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SparkFun JetBot AI Kit v2.1 (Without Jetson Nano)

The SparkFun JetBot AI Kit 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.

  • 64GB MicroSD card - Pre-flashed SparkFun JetBot image:
    • Nvidia Jetbot base image with the following installed: SparkFun Qwiic python library package
    • Driver for Edimax WiFi adapter
    • Greengrass
    • Jetbot ROS
  • Leopard Imaging 136FOV wide angle camera & ribbon cable
  • EDIMAX WiFi Adapter
  • SparkFun Qwiic Motor Driver
  • SparkFun Micro OLED Breakout (Qwiic)
  • All hardware & prototyping electronics needed to complete your fully functional robot!
  • Note - A Phillips head screwdriver is required for assembly and thanks to Qwiic soldering is no longer required!

Items not Included but you will need:

  • SparkFun Qwiic ecosystem for I2C communication
  • Ecosystem can be expanded using 4x Qwiic connectors on GPIO header
  • Example Code for: Basic Motion, Teleoperation, Collision avoidance, & Object Following
  • Compact form factor to optimize existing neural net from NVIDIA
  • 136° FOV camera for machine vision
  • Pre-flashed microSD card
  • Chassis assembly offers expandable architecture

SparkFun JetBot AI Kit v2.1 (Without Jetson Nano) Product Help and Resources

Assembly Guide for SparkFun JetBot AI Kit V2.0

March 27, 2020

Assembly Guide for the SparkFun JetBot AI Kit v2.0. This tutorial includes photos & comments to assemble the two-layer chassis & additional components unique to the JetBot kit.

Core Skill: Robotics

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.

3 Robotics

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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Core Skill: DIY

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.

3 DIY

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.
See all skill levels


Core Skill: Programming

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.

4 Programming

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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Core Skill: Electrical Prototyping

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.

2 Electrical Prototyping

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.
See all skill levels


Comments

Looking for answers to technical questions?

We welcome your comments and suggestions below. However, if you are looking for solutions to technical questions please see our Technical Assistance page.

  • j.tilghman / about 4 years ago * / 1

    I seem to get the motor mount thru the body, both the body and the mounts seem to be the same size and the one will not slip into the other.

    I got this solved and built. Now my problem is with SD card images and WiFi connection and with the OLED. Would be nice if the steps would yield a working bot to use for learning.

Customer Reviews

2.8 out of 5

Based on 5 ratings:

Currently viewing all customer reviews.

SparkFun JetBot AI kit

Shipped quickly. Instructions on the website quite complete and easy to follow What was also great where the tips on were you could go wrong . Had a minor issue with the SD card but Chris in customer service was great in solving the issue.

OLED breakout didn't work and JetBot chassis kit's camera mount assembly was cracked.

However, I would like to thank the support team for resending the JetBot chassis kit right away. As for the OLED, I was able to repurchase it from domestic reseller.

Problems connecting to WiFi

Sorry, but I can't give a good review. I have been stuck trying to get the Jetson to connect to my home WiFi. It has been very frustrating. I have a open topic on the Sparkfun Forum, but so far no resolution.

Jetson Nano SD card

The problem of SDK card, defect, was not supported. So any experience was not gained from the kit.

Disappointed

I tried the image sent with the robot. It did not work I downloaded the image and still did not work However I know I am doing it right since I built my own raspberry pi robot with pi plates and even have it working with Open CV doing line following Personally the JDuck made by a single person and sold in Amazon worked with support from the vendor There was no display in the Oled either The Jetson Nano works since I tried it with the Jetson image This zeroes it down to the image of the Sparkfun robot