Oktopod Studio is an open source development platform for mechatronics, robotics and automation.
The platform – which is powered by Atmel’s ATmega16 micrcontroller (MCU) – allows Makers to more easily create low voltage electronic devices, models and home applications.
“We designed Oktopod Studio to be as user friendly as possible, [as it] features plug-and-play analog outputs, digital inputs, DC and Servo motor drivers [as well as a] graphical user interface for PC and Andriod devices,” an Oktopod rep explained.
“You don’t need to be a programmer or an electronic expert to use Oktopod Studio and make your own robotic projects.”
The Oktopod platform consists of two primary components linked via Bluetooth or USB:
- Hardware – Oktopod Board
- Software – Oktopod Control App
The Oktopod Board offers Makers a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), along with plug and play inputs and outputs for connecting a wide range of low voltage electronic devices, including LED lights, DC/servo motors, buzzers, electromagnets, switches, as well as photo-, thermo- and magnetic sensors.
Aside from Atmel’s ATmega16 MCU, key hardware specs include:
- 8x Analog output (up to 3A)
- 2x DC motor driver
- 3x Servo motor driver
- 4x Digital inputs
- USB/Bluetooth communication module
- Power supply input 6-12 V (reverse polarity protected), on-board 3A fuse
In terms of software, the Oktopod Control app (PC and Android) allows Makers to assume manual control of the hardware via sliders and buttons.
Meanwhile, the board is programmed by creating a so-called “wishList” of output operations using an intuitive virtual dashboard.
Interested in learning more about the ATmega16-powered Oktopod? You can check out the project’s official page here.
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