My Robot

Current version
The accelerometer has ben replaced with a Phidget one and 
the USB hub has been replaced with a bigger one powered by the main batter pack volt regulated by 
8 switching volt regulators

Version 4
   
This version is working fine, all problems have been solved and I'm ready for new features.
The mechanical suspensions have been replaced with 4 high power GWS 6BB Futaba S777 servos
An accelerometer was connected to the sony so to automatically adjust the servos-suspensions in real time.
The new active suspensions system is really cool but it consumes a lot of power. 
The average consume is now around 90 Watt with peaks of 110 Watt. Huge.
A Phidget Interface kit 8/8/8 along with Current Sensor and Voltage Sensor are now connected to the Sony.
I've learned how to build Printed Circuit Board and now all the electronic has been rebuild on much more efficent PCB.
Thanks to the free software FidoCAD for the PCB design.
The client/server Java software is up to date showing real time informations of all the sensors mounted.
A USB hub is mounted on the car.

Next coming
I will add another PCB mounting 10 volt regulators to give external power to a new USB hub.
I'm preparing a platform to support an infinite horizontal rotation for the webcam
I'm evaluating stepper engines along with stepper controller
Add Java controlled relays to shut down the active suspensions system when not required
    

Version 3

10 volt regulators have been added to supply 6V to the servos.
The weight now is really too much, I cannot steer easily because the suspensions are not designed for the 8Kg
    

Version 2

The small battery has been replaced with two chunks I've built using normal NiMh recharghable. 
After one hour of continuous run the battery is not yet exhausted.
The central part is now in aluminium and is much larger.

Version 1
    
I bought a normal hobby-model car with eletctrical engines.
Removed the RC antenna receiver and put my small Sony laptop.
I've added a small webcam on the front
The servos and the engines are controlled by a Pololu USB 16-Servo Controller attached to the Sony.
I added a powerful N wifi antenna to the Sony laptop, the N class works up to 150 meters with no obstacles.
On the other side I remotely control the Sony in the car from another laptop. 
I've written the remote software control in Java :)) Yes. This is true fun!!



What next? Look at this hare filmed by the webcam. Beautiful day.