Robots for Academic Research and the Classroom

Back in 2000, we developed the Superdroid Trekker, a programmable robot specifically designed for students and academic institutions. At the time, most programmable robots were limited in functionality and inadequate for academic purposes. The Trekker successfully provided students and hobbyists with a robotic platform that was completely programmable with a wide range of functionality. Since the Trekker, we have improved our line of educational robots to feature the latest in microcontroller technology and other accessories such as sensors, cameras, and video feeds.

SuperDroid Robots develops, designs, manufactures, tests, supports, and sells robots every day in our North Carolina based facility. This gives us a unique advantage to be able to provide "off the shelf" components and custom solutions at unbeatable prices for an unrivaled value.

From feature rich development robot platforms, to electrical parts and mechanical parts, we have everything you need to build and learn about robotics and related projects.

For educators and graduate level students, we are happy to help you develop a customized robot curriculum as well as design and build custom robots for you; we have designed, built, and sold countless autonomous robots. on-board computers, ARM controllers, MicroChip technology and Arduino controllers and shields. Many other control method options are available to meet any budget and provide ideal autonomy to your robot project. Since we do everything in one shop, from development to sales, we offer the best solution to meet your educational needs. Let us know what you think!

Robots for Hobbyists (Intermediate)

For hobbyists, and those with some experience working with robots, we offer second-level educational robots. We feature Arduino products, and other robots guaranteed to expand your robotics comfort zone.

Advanced Educational Robot Kits

We have a line of robots dedicated to advanced robot engineers and graduate-level students looking for a class robot project. WiFi robots, remote presence robots and sophisticated Arduino powered robots comprise this section.

Case Study: SD6 Industrial Autonomous cRIO Platform

The SD6 is an autonomous platform developed in conjunction with National Instruments. For rapid deployment and prototyping, it includes a programmable NI CompactRIO embedded controller by the LabVIEW graphical development environment. Other features include a wireless router, two front sonar sensors, rear IR sensor, Tilt IP Camera and encoders interfaced with the new RoboteQ SDC2130. All of this is preassembled, both mechanically and electrically, and also fully tested. An optional LIDAR sensor can be installed. LabVIEW example programs for the SD6 can be downloaded from ni.com/code/robotics.

For additional information, please see the SD6 product listing TP-600-450, our custom HD2 with an SD6 control system, mast, and FLIR, and the NI example project on Decibel.

Case Study: Six Tri-Wheel Vectoring Platforms

The University of Mexico recently ordered six of our Tri-Wheel Vectoring Platforms (TP-251-003) with xBee Remotes, and an ABS upper-deck for prototyping. Our Tri-Wheel Platform is a hit with universities and research facilities teaching omni-directional movement and autonomy algorithms. Speed and agility make the Tri-Wheel model incredibly useful in autonomous designs.

Case Study: Five Heavy Duty ATR Platforms

Old Dominion University purchased five of our 4WD IG52 Heavy Duty Robot Platforms (TP-170-052). These robots were outfitted with powerful IG52 gear motors, Sabertooth 2x25 Motor Controllers, 10 inch tires and an aluminum upper deck with sensor brackets (that can also be seen on our Squirrel Chaser Project). The University ordered unassembled robots, which reduced cost and introduced students to real-world mechanical assembly and prototyping practices.

Case Study: Conventional Steering Platform

We developed this custom solution to demonstrate and develop autonomous routines on small-scale platforms. It's destined for vehicles with conventional steering, like cars, trucks and buses.