What is it being used for?

A: Many customers are purchasing Explorer when they need to use a robot in rugged conditions. Researchers in mapping, exploration, and search and rescue are evaluating and using Explorer.

What tools are needed to disassemble it?

A: Standard and Phillips screw drivers.

How do I add other payloads?

A: Depends on the payload of course, but we do have access to 12-Volt and 6-Volt power on board. There are also digital inputs and outputs, analog outputs, USB, RS-232, and IEEE-1394 (firewire) ports available.

Do I need to drill or modify the platform to add other payloads?

A: The case of the robot is made of ABS plastic and is available for mounting additional hardware. This plastic that can be easily drilled for permanent mounting and also accepts various adhesives such as used on Velcro strips for more temporary mountings.

What is the teleoperation app?

A: We have produced a sample teleoperation application showing off the major features of the robot. It allows the user to remotely control the robot and read sensors. Complete source code is included (for sample teleoperation software and drivers).

What languages can I program it in?

A: We provide a C language API for Windows, so you can program in any language that can conveniently interface with this library. We support the Player Project under Linux, which has convenient interfaces for C, C++, and Python.  See Controlling your CoroWare robot.

What level of programming and engineering competence is required to program it?

A: Basic through advanced. There are simple frameworks to drive a Player-based robot. For more complicated applications the robot can be programmed using languages such as C, C++, and Python.

Do you offer any online/remote coaching, support, and training?

A: Yes – through professional services. Please contact us at 1-800-641-2676 option #2 for more information.

How long from order to delivery?

A: 6-8 weeks.

What post sales support do you offer?

A: CoroWare offers limited warranty and 1- year email tech support as well as unlimited website forum access.

What’s the warranty?

A: The Explorer comes with a 90-day limited warranty and an optional 1-year warranty.

Is the warranty voided if I disassemble the device?

A: No.

How much does delivery typically cost?

A: Shipping within the U.S. is $150.  International shipping is $650.  This includes packing, shipping and insurance.

Does it come with Wi-Fi or do I need to add a card?

A: 802.11n Wi-Fi comes standard with the Explorer.

Can I add a Bluetooth dongle and teleoperate it via Bluetooth?

A: Yes. The USB WiFi dongle can be removed and replaced with a USB Bluetooth dongle.

Can I configure it with a more capable processor, RAM, and larger disk?

A: Yes.  The robot is designed to be open and accessible to the user to make these types of modifications.

Is it multi-voltage or what about 220v?

A: The charging and power tether accepts 100-240VAC, 50-60Hz. The power cords are configured for North American electrical outlets, so the customer may need to supply plug adapters.

Do you plan auto-dock?

A: Not at this time with this model’s configuration.

Do carpets cause problems for your wheels or motor?

A: Not especially however, all robots may be affected by the surface they are driving on. Short pile carpet or office carpeting tends to be the most difficult, and hard flooring tends to be the easiest. The Explorer performs on both.

Do you have a follow-me application?

A: We provide a teleoperation application that exercises the major features of the robots but no standard follow-the-person application.

How much does it weigh?

A: 25 pounds.

Can I use a joystick to drive the bot?

A: For the included teleoperation program you can use a mouse, but we recommend a joystick or game pad with a slider, a Point of View Hat switch, and at least 4 buttons. You can get some functionality with a joystick or game pad with fewer features.

How long does the robot run?

A: With heavy usage battery life has been measured at 2 hours. With lighter usage up to 4 hours is possible.

Can I mount a laptop on the robot?

A: Yes. Be sure you have enough USB and serial ports to control everything and the laptop is safely attached and secured. (CoroWare is not responsible for damage to your laptop.)

How much payload capacity does the robot offer?

A: 15 lbs / 6.8 kg.

Do you offer C or C++ libraries for the robot?

A: We do offer a C language API in Windows, and under Linux we support the Player Project, which provides its own C and C++ APIs to interact with the robot.

Do you have SLAM software? Navigation software? Mapping software? Localization software?

A: We currently do not.

How long does it take to recharge?

A: A fully discharged Explorer takes 8-9 hours to recharge fully. It can be run on the tether while it is being charged.

I’m a university professor - can I get an educational discount?

A: Yes. If your institution does commit to purchasing multiple Explorers we can discuss ideas such as volume discounts or out of the box ideas such as sharing innovation or development.

Can I get a bulk discount if I buy X robots?

A: Yes you certainly can. We don’t have a discount table as it depends on the volume and delivery period, however we’d be delighted to discuss this further with you.

Is the Explorer an indoor or outdoor robot?

A: The Explorer is designed to be water- and dust-resistant. It is not waterproof.

Do you do custom robotics work outside of the Explorer?

A: Yes – and we do it enthusiastically. Custom software, hardware, adding new sensors, real-time video and audio communications, arm and motion control, desktop embedded and real-time operating systems, etc. We can put you in touch with a CoroWare robotics engineer for more information.

What distribution of Linux does the Linux Explorer use?

A: The Linux Explorer runs Ubuntu Linux.