-Fi or do I need to add a card? 

A: 802.11g Wi-Fi comes standard with the CoroBot.

Can I add a Bluetooth dongle and teleoperate it via Bluetooth?

A: Yes. The Wi-Fi PC-card can be removed and replaced with a Bluetooth card or a USB dongle may be used.

Can you configure it with a more capable processor, RAM, and larger disk?

A: This is entirely up to the user and not supported by CoroWare.  The robot is designed to be open and accessible to the user.

Is it multi-voltage or what about 220v?

A: The charging and power tether accepts 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz.  The power cords are configured for North American electrical outlets, so the customer may need to supply plug adapters.

Do you plan auto-dock?

A: Not at this time with this model’s configuration.

What built-in apps are there to use the IR sensors?

A: Both the Windows and Linux teleoperation applications support the ability to display the status of the IR sensors.

Do carpets cause problems for your wheels or motor?

A: Not especially however, all robots may be affected by the surface they are driving on.  Short pile carpet or office carpeting tends to be the most difficult, and hard flooring tends to be the easiest.  The CoroBot performs on both.

Do you have a follow-me app?

A: We provide a teleoperation application that exercises the major features of the robots but no standard follow-the-person application.

How much does it weigh?

A: 12 pounds.

Can I use a joystick to drive the bot?

A: Under Windows, absolutely.  For the included teleoperation program, you can use a mouse, but we recommend a joystick or game pad with a slider, a Point of View Hat switch, and at least 4 buttons.  You can get some functionality with a joystick or game pad with fewer features. 

A: With Linux you can only use the mouse.

How long does the robot run?

A: With heavy usage battery life has been measured at 2-2.5 hours. With lighter usage up to 4.5 hours is possible.

Can I mount a laptop on the robot? 

A: With the armless version, you may be able to do it depending on the laptop size and weight.  Be sure you have enough USB and serial ports to control everything and the laptop is safely attached and secured.

(CoroWare is not responsible for damage to your laptop.)  It may be difficult to attach a laptop to the CoroBot with an arm without removing the factory-installed CPU.

How much payload capacity does the robot offer?

A: 5 lbs/ 2.3 kg.

How much can the robot arm lift?

A: 8 oz/225 grams.

Do you offer C or C++ libraries for the robot?

A: We currently do not.

you have SLAM software?  Navigation software?  Mapping software?  Localization software?

A: We currently do not.

How long does it take to recharge?

A: A fully discharged CoroBot takes 6-7 hours to recharge fully. It can be run on the tether while it is being charged.

What kind of Infrared (IR) sensors?

A: These are linear range-finding IR sensors, accurate from about 4-30 inches. These are not SICK or Hokuyo planar range finding sensors.

I’m a university professor - can I get an educational discount?

A: A target market for our bot is the educational field and we have discounted the price accordingly.  If your institution does commit to purchasing CoroBots we can discuss ideas such as volume discounts or out of the box ideas such as sharing innovation or development. 

Can I get a bulk discount if I buy X robots?

A: Yes you certainly can.  We don’t have a discount table as it depends on the volume and delivery period, however we’d be delighted to discuss this further with you.

Is the CoroBot an indoor or outdoor robot?

A: The CoroBot is designed for indoor use.  It can perform outdoors in friendly environments; however the open design that allows easy access to its components also makes it susceptible to dirt, sand, and other debris.  The CoroBot is not water-proof.

Do you do custom robotics work outside of the CoroBot?

A: Yes – and we do it enthusiastically.  Custom software, hardware, adding new sensors, real-time video and audio communications, arm and motion control, desktop embedded and real-time operating systems, etc.  We can put you in touch with a CoroWare robotics engineer for more information.

What distribution of Linux does the Linux CoroBot use?

A: The Linux CoroBot runs Xubuntu Linux.