The SparkFun JetBot AI Kit v3.0 is a robot platform that can be powered by your own Jetson Nano Developer Kit by NVIDIA. This SparkFun kit is based on the open-source NVIDIA JetBot! We understand that not everyone has access to multiple 3D printers on each floor, and a whole warehouse of electronics so we wanted to build a kit from ready to assemble parts to get you up and running as quickly as possible. This version of the SparkFun JetBot AI Kit is a great launchpad for creating entirely new AI projects for makers, students and enthusiasts who already own a Jetson Nano and are looking to take the next step with their machine learning platform. It’s straightforward to set up and use and is compatible with many popular accessories. Several interactive tutorials show you how to harness the power of AI to teach the SparkFun JetBot to follow objects, avoid collisions and more.
Additionally, the included image is delivered with the advanced functionality of JetBot ROS (Robot Operating System) and AWS RoboMaker Ready with AWS IoT Greengrass already installed. SparkFun’s JetBot AI Kit is the only kit currently on the market ready to move beyond the standard JetBot examples and into the world of connected and intelligent robotics.
The Jetson Nano Developer Kit offers useful tools like the Jetson GPIO Python library, and is compatible with common sensors and peripherals; including some new python compatibility with the SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem.
This kit includes everything you need to get started with JetBot minus a Phillips head screwdriver and an Ubuntu desktop GUI. If you need these, check out the includes tabs for some suggestions from our catalog. Please be aware that the ability to run multiple neural networks in parallel may only be possible with a full 5V-4A power supply.
Items not Included but you will need:
This skill concerns mechanical and robotics knowledge. You may need to know how mechanical parts interact, how motors work, or how to use motor drivers and controllers.
Skill Level: Competent - You may need an understanding of servo motors and how to drive them. Additionally, you may need some fundamental understanding of motor controllers.
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Whether it's for assembling a kit, hacking an enclosure, or creating your own parts; the DIY skill is all about knowing how to use tools and the techniques associated with them.
Skill Level: Competent - You might need to break out the power tools. Nothing beyond a power drill or rotary tool should be required, but you might have a hard time with just a screwdriver and hammer. Cutting holes into plastic or metal might be required.
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If a board needs code or communicates somehow, you're going to need to know how to program or interface with it. The programming skill is all about communication and code.
Skill Level: Experienced - You will require a firm understanding of programming, the programming toolchain, and may have to make decisions on programming software or language. You may need to decipher a proprietary or specialized communication protocol. A logic analyzer might be necessary.
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If it requires power, you need to know how much, what all the pins do, and how to hook it up. You may need to reference datasheets, schematics, and know the ins and outs of electronics.
Skill Level: Rookie - You may be required to know a bit more about the component, such as orientation, or how to hook it up, in addition to power requirements. You will need to understand polarized components.
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We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.
Based on 3 ratings:
I would have given 3 stars if camera was working but recently I found that its not working. Initially, it was that I got v2 chassis and v3 camera mount, but somehow I managed to adjust, but after assembling everything and running jupyter notebook, I get the message as no device found. The camera is similar to Raspberry pie camera v2 but with lens attachment. My other camera works fine but this one does not.
Sorry to hear you are running into issues with the camera and had issues with the mounting hardware. Feel free to fill out a return ticket and we can get you taken care of: https://www.sparkfun.com/returns
Bought a number of these kits and also the Jetson Nano 2GB dev kits (separately since the combined kits were out of stock). Nano dev kit was a real issue to get the software setup (but that's another post I guess). I have just finished assembling one of these Jetbots. Good instructions but the motors would not turn when I ran a simple test script. Long story short the wires to the motors were defective (on both motors). Have to remove and solder on new wires. Tested the motors in one of the other kits and found one of them worked and the other one had faulty wires again. How hard would it be to battery test the motors before packing them into a kit?? In addition the motor control board if positioned as shown in the instructions at the back on top of a plastic riser is too close to the Nano for the motor wires to be connected to it.
Just to let people know. I bought this kit (and a 2GB Jetson Board separately) a while back at a Micro Center but the kit contained the parts for an older version so I suggest you buy it through Sparkfun even if there might be a wait (hopefully the quality and support will be better) Also you might run into some issues if you try using a 2GB Jetson board instead of the 4GB. I'm still working through the issues but I think i'm getting closer. Just keep that in mind when you follow the Sparkfun documentation.