SPY ROBO

BUILD YOUR OWN SURVEILLANCE

Introducing Spy Robot

Introducing Spy Robot

Independent navigation PC and remote control Home surveillance Human and object tracking

his is Spy Robot... the worlds first robot designed specifically for spying and surveillance that you can build yourself. Every
2.4GHz wireless

one of Spy Robots sophisticated onboard systems has been designed by robotics experts from around the world to deliver optimum performance and yet still be easy to assemble and use. Build Spy Robot in easy stages, using illustrated step-by-step instructions and components supplied with every magazine.

Spy RObOtS main functiOnS

Highly manoeuvrable and powerful Avoids and follows light Sophisticated LIDAR-based object detection Remote control via handset or smartphone Beacon tracking Body heat sensing Eight CD-ROM suite of robot control Apps Smartphone App suite Surveillance video camera monitored from PC Built-in night vision Environment mapping with infrared beacons Voice commands and control via headset

Light display

Accurate motor control

Body heat detector

Night vision camera Stereo microphone Audio system

Scanning LIDAR/ beacon detector

Protective fender

Light sensor

Optical encoders

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2 High-powered drive motors 3 Feedback-controlled motor drivers (two wheels, LIDAR scanning mechanism) 3 Optical encoders 2 Treaded, hollow tyres Scanning LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) 38KHz infrared beacon detector 2 CdS light detectors 1 PIR (Passive InfraRed) detector Advanced multi-core microcontrollers

8-microcontroller distributed control system 4 RGB (Red, Green, Blue) LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) 2.4GHz Wireless data link 27MHz Radio control 1 Colour CMOS image sensor (with low light capability) Motorized camera housing Audio playback 2 Stereo microphones Strong ABS plastic construction
3

* The publisher reserves the right to change the parts, their design and specifications at any time.

Introducing Spy Robot

Drive System
Durable motor gearbox assembly Advanced motor control Programmable navigation

HOw it wORKS
For a robot that must operate under its own control but at the same time report back its position to its operator, it is vital that it knows where it is at all times (odometry). Spy Robot does this by monitoring the speed and position of its wheels using feedback from optical encoders and motor drivers. You can test this system by keying in a series of navigation commands that the robot stores to its memory and then executes at your request.

ith the chassis built, power distribution routed, the motor-gearbox assemblies in place and the first

control board installed, you can run a systems check on Spy Robot. Each of the two motor controllers has a sophisticated feedback control system that monitors the speed and distance travelled. This ensures that Spy Robot will always go where you want it to, and at the right speed.

2 high-powered motors enable Spy Robot to drive over a range of floor surfaces. Two-channel feedback controlled motor driver delivers fine control over the speed of each motor.

Forward 10cm Backward 10cm Rotate Left 45, 90...

Rotate Right 45, 90... Stop 1 second

Stop 0.5 seconds

StaRt
navigatiOn cOmmandS You can program in a path for Spy Robot to navigate simply by keying in combinations of navigation commands. As more features are added to Spy Robot you will also be able to control these such as setting the colour of the lights and turning them on and off in different
2 non-slip tyres ensure Spy Robot can maintain a firm grip. Twin optical encoders measure how far the wheels have travelled to keep track of exactly where it is.

patterns, as well as emitting different sounds.

Self Navigation
Light detect (avoid and follow) Object detect (avoid and follow)

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1 Scanning LIDAR (LIght Detection And 2 CdS light detectors 1 Feedback controlled motor drivers
(swing arm mechanism) Ranging) and 38KHz beacon detector

ny robot that is mobile in an unknown environment has to be able to gather information about its surroundings as

well as having the ability to see any obstacles that might be in its way. Just like us, Spy Robot uses light-based systems as its primary methods for doing this. The scanning LIDAR (LIght Detection And Ranging) system can detect reflected infrared light from objects that are in front of Spy Robot up to a range of 50cm. By sweeping this detector from side to side on a motorized arm, Spy Robot can build up a detailed analysis of objects that may be blocking its path and then work out a new route around them. The two light sensors mounted on either side of Spy Robots body detect the amount of visible light falling on them, enabling it to track a light source and to seek out the shadows a key strategy for a covert surveillance operative.
Right light sensor Left light sensor Scanning LIDAR sensor

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Spy Robot features an onboard scanning LidaR (Light Detection And Ranging) system that transmits a beam of invisible infrared light and then looks for a reflection from anything that the beam hits. By sweeping this detector from side to side on a motorized arm, Spy Robot can build up a detailed analysis of objects that may be blocking its path and then work out a new route around them.
Light sensor Light sensor Object 1 Object 4 Object 2 Object 3

Introducing Spy Robot

Remote Command
Handset Beacon Virtual tripwire

Camera control

lthough Spy Robot is capable of finding its own way around, there will be times that you want it to go to a
Multifunction mode buttons

specific location or perform a specific function on demand. Once built, the radio handset puts the control of all Spy Robots functions right in the palm of your hand. Not only will you be able to activate any of Spy Robots modes already delivered (including motion sequence programming), but also all of the standalone modes up to the end of the series.

Transformation release

RadiO cOntROL HandSEt Spy Robot can be controlled from the handset in three different ways: Remote control mode: Get Spy Robot to go wherever you want, totally under your control, using the direction pad on the handset. You can also activate its lights, sounds and even the camera and microphones. mode switching: Switch between each of Spy Robots autonomous modes without ever having to touch it. Remote programming mode: Key in a series of navigation commands and set Spy Robot off on its preprogrammed path. viRtuaL tRip wiRE By installing the directional beacon in the base station and pointing it directly at Spy Robot, you can create your very own virtual tripwire. Anyone breaking the invisible light beam by walking through it will trigger an alarm to alert you to the incursion. Handset transformation

Direction buttons baSE StatiOn and bEacOn Night vision onoff The neat design of the handset allows it to transform into a base station that can hold one of two infrared beacons.
Beacon

Antenna Sound select

Handset flips down to plug in beacon

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Light Translucent case Top bond wire

Light

Light

Anvil

Post

Spy Robot comes with two interchangeable infrared LEd beacon modules. The first uses a regular LED shape, similar to that used in many electronic devices, where almost all of the LEDs light is transmitted through the round lens at the

top of the device. This is ideal for applications (such as the virtual trip wire) where a very directional beam of light is required. The second is the 360 degree module. This LED has a concave, conical lens at the top that causes light to be transmitted out of

the sides of the LED in all directions in a uniform disc of light. This is used in situations where Spy Robot needs to be able to see the beacon from any direction, for example, when it is being used as a reference point during room mapping.

Introducing Spy Robot

PC Connectivity
Live data feed Extended programming Room mapping Advanced remote functions

ften, you will want Spy Robot to run missions for you in a different location to where you are based, but

Voice commands to Spy Robot

even then you will want to keep a close eye on the robots progress and findings. After installing the 2.4GHz data connection, you will be able to do just that. All the while Spy Robot is operational it will transmit back to your PC all its sensor data from the field, as well as using the position encoders on its wheels and LIDAR sensor to map out the environment that it is in.

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2.4GHz Wireless data module 2.4GHz Wireless node (USB)

advancEd REmOtE functiOnS
diREct cOntROL: Remote control all Spy Robots functions (including motors, lights, sound and camera) direct from your desktop. REmOtE mOdE SwitcHing: Quickly and easily switch between modes of operation from the onscreen menu. EXtEndEd pROgRamming: Input extended program sequences using the drag and drop programming environment. audiO pLaybacK: Play sounds on Spy Robot that you have recorded yourself or from the supplied sound library.

Roaming Spy Robot

additiOnaL cOntROLS: You will be able to swap modes remotely from the onscreen control panel and take direct command of the robot either from onscreen controls or with voice commands delivered through the supplied microphone headset.

LivE data fEEd As Spy Robot navigates its environment, you can see a graphical representation of what your robot is seeing on each of its sensors to help you get a real feel for how it works in each mode. Two viewing options are available, a birds eye view (from above) and a robots eye view.

Headset voice control: Using the latest in voice recognition technology, you can command Spy Robot to do your bidding simply by speaking into the headset microphone.

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

VIEW: ABOVE MODE

ROBOT LOCATION

LEFT

SENS

OR

RI
CENTER SENSOR

GH

T SE

NS

OR

LEFT MOTOR

RIGHT MOTOR

LEFT LIGHT

RIGHT LIGHT

USB CONNECTION Home Wi-Fi

data node: High speed 2.4GHz wireless interface links Spy Robot to your PC.

pc System requirements: Microsoft Windows Vista or newer; 1 free USB port; Wi-Fi (for use with smartphone app).

EnviROnmEnt mapping Thanks to Spy Robots optical encoders and advanced motor driver circuitry, it knows exactly how far it has travelled and in what direction. Coupled with sensors that can detect solid objects, this data can be used to build up a map of a room by filling in areas on a grid that contain objects and those that dont (like a game of Battleships). The more the robot moves around, the better and more detailed the map will be. Once the room is mapped, you can command Spy Robot to go to any location with a click of the mouse. With the addition of a beacon in the room as a reference point, maps can be stored and reused at a later date.

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

VIEW: ABOVE MODE

ROBOT LOCATION

LEF

T SEN

SOR

RIG
CENTER SENSOR

HT

SE

NS

OR

LEFT MOTOR

RIGHT MOTOR

LEFT LIGHT

RIGHT LIGHT

Smartphone remote: Send commands to Spy Robot through the onscreen controls and monitor live data streams in return.

Introducing Spy Robot

Smartphone App
Control Spy Robot from a remote location Stream images and data from Spy Robot to your handset Remote activate functions from your handset

f you own a smartphone*, you can take even greater control of Spy Robot, direct from your handset. This is far

allow you to activate different functions simply by tapping the screen, while you monitor what Spy Robot is seeing and hearing from the live stream of images, sound and data sent back to your handset from the robot. From the app you can access almost every one of Spy Robots functions direct drive and control of all its outputs, switch modes, record video, even take snapshots and share them with friends by email or a social network.
supports iPhone 3GS, 4G and Android Operating * Spy Robot higher. Functionality mayand 4GS;on the manufacturer and system 4.0 or depend model of your handset. Details to appear in later issues.

more than just a replacement for the remote control by installing the app on your mobile handset you will be able to take full control over your robot and free up your remote handset to work as a permanent transmitter beacon. Controlling Spy Robot from your mobile device couldnt be simpler. The app connects your smartphone or tablet to Spy Robot via your home Wi-Fi network and the 2.4GHz wireless connection enabling you to guide Spy Robot to its target destination with motion sensitive controls. Onscreen buttons

HOw it wORKS

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

VIEW: FROM ROBOT

ROBOT LOCATION

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

VIEW: FROM ROBOT

ROBOT LOCATION

LEFT MOTOR

RIGHT MOTOR

LEFT LIGHT

RIGHT LIGHT

LEFT MOTOR

RIGHT MOTOR

LEFT LIGHT

RIGHT LIGHT

2.4 GHz wireless link

Home Wi-Fi

Once installed, the smartphone app connects through your home wi-fi network to the PC that is also connected to Spy Robot via the dedicated 2.4GHz wireless connection supplied. The PC then acts as a hub taking commands

from the handset and delivering them to the robot and relaying sound, video and data from Spy Robot back to your handset giving you complete access and control of Spy Robot, wherever you are.

Speech Recognition
Voice activation of modes and features Voice controlled movement Voice relay

y plugging the voice recognition headset into your PC, a new level of control for Spy Robot is available. After

running through a few exercises that teach your computer how to recognize the way you pronounce certain sounds, you can give Spy Robot voice commands that activate all its modes and functions without having to touch the keyboard or mouse. Take direct control of where Spy Robot goes and what it does simply by speaking into the mic with commands such as forward, backward, left, right and start video. Switch from Voice Command Mode to Voice Relay Mode and your voice will be transmitted from the PC to the robot and be played back on Spy Robots internal speaker, allowing you to join in with the action, even from a remote location.

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Stereo headphones Adjustable microphone Flexible ABS plastic

construction position

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10110 100101 100000 1101010 101001
DIGITAL SAMPLE

01101001010011 00001101010100 01001011101000

ANALOG WAVE

S T O P
2

S T O P

SMART START STOAT STONE STOP

3

SOUND CARD

STOP
4

1 Analogue sound waves picked up by the headset microphone are digitized so that they can be analysed by the PC.

2 The software looks for specific patterns in the sound that represent the base sounds that make up language (phonemes).

3 Software then compares groups of phonemes to see if they correspond with words in Spy Robots command library.

4 If a command is recognized, it is transmitted to the robot for execution.

Introducing Spy Robot

Video Surveillance
Live audio and video feed Record live audio and video Web-based tele-operation
MENU BUTTON MENU BUTTON MENU BUTTON

VIEW: FROM ROBOTS CAMERA

he ultimate tool for any spy is audio and video surveillance. With the camera and microphone assembly in place, you can see exactly

what Spy Robot is looking at and hear whatever is going on around all broadcast direct back to your computer screen or smartphone. With Spy Robot in tele-operation mode, its like being in the room with your mark, changing your direction of view at will and detecting the source of sounds through the stereo audio feed to the headset. Once in position, you will be able to gather and store your intelligence as still images from the camera as well as audio and video recordings to be reviewed at a later date.
LEFT MOTOR

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1 Colour CMOS image sensor (with low light capability) Motorized camera housing 2 Stereo microphones
Camera tilts up and down

LEFT LIGHT

REmOtE StEERabLE camERa A motor in Spy Robots tail allows the camera to be remotely tilted up and down so you can always keep your target in view.

advancEd REmOtE functiOnS

REmOtE cOntROL witH vidEO and StEREO SOund: Remote
MENU BUTTON

camera will keep a constant eye on whatever you point it at and record audio and a series of images whenever anything moves or makes a noise. HOmE SEcuRity witH mainS pOwER: Need to leave Spy Robot in surveillance mode for an extended period to keep your home secure while youre on holiday? Save on batteries by plugging it in to the mains adaptor supplied. nigHt viSiOn: The best way to conduct surveillance is under cover of darkness. With this in mind, Spy Robot has been fitted with an array of high-intensity Infrared LEDs that allow its camera to see in the dark.

control from the handset is great, but you have to be in the same room as the robot to see where it is going. With a live audio stream delivered to your PC or smartphone screen you can control Spy Robot from another room without blowing your cover. REcORd SOund and vidEO: Take evidence gathering to the next level by recording the video and audio stream from Spy Robots camera and microphones direct to your PCs hard drve.
RIGHT MOTOR

mOtiOn SEnSing witH imagE

RIGHT LIGHT

captuRE: Leave Spy Robot on surveillance duties while you are away from home. Spy Robots

EnHancEd diSpLay Video can be overlayed with data from Spy Robots sensors to give you as much information as possible while remotely guiding your robot.

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

MENU BUTTON

VIEW: FROM ROBOTS CAMERA

wEb-baSEd tELE-OpERatiOn All the while Spy Robot is linked to your PC, you can access live data and video streams from your robot over the Internet, from anywhere in the world, using your smartphone or web browser. Simply set up a secure username and password and you can log in

LEFT MOTOR

RIGHT MOTOR

to keep an eye on whats going on.

LEFT LIGHT

RIGHT LIGHT

Introducing Spy Robot

Tracking Systems
Tracking body heat Tracking tagged objects Advanced human tracking

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1 Scanning LIDAR (LIght Detection And 1 PIR (Passive InfraRed) detector 360-degree infrared beacon 25-button handset/base station
Ranging) and 38KHz beacon detector

n important role for any spy is to have the ability to track specific objects or people. The infrared beacon can be

placed anywhere in a room to mark an object or location or even clipped on to a person. The beacon sends out an invisible signal that can be picked up by Spy Robots LIDAR sensor. Spy Robot can then either monitor the tagged location or individual from afar or track and follow the tag at a safe distance.
LIDAR sensor/ Beacon detector Scans left to right

tRacKing bEacOn This uses the 360-degree beacon module (see page 6/7) installed in the base station or clipped to a person or object.

Scanning ObjEct dEtEctOR Spy Robots scanning LIDAR sensor is not only capable of detecting objects, but can also be used to pick up the identifying signal emitted by the beacon.

piR (passive infraRed) dEtEctOR A highly sensitive sensor that detects the heat given off by objects in Spy Robots field of vision as they move around.

PIR (Passive InfraRed) Sensor

HOw it wORKS
With the addition of a Passive InfraRed (PIR) detector to Spy Robots tail assembly, it will even be able to lock on to and track body heat given off by a human or other warmblooded animal. Paired with the tracking tag, Spy Robot will always be able to keep its target in sight and keep you updated on their movements.

Direction of movemnet

StEaLtH mOdE Track a human target from a distance without being seen by skulking in a dark location.

 2012 Eaglemoss Ltd, 1st Floor, Beaumont House, Kensington Village, London, W14 8TS, United Kingdom

www.build-spy-robot.com