Virtus 998 by Ivano Cremonesi

Virtus 998
Antropomophic Entertainment Walking Animatronics

Virtus is an Anthropomorphic Entertainment Robot equipped with a 
pneumatic system and with an ultra-sound radar for obstacles' or
presence's survey.
Pneumatic system consists of a micropump placed in the central part 
of the robot's chest (Heart) and operated by an electric DC
motor. Microvalves, operated by Hobby Servos, assure the movement of 
4 pneumatic micropistons 2 for pliers' movement, 2 for the
opening of the front shield, necessary to enter the mechanisms ruling 
the extremities' movement.

Virtus 998 is equipped with 7 Servo-controls + 2 electric DC Motors, 
assuring together the Robot's movements.

Virtus 998 is completely controlled through Computer by an easy 
programm for Windows 95/98 S.O.

Functions:
Virtus 998 was purposely designed as entertainment Robot;
In fact, it can be easily used for:
* Entertaining people
* Animating parties (Virtus 998 be good dancer Robot)
* Arousing the curiosity of people in your place
* Controlling the entrance of your shop
* With wireless video system Telepresence Robot
* And whatever your fantasy suggests you.

Tecnical features:
Movements:
* Head: Up/Down/Rotation Left Right
* Arms: Up-Down
* Pliers: Opened/Closed through pneumatic system
* Legs: Movements of all articulated joints of the two extremities, just 
like the human gait

On board electronics
* Control card (Mini SSC Board) for Servo-controls and motors 
* Vocal synthetizer based on ISD processor (Starting message)
* Ultra-sound Radar for obstacles' and/or presence's survey.
* Stop cooling fan sensor
* VU-Meter elettronic card; Virtus 998 is able to talk too and  the words 
are underlined by a led bar positioned close its
mouth.

Robot moviment system:
* 7 Servocomands Hitec HS-300
* 2 electric motors
* 2 pneumatic micropistons (pliers)
* 2 pneumatic pistons (front shield)
* 1 micropump

Robot Brain:
Virtus 998 is totally controlled via Computer through a easy 
graphic Software which does not need any programming. 

Optional:
If you use a couple of Modem radio, (serial cable free ;-) it is 
possible to control Virtus 998  via computer through a Software
and also through it with voice commands in total wireless system.

In the future

Tracked trolley for lower extremities' substitution 
Stand for fixed stationing with trunk rotation (Desk-top Animatronics)
Head equipped with microtelecamera, possibility of transmission on 
television UHF CH36 Gas-leak sensor
Wireless Audio transmitter from Robot to PC.
Wireless Audio transmitter from PC to Robot.

For more info about Virtus998 -The first real Entertainment Hobby 
Animatronics- please go to Robomodel URL
http://www.direct.it/robomodel

Email: novateck.robotics@tiscalinet.it