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Ro-buddy Project

Former Member

We launched the Ro-buddy project last year as an answer to kids who wanted to become makers but not necessarily keen to take programming to realise their tech projects. Ro-buddy is a microcontroller board that could connect with the Raspberry Pi and/or Android devices. Using an Android smartphone or tablet users can quickly create control interfaces for the Ro-buddy based projects.

This makes Ro-buddy one of the simplest ways out there to create projects around the Raspberry Pi and Android devices without writing a single line of code. But, for those love coding, Ro-buddy provides an expanded horizon to create even cooler gadgets using the Raspberry Pi/Android.

 

Have a look at our Indiegogo campaign: http://igg.me/at/ro-buddy

There are a limited number of Ro-buddies available for pre-order as well: http://ro-buddy.com

 

We've trialled the prototype designs with some local schools, Sydney Mini Maker Faire and at several local hackerspaces. We'd love to hear your feedback, suggestions and how we could further develop Ro-buddy in the future.

 

Tell us what you think we should include, add - especially if you're still thinking about getting yourself a Raspberry Pi, or you've already bought one but haven't taken the first steps to programming with it or using it to make some cool gadget!

 

http://ro-buddy.com

  • Is there a link to any documentation? Is the regular price really $149?

  • in reply to shabaz

    Hi Shabaz,

    Thanks for the query. The project is currently work-in-progress and we're working with our backers to develop the finished product. Currently there's limited number of pre-order kits at $99 (http://ro-buddy.com). The price includes the Ro-buddy board and accessories, API, Designer APP for Android and custom control interfaces. Over the next few months we'll be releasing more information/documentation as we firm up the final specs and design.

     

    Thanks again for your interest and please drop us a line if you need more information.

  • in reply to Former Member

    As price feedback, it looks exceedingly expensive. This is why you need the documentation and more detail soon, because right now with the limited information that exists, it is possible to achieve the same functionality at about $30 by just using separate XMEGA board ($25), audio module (£1), LiPo charger (£1), boost converter (£1) and two dual H-bridge (£2). It would be more value for money at around the $50 price point, for the combined item factoring in that it is more expensive to produce. I appreciate that mass-produced boards listed above will always be cheaper.

    Given that this is a project for kids and hobbyists, and going by the limited information so far, I don't think it is fair to charge such an excessive premium.

  • in reply to shabaz

    Got to agree with Shabaz here it's hard to see how such a premium price can be justified especially into educational markets.

    The Youtube Vid on your web page looked good but to be honest most of the cool stuff in it was been done by processing external to this board.

  • in reply to shabaz

    , @John Alexander, thanks both for your feedback. Have to agree on the pricing with you both, we're looking at the possibilities of bringing the price down without compromising the quality we set for our board. Also note that the H-bridges we have are rated >2A and we're looking at having one pair around 8A for some serious robotics! Also, what we think the other appealing factors of Ro-buddy are that all above mentioned components are nicely integrated in a smaller form factor with the ability to monitor/control within a single system. And this is coupled with the ability to build quick interfaces on an Android device.

    Thanks again for the great feedback - we'll keep them in mind during the next iteration of the board and software. Will keep you posted on the progress.