Mind Control for iRobot Roomba or Create

The Mind Control lets the user take command of the iRobot Roomba Vacuuming Robot or the iRobot Create. This small and powerful device lets the user write custom programs for the robot in the C language while fitting in the space of the robot's expansion port. It turns the Roomba or Create into a powerful robotics development platform. With the Mind Control one can monitor all of the robot's sensors, control its motors, play songs, and flash its LEDs, all in real time. The user can write his or her own control programs on a PC and download them to the Mind Control through a USB port. The Mind Control has no connection to the user's computer while it is running.

The Mind Control does not make any lasting changes to the Roomba. It temporarily takes control, issuing commands and reading sensors using the Roomba Open Interface. When the Mind Control is unplugged, the Roomba goes back to normal and is again ready to clean the floors.

Whether the user is a hacker, educator, or robotics hobbyist, the Mind Control opens many exciting possibilities:

Develop cleaning algorithms customized for the home.
Teach robotics and programming at a fraction of the cost of most research robots. Now every student can have his or her own robot.
Carry out self-designed robotics experiments with the Roomba as an inexpensive mobility platform.
Entertain guests or pets with your Roomba's unique song and dance.
Create an interactive robotic art exhibit.
The Mind Control is a complete development kit for programming the Roomba or Create. The kit includes all of the necessary hardware and cables needed to take control of the robot. All of the required software, including demonstration code, is available for free download from the documentation website.

The Mind Control includes:

Mind Control code stick
Mind Control USB programmer
USB cable for connecting to a computer
Quick-start instruction guide
Free access to the online product documentation and software download area
Free technical support and user collaboration through the online Support Forum

Computer Requirements:

PC running Windows XP
Free USB port
Internet connection to download and install the PC software.
The product documentation and user forums are also available online.