Microchip Technology ATABOT

Overview

ATABOT from Atmel Corporation is a chassis assembly guide (document ABOT-0004) for the Abot educational robot platform, specifying mechanical integration of HSR-1425CR continuous rotation servos and Pololu-carried Sharp GP2Y0D810Z0F digital distance sensors, with 2–10 cm sensing range, 2.7–6.2 V operation, and PWM-controlled motor actuation at 4.8–6.0 V.

For engineers reviewing the ATABOT datasheet, ATABOT pinout, ATABOT application, or ATABOT equivalent, this document supports hardware integration of servo-driven mobile robotics platforms using Atmel-based control units such as ATAVRRZRAVEN and ATMEGA1284P-XPLD, with emphasis on mechanical alignment, sensor mounting, and power routing.

Technical Context

The ATABOT guide defines physical integration of two key subsystems: dual HSR-1425CR servos (1500 µs neutral pulse width, ±50 µs tolerance, 20 ms frame period) and a GP2Y0D810Z0F-based digital distance sensor (2.56 ms typical response, active-low output, 5 mA typical current draw).

It specifies mechanical interfaces-including 2 mm drill holes for wheel-horn assembly, Velcro-based sensor/battery mounting, and bracket-to-chassis fastening-alongside wiring guidance for 3-pin header connections to control units, without defining electrical schematics or firmware logic.

Key Specifications

Availability

ATABOT is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for educational robotics, STEM prototyping, and entry-level autonomous navigation platforms requiring stable component supply, repeatable mechanical build instructions, and interoperability with Atmel AVR development kits.

Supply support for ATABOT includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.

Manufacturer

Atmel Corporation (now part of Microchip Technology) designed and published microcontroller-based embedded solutions, including AVR and ARM-based MCUs, for industrial, consumer, and educational applications.

The ATABOT document belongs to Atmel's educational robotics support portfolio, intended to accelerate hands-on learning and rapid mechanical prototyping of mobile robots using their MCU evaluation platforms.

FAQ

What is the ATABOT and what does it contain?

ATABOT is Atmel's official ABOT-0004 Chassis Assembly Guide - a 12-page mechanical integration document covering step-by-step assembly of the Abot robot chassis, including specifications and mounting instructions for HSR-1425CR servos and Pololu-carried GP2Y0D810Z0F distance sensors. The ATABOT does not include PCBs, components, or firmware.

Which control units are compatible with the ATABOT assembly instructions?

The ATABOT explicitly references Atmel development kits including ATAVRRZRAVEN (Raven) and ATMEGA1284P-XPLD (Xplained), confirming compatibility with AVR-based control units that support 3-pin servo and digital sensor interfacing. The ATABOT provides mechanical mounting guidance-not electrical interface schematics-for these units.

Does the ATABOT specify electrical connections or pin assignments for the servos or sensor?

Yes - the ATABOT documents servo wiring (Red = VCC, Black = GND, Yellow = PWM signal) and sensor pad layout (square pad = GND, middle pad = VIN, remaining pad = OUT). It confirms the GP2Y0D810Z0F output is active-low and specifies 2.7–6.2 V operation. The ATABOT does not define microcontroller-side pin mapping.

What is the sensing range and response time of the distance sensor covered in the ATABOT?

The ATABOT specifies the Pololu-carried Sharp GP2Y0D810Z0F sensor has a 2–10 cm detection range and a typical steady-state response time of 2.56 ms (max 3.77 ms). This timing enables real-time obstacle avoidance at low robot speeds. The ATABOT confirms the sensor outputs a digital voltage level, not analog.

Is the ATABOT intended for automotive or safety-critical applications?

No - per Atmel's official disclaimer included in the ATABOT document, Atmel products (and associated documentation like ATABOT) are expressly excluded from automotive use and are not warranted for life-support or safety-critical systems. The ATABOT is intended solely for educational, hobbyist, and prototyping applications.