100 Robot Series | 23rd Robot: How to Build a Robot Like Inspector Gadget-By Toolzam AI

Inspector Gadget, the clumsy yet lovable robotic detective, has entertained generations with his quirky personality and ingenious gadgets. In this 23rd article of Toolzam AI’s “100 Robot Series,” we delve into the intricacies of building a robot inspired by Inspector Gadget. This guide covers hardware components, software frameworks, and Python codes to bring this imaginative robot to life.

Core Features of Inspector Gadget

1. Retractable Gadgets: Extendable limbs, tools hidden in a hat, and other modular components.
2. Detective Intelligence: Basic AI for solving cases, including pattern recognition and evidence collection.
3. Clumsiness Emulation: Simulating human-like imperfections for realism.
4. Voice Interaction: Responding to user commands and providing verbal updates.

Hardware Components

1. Robotic Arm Kits: Servo-driven arms for extendable limbs.
2. 360-degree Rotating Joints: Achieving flexibility in movement.
3. Hat Compartment with Tool Deployment System: Miniaturized servo motors and retractable mechanisms.
4. Raspberry Pi 4: Brain of the robot for running AI computations.
5. Camera Module: For vision and object recognition.
6. Speaker & Microphone: For voice interaction.
7. Proximity and Pressure Sensors: For obstacle detection and interaction feedback.
8. Rechargeable Battery Pack: Ensures mobility and runtime.
9. Chassis and Mobility Wheels: Offers movement and stability.

Software Components

1. OpenCV: For image processing and object recognition.
2. TensorFlow Lite: For lightweight AI models running on Raspberry Pi.
3. PyAudio: For audio input and output.
4. Flask: Backend server to manage commands and processes.
5. RPi.GPIO: For hardware component control.
6. NLP Library (spaCy): Understanding and responding to voice commands.

Python Codes

Below are eight Python scripts to implement Inspector Gadget’s functionalities.

1. Extendable Arm Control

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)

ARM_PIN = 18
GPIO.setup(ARM_PIN, GPIO.OUT)

arm = GPIO.PWM(ARM_PIN, 50)
arm.start(0)

def extend_arm():
    arm.ChangeDutyCycle(7)  # Adjust angle for extension
    time.sleep(2)
    arm.ChangeDutyCycle(0)

def retract_arm():
    arm.ChangeDutyCycle(2)  # Adjust angle for retraction
    time.sleep(2)
    arm.ChangeDutyCycle(0)

try:
    extend_arm()
    time.sleep(5)
    retract_arm()
finally:
    arm.stop()
    GPIO.cleanup()

2. Hat Tool Deployment

class HatTools:
    def __init__(self):
        self.tools = ["magnifying glass", "flashlight", "umbrella"]

    def deploy_tool(self, tool_name):
        if tool_name in self.tools:
            print(f"Deploying {tool_name}!")
        else:
            print(f"{tool_name} not available in the hat.")

gadget_hat = HatTools()
gadget_hat.deploy_tool("magnifying glass")

3. Object Detection with OpenCV

import cv2

def detect_objects():
    cap = cv2.VideoCapture(0)
    object_cascade = cv2.CascadeClassifier(cv2.data.haarcascades + 'haarcascade_frontalface_default.xml')

    while True:
        ret, frame = cap.read()
        gray = cv2.cvtColor(frame, cv2.COLOR_BGR2GRAY)
        objects = object_cascade.detectMultiScale(gray, 1.3, 5)

        for (x, y, w, h) in objects:
            cv2.rectangle(frame, (x, y), (x + w, y + h), (255, 0, 0), 2)

        cv2.imshow('Object Detection', frame)

        if cv2.waitKey(1) & 0xFF == ord('q'):
            break

    cap.release()
    cv2.destroyAllWindows()

detect_objects()

4. Speech Recognition and Command Processing

import speech_recognition as sr

def recognize_speech():
    recognizer = sr.Recognizer()
    with sr.Microphone() as source:
        print("Listening for commands...")
        audio = recognizer.listen(source)

    try:
        command = recognizer.recognize_google(audio)
        print(f"Command: {command}")
    except sr.UnknownValueError:
        print("Sorry, could not understand the audio.")
    except sr.RequestError:
        print("Speech recognition service is unavailable.")

recognize_speech()

5. Voice Feedback

import pyttsx3

def speak_text(text):
    engine = pyttsx3.init()
    engine.say(text)
    engine.runAndWait()

speak_text("Hello, I am Inspector Gadget. How can I assist you?")

6. AI Clue Identification

import tensorflow as tf
import numpy as np

model = tf.keras.models.load_model("clue_model.h5")

def identify_clue(image):
    img = tf.image.resize(image, (128, 128)) / 255.0
    prediction = model.predict(np.expand_dims(img, axis=0))
    return "Clue" if prediction[0] > 0.5 else "Not a Clue"

7. Collision Avoidance

import RPi.GPIO as GPIO
import time

TRIG = 23
ECHO = 24

GPIO.setmode(GPIO.BCM)
GPIO.setup(TRIG, GPIO.OUT)
GPIO.setup(ECHO, GPIO.IN)

def measure_distance():
    GPIO.output(TRIG, True)
    time.sleep(0.00001)
    GPIO.output(TRIG, False)

    while GPIO.input(ECHO) == 0:
        start = time.time()

    while GPIO.input(ECHO) == 1:
        stop = time.time()

    distance = (stop - start) * 34300 / 2
    return distance

try:
    while True:
        dist = measure_distance()
        if dist < 10:
            print("Obstacle detected! Stopping.")
        time.sleep(1)
finally:
    GPIO.cleanup()

8. Clumsiness Simulation

import random

def simulate_clumsiness():
    actions = ["drops a tool", "bumps into a wall", "falls over"]
    clumsy_action = random.choice(actions)
    print(f"Oops! Inspector Gadget {clumsy_action}.")

simulate_clumsiness()

Bringing It All Together

Inspector Gadget is an ideal mix of fun, functionality, and creativity. With the above components and code, your robotic detective is ready to investigate mysteries with flair. Explore further enhancements, such as integrating GPS for navigation or adding more retractable tools to the hat.

Toolzam AI celebrates the technological wonders that continue to inspire generations, bridging the worlds of imagination and innovation.

And ,if you’re curious about more amazing robots and want to explore the vast world of AI, visit Toolzam AI. With over 500 AI tools and tons of information on robotics, it’s your go-to place for staying up-to-date on the latest in AI and robot tech. Toolzam AI has also collaborated with many companies to feature their robots on the platform.

Toolzam AI encourages you to experiment and innovate while paying homage to this iconic character. Stay tuned for our next entry in the “100 Robot Series”!