Home NASA software powers Raspberry Pi-driven Roomba that feeds a dog

NASA software powers Raspberry Pi-driven Roomba that feeds a dog

An ingenious developer has turned an old Roomba vacuum into his dog’s personal robot assistance, using “space-grade” Raspberry Pi software. Maker Joaquim Silveira managed to salvage his cleaner by buying a $7 version for spare parts. With an extra vacuum bot lying around, it didn’t take long for him to get creative. He stuffed an old Raspberry Pi into it and turned the Roomba into an AI-powered robot – one that automatically feeds his dog.

Using NASA software to make a Raspberry Pi-powered Roomba dog PA

Using the computer system, recycled components, and NASA’s Fprime framework, the Roomba was upgraded with AI object detection and a camera to recognize a dog and dispense food via a servo-powered dispenser and a used paper cup. It runs on an external battery pack and teams up with a 5V Arduino Mega, which acts as a level shifter.

Fprime, developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab, is a modular and reliable software framework made to handle the challenges of space missions. In a blog post, Silveira explains that this means developers can create flight software that can “manage spacecraft systems, execute commands, and respond to unexpected anomalies autonomously.”

The setup includes a user-friendly GUI that lets Silveira control the drone and monitor its stats easily. The Pi takes care of AI image recognition using TensorFlow. All the source code is available on GitHub.

According to Crunchbase, the software engineer is the co-founder of DPhi Space, which is developing ridesharing platforms to “democratize space access and provide affordable spacefaring infrastructure.”

Hence, it comes as no surprise that Silveira is attempting to turn one person’s garbage into another person’s treasure. The project, dubbed “Space Vacuum,” says it shows that “even a junky robot can be transformed into something practical.”

He adds: “It’s the kind of project that takes a small idea and turns it into a solution that makes life just a little bit easier.”

Featured image: Joaquim Silveira

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Suswati Basu
Tech journalist

Suswati Basu is a multilingual, award-winning editor and the founder of the intersectional literature channel, How To Be Books. She was shortlisted for the Guardian Mary Stott Prize and longlisted for the Guardian International Development Journalism Award. With 18 years of experience in the media industry, Suswati has held significant roles such as head of audience and deputy editor for NationalWorld news, digital editor for Channel 4 News and ITV News. She has also contributed to the Guardian and received training at the BBC As an audience, trends, and SEO specialist, she has participated in panel events alongside Google. Her…

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