Hacking your Roomba using C#

[kevingabbert]

For anyone wanting to do something fun with tools at hand. I have
Developed some code in C# to control your iRobot Roomba vacuum from
your computer.

(Don't forget to Download Visual Studio express!)
http://msdn.microsoft.com/vstudio/express/visualcsharp/

The core of the code is a C# class that implements the iRobot Software
Command Interface. (C# RoombaSCI) I also have 2 projects that use this
C# interface, called Roomba-Term, and Roomba Monitor. Roomba Term is
intended to be a diagnostic program that visually implements Roomba's
SCI interface for purposes of education, & testing your roomba.
Hopefully my code will kickstart you forward in developing your own
Roomba programs.

Here is a link to irobot documentation
http://www.irobot.com/images/consumer/hacker/Roomba_SCI_Spec_Manual.pdf


I have a C# project located here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/roomba-term/

and a VB.Net project that focuses on Sensor stability (talks to the C#
class) here:
https://sourceforge.net/projects/roomba-monitor/

Next, you probably need some hardware to connect your computer to the
Roomba:

you can either buy an RS232, USB or wireless interface:
http://www.roombadevtools.com/

or create your own cable:
http://flickr.com/photos/todbot/sets/72057594051313379/

or buy Roomba Add-ons:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=685


of special interest as well:
http://todbot.com/blog/category/roomba/



As far as practical use: I suggest using Roomba as a platform to build
a robotic arm or something else upon, using:
http://mindstorms.lego.com/

Kevin Gabbert

 

[Guest]

Heh. The last time I tried something like this my Roomba started laughing
MWAHAHHAHH and asked me for <pinky in mouth> -- $100 BILLION DOLLARS!
Best of luck.

 

[Mark Wilden]

Oh, c'mon - surely you can think of better names than that!!

///ark