Your cat just got a sweet new ride. The $200 iRobot Create 2, a programmable Roomba-without-the-vacuum, allows any code-savvy cat to wrestle precise control over its joy-low-rides.
But it’s not just for cats. In fact, the Create 2 was developed with high-school STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) students in mind. The Create 2’s Open Interface allows users to control the robot if a computer or microcontroller is tethered to the robot’s serial port. You can run commands from a full-on computer or an Arduino microcontroller or Raspberry Pi stashed in the robot’s bin/tray. The latter aren't included in the package, however.
The Create 2 has built-in modes that let users manually control it while connected, use a semi-manual mode that prevents it from falling downstairs, or simply read data from its sensors. And while it doesn’t suck up dirt, it does have the vacuum’s preset options: You can schedule it, automatically return it to its charging dock, or faux-clean.
It’s a modular system, but some elbow grease is required. You can add the aforementioned Arduino ($25) or Raspberry Pi ($40) for untethered control, and there are remotes, Bluetooth radios, and other accessories you can add from iRobot’s Create 2 store. You can’t pop things onto it like Lego, but there are guidelines for where you can safely drill and cut the robot’s shell printed right on its surface.
If you need a part or a project, the Create 2 also lets you print them out. There are 3-D printable files that let you add optional trays and parts, as well as a few projects on iRobot’s site in case you’re out of ideas.
