[Review] - DJI Robomaster S1 - first contact with the robot
2019-11-05
![[Review] - DJI Robomaster S1 - first contact with the robot](/data/include/img/news/1572269468.jpg)
With this product, DJI has surprised practically everyone. The company, which is mainly famous for flying drones released an educational robot that doesn't soar for a moment. The appearance resembles a robot from movies, computer games, but it can not be attributed only to toys for the youngest, because they will fascinate not one adult (example? I!) S1 allows users to explore the world of science (math, physics, programming). The more we dig into its functions, the more we discover.DJI Robomaster S1 - what it basically is?
The name Robomaster S1 comes from 'First step', meaning 'first step', as it is intended to be the first step into the world of engineering and robotics and artificial intelligence. On the other hand, it has been named the toy of the future, for which we don't need to be coding specialists. But playing with Robomaster will certainly help us become such a specialist.
DJI Robomaster S1 is a modular design, consisting of 46 components.
Every smallest screw, cable passes through our hands, so we are aware of how the robot is built, we can disassemble, assemble and modify it at will.The manufacturer is also working on additional modules to increase its functionality - on the DJI website we see it, for example, in a version with a boom:
Source: https://www.dji.com/sk/robomaster-s1
In its standard version, the Robomaster resembles a bit of a monster truck and, as befits huge cars, it also features 4x4 drive. The 4WD omnidirectional movement will surprise many observers - our vehicle efficiently changes directions, it is not a classic right/left wheel turn, and this is due to the wheels consisting of 12 rollers. This gives the impression that the machine just floats...Do you remember how Batman's motorcycle moves in the movie? Here it looks similar.
DJI Robomaster S1 is a modular design, consisting of 46 components.
Every smallest screw, cable passes through our hands, so we are aware of how the robot is built, we can disassemble, assemble and modify it at will.The manufacturer is also working on additional modules to increase its functionality - on the DJI website we see it, for example, in a version with a boom:
Source: https://www.dji.com/sk/robomaster-s1
In its standard version, the Robomaster resembles a bit of a monster truck and, as befits huge cars, it also features 4x4 drive. The 4WD omnidirectional movement will surprise many observers - our vehicle efficiently changes directions, it is not a classic right/left wheel turn, and this is due to the wheels consisting of 12 rollers. This gives the impression that the machine just floats...Do you remember how Batman's motorcycle moves in the movie? Here it looks similar.
Powerful processor, robotic functionality
The powerful processor used in the S1 allows simultaneous use of several functions, protecting the system from overloading. The robot is able to follow designated lines on the floor, taking a specific route - just create it with lines and our robot will travel along it without any problems.
The function, already known from drones, is to track an object. The S1 will recognize and start following the indicated person, but it should not be exposed to frequent and rapid changes in tracking directions, because the robot will simply lose us, so athletes are unlikely to like this feature.
The robot can also recognize gestures and sounds, as well as 44 different characters it encounters - numbers, letters, special characters.
The function, already known from drones, is to track an object. The S1 will recognize and start following the indicated person, but it should not be exposed to frequent and rapid changes in tracking directions, because the robot will simply lose us, so athletes are unlikely to like this feature.
The robot can also recognize gestures and sounds, as well as 44 different characters it encounters - numbers, letters, special characters.
Sitting in another room with a smartphone, through the app, you can direct the robot without losing range. The image we are given is of good quality - the S1 is equipped with a 5 Mpix camera and a Full HD camera. For my own purposes of documenting clashes with other robots or driving around the arena, this is perfectly sufficient. And when it comes to the issue of moving around indoors, including dark corners, it won't be a problem at all for Robomaster, which has as many as 31 sensors that map its surroundings.
The most important issue - programming
A key feature of Robomaster is the ability for the user to program it with Sketch 3.0 and Python languages. One can't help but get the impression that DJI is aiming to be a pioneer in promoting coding skills from an early age. Robomaster doesn't have to be used only for robotic battles at all (although the possibility of a fierce battle, in which every hit is registered by the smart armor and counted as a point, is very tempting), we can even make it a helper in the kitchen or garage.
DJI inspires learning to code through series of courses 'Road to Mastery' available in the RoboMaster app. The manufacturer also created the RoboAcademy offering tutorials in the form of videos and guides to introduce robotics and programming issues. A basic and very factual dose of knowledge can be found at the manufacturer's own website.
If, in turn, the user already has such knowledge , he can program his own functions of the device, such as changing the way S1 moves or playing sounds using Scratch.
DJI Robomaster S1 pretends to be an ideal gift for the youngest to encourage learning, interest and at the same time allow them to have fun in a more attractive way. The elderly, on the other hand, will turn on the robot themselves out of curiosity to experience a bit of unusual entertainment. Effervescent LEDs, sound effects, gunshot recoil, the ability to move quickly in any direction, and to top it all off, the placement of the camera and gimbal with the cannon and laser giving the impression that our robotic friend has a real personality...who wouldn't be tempted :).DJI inspires learning to code through series of courses 'Road to Mastery' available in the RoboMaster app. The manufacturer also created the RoboAcademy offering tutorials in the form of videos and guides to introduce robotics and programming issues. A basic and very factual dose of knowledge can be found at the manufacturer's own website.
If, in turn, the user already has such knowledge , he can program his own functions of the device, such as changing the way S1 moves or playing sounds using Scratch.
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