Kovan - Open source smart robotics controller

Kovan is another offering from Sutajio Ko-Usagi, the Open Source hardware company led by Andrew 'bunnie' Huang. Kovan is a smart robotics controller targeted at applications that require fully autonomous operation and high levels of integration. Kovan integrates onto a single PCB all the features you need to build a self-guided robot:

Actuator capability:

• 4x 1.2A H-bridge motor drivers
• 4x servo drivers

Sensing capability:

• 8x 10-bit analog inputs (5v/3.3v selectable range)
• 8x digital I/O (5v/3.3v selectable levels)
• Rapid-prototyping headers
• 3-axis accelerometer

Connectivity:

• 802.11b/g wifi
• 2x USB 2.0 ports
• 2x 3.3V UART (one console, one expansion)
• IR rx & demodulator
• IR tx (modulation done in FPGA)

UI:

• LCD + touchscreen connector (natively supports 3.5" screen)
• Mono audio output
• Pushbutton and status LED indicators

Processing:

• Linux core running on 800 MHz ARM w/128 MB DDR2 + microSD for firmware - FPGA co-processor enabling hard real-time control extensions & advanced image processing extensions

Battery:

• Integrated 2-cell Li-Ion battery charger (C=1.5A) (note: battery or battery emulator required for proper operation)

The native development environment for Kovan is based upon OpenEmbedded, the same system used by the Beaglebone. Sutajio Ko-Usagi's PCBA-only version of Kovan comes with C and Python support out of the box, so you can get started right away with development -- no need to set up cross-compilers. For more information on the software environment, please visit Kosagi's site.

The package offered in limited quantities at Adafruit for $249 is the Kovan main board and power supply for development use, configured as a battery emulator, intended for intermediate and advanced developers who can roll their own battery and casing solution.

This board is the heart of the 501©(3) non-profit KISS Institute for Practical Robotics' next-generation controller, valued at $400. KIPR's solution will come with a case, integrated battery, LCD, speaker, and an enhanced development environment suitable for entry level hobbyists and students; it will be available for purchase in January at the Botball store.