What exactly is a PiVenture?

In short, the PiVenture itself is a custom made acrylic chassis that is reinforced with metal brackets and standoffs, designed to interface with popular Raspberry Pi compatible accessories. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of this platform, Pionics Robotics have created several reward levels ranging from the bare-bones chassis to a fully functional globe-trotting robot companion - designed by hobbyists, for hobbyists!


That does sound interesting… but what can it actually do?

Anything you want! They have outfitted the PiVenture with a wide range of sensors to allow you to experience the world through your new robots eyes, a rechargeable speaker to communicate, a solar charging battery for long adventures and a range of minor accessories to make your PiVenture more versatile.

Here's a quick rundown of the PiVenture components, and be sure to check their Website and YouTube channel for further updates.

1. PiVenture Chassis: A custom designed acrylic and metal enclosure available in many colors, providing protection for your Raspberry Pi and simple mounts for additional components. The PiVenture "Vanguard" chassis also features a multi-size beverage trailer!
2. DC Motors: Selected powerful 25D motors to allow your PiVenture to tackle difficult terrain, combined with a sturdy caster wheel for variable speed drive and on-the- spot rotation. 
3. Wheels/Tracks: Choose from thin tyres for smooth surfaces, thick tyres for roads or carpet and MXL tank tread wheels for rocky or sludgy terrain. 
4. Motor Controller: The PiVenture is designed to be compatible with multiple existing controllers; to demonstrate that they have modified a popular Pololu unit (The DRV8835) to directly accept header cables and a USB power source. Comes fully assembled. 
5. Solar USB Battery: If the Raspberry Pi is a robot brain, then these USB batteries were surely meant to be the heart! Lithium-Ion cells provide Dual 5V output to power Pi and Motors simultaneously, with plenty to spare to run all your sensors and an integrated super-bright LED for night driving. Recharge from any laptop or desktop USB port, or from the sun while out and about - Functions at full power for over 4 hours and much longer in standby mode. 
6. LEDs: While the USB Battery, Wi-Fi adaptor, Raspberry Pi and USB Sound Card all have their own status lights you will be able to be to directly control a proper LED. Each PiVenture will ship with two LEDs to choose from (one disco flash + one solid color) with custom resistor integrated header cables to directly connect via GPIO. 
7. Wi-Fi/Keyboard: Connect to your home or office Wi-Fi and access via web browser on multiple platforms and operating systems, or take your PiVenture outdoors and control via your compatible Smartphone (In AP mode!) or wireless keyboard. 
8. Ultrasonic Sensor: Active or passive range finding using sound waves for real-time distance measuring or autonomous driving mode. Standard and custom resistor integrated GPIO header cables included. 
9. Flip Sensor: A simple but effective suspended ball sensor, connects directly to GPIO and monitors if your PiVenture is still upright and ready to drive. 
10. Heat/Moisture Sensors: Monitor for heat signatures (people and pets) while indoors or keep a constant vigil for those pesky rain drops while outside. Both included however connect via one cable - can not be used simultaneously. 
11. USB Cameras: Lower resolution (8MP 320x240) than the official R-Pi cams, these hardy units require little power, are self contained and better suited to hazardous or low- signal environments. Stream or record video and take photos from 1 or two units mounted front and rear, or extend up to a meter from the main chassis for home surveillance. Optional sticky lenses to increase FOV included in “Vanguard” pack. 
12. Speaker: All robots should be seen AND heard! These wonderful speakers deliver clear and vibrant audio for talking, singing or playing tunes - Powered by their own internal USB chargeable battery with control from an integrated volume/power switch. Connects via included USB soundcard rather than the 3.5mm R-Pi jack for superior quality. Want to connect your own sound system? No problem!
13. Programming: As a totally open-source project all of the code will be shared without restraint. The majority of scripts will be python based, with integration for other projects such as eSpeak and MJPEG-Streamer. The PiVenture is recommended for use with  modified Raspian image which will be free to download from the website or pre-installed on 8GB Class 10 SHDC Micro-SD cards.