Product Description

Hitec Robotics is proud to announce ROBONOVA-I. This exciting new humanoid robot offers educators, students and robotic hobbyists a complete robot package. The stable ROBONOVA-I can walk, run, do flips, cartwheels, dance moves and once programmed, is ready to compete in any Robo One Class “J” competition. Available two ways, as a kit, so you can enjoy building your robot yourself, or as a pre-assembled, “RTW”, “ready to walk” instant gratification robot.

Easy to Build
Your ROBONOVA-I kit was designed for easy assembly in 6 to 8 hours using only a screwdriver.

Control Boards
Micom Board with Flexible Interface
The control board is the heart of the ROBONOVA-I. Secured to the back of the robot under a strong plastic case, the control board can operate up to 24 servos and 16 accessory modules. Optional devices will eventually include gyro’s, acceleration sensors, speech synthesis modules and operational devices such as Bluetooth controllers and R/C transmitters and receivers. This flexible and sophisticated interface allows the user to customize ROBONOVA-I into the robot of their dreams.


Metal Framework
The custom gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as strong and lightweight exoskeleton. ROBONOVA-I also features durable plastic body case components that protect the control board and battery from damage.

Battery and Charger
Powering the ROBONOVA-I is a 5 cell, environmentally friendly NiMH rechargeable battery that delivers around 1 hour of operational time. Other battery options can include 7.4 volt 2 cell Lithium Polymer battery packs when used with a 6 volt regulator. The included D/C to D/C charger features a protection circuit to help prevent battery charging mishaps.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #101144 in Toys & Games
• Brand: HiTec Robotics
• Model: 77003
• Released on: 2006-10-20
• Dimensions: 12.50" h x 7.00" w x 3.50" l, 5.35 pounds

Features

• Advanced robot for students, hobbyists, and educators
• Gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as strong and lightweight exoskeleton
• Controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498HB digital servos; includes IR controller
• Micom control board can operate up to 24 servos and 16 accessory modules
• Simple programming with supplied RoboScript and RoboBasic software

Amazon.com Product Description
The Robonova I offers educators, students and robotic hobbyists a complete robot package. The advanced and stable Robonova I can walk, run, do flips, cartwheels, dance moves and once programmed, is ready to compete in any Robo One Class "J" competition. This kit version of the Robonova I allows you to enjoy building your new friend from the ground up. The Robonova I kit was designed for easy assembly in six to eight hours using only a screwdriver. On the other hand, if you prefer instant gratification, you can choose the Robonova I in a pre-built, ready-to-walk version.

Built Tough
The custom gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as a strong and lightweight exoskeleton. Robonova I also features durable plastic body case components that protect the control board and battery from damage.

Servo Motors
This fully articulating, 12-inch high, mechanical humanoid is controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498HB digital servos built specifically for the Robonova I by Hitec. These custom servos feature "set pin" locking of the servo arms for easy assembly, over-voltage current protection, super strong Karbonite gear trains, and "feedback" technology for simple programming.

Micom Control Board with Flexible Interface
The control board is the heart of the Robonova I. Secured to the back of the robot under a strong plastic case, the control board can operate up to 24 servos and 16 accessory modules. Optional devices will eventually include gyros, acceleration sensors, speech synthesis modules and operational devices such as Bluetooth controllers and R/C transmitters and receivers. This flexible and sophisticated interface allows you to customize Robonova I into the robot of your dreams.

Easy Programming and Flexible Applications
Programming is simple with the supplied RoboScript and RoboBasic software, which upload programming to the robot via the included PC interface cable. Beginners to robot programming technology will find it a snap to use the supplied RoboScript programming software. Without knowing any programming language at all users can create operational subroutines with the click of a mouse. Meanwhile, you can use the RoboRemocon software to control your Robonova I with the operational data created with RoboScript.

RoboBasic, a programming tool based on the Basic programming language, is provided for more advanced users. Containing specific commands for simple robot operation, RoboBasic can also be used in conjunction with RoboScript to increase the performance of the supplied Micom controller board.

The simplest way to program the Robonova I is with the "catch and play" function. Using RoboScript or RoboBasic, just move the robot into any position and click the mouse to "capture" that position. Move the robot into another position and repeat the process. The software then links these captured positions and once activated, smoothly transitions the robot's movements through these programmed positions.

Functional Extensions
The Robonova I can be retrofitted with several accessory modules and ancillary items to customize its functionality. By adding additional servos and brackets, the head and waist can turn and "gripping" hands can be used. Gyros, acceleration sensors, speech functions, R/C control accessories and more can also be added as they become available.

Battery and Charger
Powering the Robonova I is a 5-cell, environmentally friendly NiMH rechargeable battery that delivers around one hour of operational time. Other battery options can include 7.4 volt 2-cell Lithium Polymer battery packs when used with a 6-volt regulator. The included D/C to D/C charger features a protection circuit to help prevent battery charging mishaps.

What's in the Box
MR-3024 Micro controller board for 24 servos, 16 digital HSR-8498HB servos, re-chargeable NiMH battery and charger, RoboBasic programming software and manual, PC serial port programming interface cable, Remocon IR controller, assembly guide, and user's manual.

Customer Reviews

Robonova kit
I purchased the kit in November 2007. I was at first unhappy about lack of warranty information, and the manual is black and white, and some areas were confusing. The part about connecting the servos to the controller board were vague, and in actuality the hookup was different than I was lead to believe.
There is ,however, a lot of support for the Robonova on various robotics websites and forums. The manual said assembly was 6-8 hours with only a screw driver. It took me about 18 hours with screwdriver (magnetic!!), tweezers, magnifying glass, and some well advised patience. When I was finished, it didn't work. Now for the good part!!!
The service department at HiTec is wonderful. I talked to Tony, who I believe IS the service department. No menu system on the phone. I called and connected and they transferred me right to the department. Tony was great. I think I called 10 times in a 2 week period. He had infinite patience and answered all my questions thoroughly.
I sent it in, and he repaired my errors, made a few improvements that will help in the long run, and sent it back all in about 10 days. Now it works great and I'm learning the robobasic programming. It seems to be fairly easy to learn, but like any programming, I imagine, you have to format it correctly or it just doesn't work. I'm learning.
I give the robot and the technology and the service department 6 stars. The seeming lack of documentation is my only problem. But it is all resolvable. Kudos to HiTec for producing a genuine humanoid robot that even I can operate. And thank you to Tony in HiTec service department!!!

Robonova 1 Humanoid Robot Kit. A must have item!
As a hobbyist, who has built Boats, Planes, Helicopters, Cars, and Robots, I have read everything I could get my hands on, and I find this to be an excellent kit. It is Quality, through, and through, and an excellent teaching tool for the new to experienced robot enthusiast. It offers three ways to program, from beginner to experienced, so when you are fininshed building it, you can make it perform right away, and you will be able to add goodies to it, to make it even better. This is not just a toy. You will be amazed at what it can do, and at Amazon's price, you can't go wrong. My oldest Grandson is taking Robotics in second year of High School, and just can't wait to get his hands on Robonova 1. If you search You-tube, on the internet, there are quite a few demos of what it can do. Yes a little expensive....., but you get what you pay for. Look on the internet under RoboSavvy, and it gives you a step, by step, on how to build it, with good hints. Have fun, and enjoy. Thanks Amazon.

Kit Version of the Robonova 1
I found the kit to be very well made. The fit of all the components were excellent with the exception of the head attachment which only required a bit of work with a hobby knife and the less than sticky servo mounting tape used to attach the IR sensor to the head.

The Robonova operated right away after assembly with out any hookup to a PC. However the zero settings all needed to be reset to allow the robot to walk without toppling. So, to get it right, a PC hookup will be required.

The manual leaves a lot to be desired. It is very vague in several locations so that good judgment will be needed in several places. Areas to watch for are; the leg servo numbering has conflicting diagrams, and the controller board has a plastic covering which must be partially cut away to allow the three right arm servo connections to go to the correct sockets. The organization and the terminology of the manual could also use some work.

One reviewer complained about the black and white images in the manual. This is very true and I will add that functional clarity is also a concern.

Interestingly, when I finished the robot and installed the software I discovered a PDF of the manual on the CD with excellent color photos which can be enlarged to show details not available in the paper manual. Quite possibly the PDF manual would have helped had I known about it.