 an unmodified iRobot Create with Command Module (small green attachment). | |
| Manufacturer | iRobot |
|---|---|
| Type | robot |
| Released | 2007 (2007) |
| Website | edu |
iRobot Create is a hobbyistrobot manufactured byiRobot that was introduced in 2007 and based on theirRoomba vacuum cleaning platform. The iRobot Create is explicitly designed for robotics development and improves the experience beyond simplyhacking the Roomba.[1][2] The Create replaces its Roomba predecessor's vacuum cleaner hardware with a cargo bay that also houses aDB-9 port providing serial communication, digital input & output, analog input & output, and an electric power supply.[1][2][3] The Create also has a 7-pinMini-DIN serial port through which sensor data can be read and motor commands can be issued using the iRobot Roomba Open Interface (ROI) protocol.[4]
The platform accepts virtually all accessories designed for iRobot's second generation Roomba 400 Series domestic robots and can also be programmed with the addition of iRobot's own Command Module (amicrocontroller with aUSB connector and fourDE-9 expansion ports).[4] As of 2013[update], the Command Module is no longer being sold.[5] In 2014, iRobot replaced the original model with the Create 2,[6] which is constructed from the chassis of remanufactured 600-series Roombas; instead of replacing the old command module, iRobot encourages the use of commodity single-board micro-controllers likeArduino and single-board computers likeRaspberry Pi to provide additional processing power.
Due to the limitations in storage space and processing power of the iRobot Command Module, many choose to utilize an external computer in controlling the Create robot.[citation needed] Since the built-in serial port supports the transmission of sensor data and can receive actuation commands, any embedded computer that supports serial communication can be used as the control computer.[4]
A number of robot interface server / simulators support the iRobot Create. Most notably, thePlayer Project has long included a device interface for theRoomba,[7] and developed a Create interface in Player 2.1.[8] The Universal Real-time Behavior Interface (URBI) environment also contains a Create interface.[9]
TheMicrosoft Robotics Studio and theWebots simulation environment contain iRobot Create models.[10][11]
iRobot has released multiple versions of the Create robot.
| Version | Release date | Differences from previous iteration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| iRobot Create | 2004 | N/A | Based on iRobot Roomba 400 |
| iRobot Create 2 | 2014[12] | Safer electronics. Allows Create 2 to be sold outside the US | Based on iRobot Roomba 500/600[13] |
| iRobot Create 3 | 2022[14] | ROS2 built in. WiFi, USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth. New sensors including an IMU & optical floor tracking. | Based on iRobot Roomba i3[15] |
The iRobot Create is popular in the robotic research and hobbyist community. Some examples of iRobot create projects:
In 2007 iRobot hosted the "Create Challenge", offeringUS$5,000 with the goal of creating an "innovative robot that's functional, helpful, entertaining, whimsical or simply amazing".[22] The winner was Danh Trinh, with their "Personal Home Robot" which "reminds owners to take their medication, turns lights on and off, and controls appliances."[23][24]
