The NI Robotics CompactRIO Kit (NI RoCK) is based on the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) kits used for worldwide high-school robotics competitions. This platform is now available to academic institutions for use in teaching and research. The NI RoCK gives students the opportunity to design, build, and program an industrial-grade robot with professional software tools. You can use this educational platform in any robotics or mechatronics project-based course.
Students can use the NI LabVIEW software APIs and examples included in the NI RoCK to quickly retrieve data from sensors including accelerometers, encoders, counters, gyros, and cameras. They can easily control AndyMark actuators such as DC motors, servos, relays, solenoids, and compressors. Students can also take advantage of built-in VIs for network communication and low-level I/O. These software libraries are designed to run on the NI CompactRIO real-time processor. The software includes a fixed personality for the field-programmable gate array (FPGA), which students can use to access all of their I/O in real time, without the overhead of FPGA programming.
In addition to the 400 MHz processor and FPGA, the rugged CompactRIO system includes an 8-slot chassis for expansion of I/O modules, two 10/100BASE-T Ethernet ports, and an RS232 serial port for connection to peripherals.
Note: Customers who have purchased the NI RoCK are eligible for a special 12.5 percent discount on the AndyMark Kit of Parts. To receive this discount, call AndyMark at 765-868-4779 or email sales@AndyMark.com to place your order and provide your NI RoCK order number. For more information, see the AndyMark Kit of Parts for NI RoCK product page (under the Resources tab).
