Ultimate Guide: Elecfreaks XGO-Lite Robot Dog

Introduction

Welcome to the world of cutting-edge robotics with the ElecfreaksXGO-Lite Robot Dog, an extraordinary desktop-sized AI quadruped robot powered by the Raspberry Pi CM4 module. Designed for both education and entertainment, the XGO-Lite boasts impressive capabilities such as omnidirectional movement, six-dimensional posture control, and advanced AI features like face detection and speech recognition.

Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a student, or a seasoned developer, this versatile robot offers a unique platform for exploring the fascinating realms of robotics and artificial intelligence. Join us as we delve into the features, functionalities, and endless possibilities that the XGO-Lite Robot Dog brings to the table.

What is XGO-Lite Robot Dog

The XGO-Lite Robot Dog is a compact, AI-powered quadruped robot developed by Elecfreaks, featuring 12 degrees of freedom and an integrated gripper. It is powered by a Raspberry Pi CM4 module, making it suitable for AI edge computing applications.

This robot dog offers a range of advanced capabilities, including omnidirectional movement, six-dimensional posture control, and various motion gaits, allowing it to navigate and perform tasks with impressive agility and precision.

Designed for hobbyists, students, and tech enthusiasts alike, the XGO-Lite Robot Dog provides a comprehensive platform for learning and experimentation. Its versatility is evident in its support for multiple programming environments and its ability to perform complex AI tasks such as face detection and speech recognition.

These advanced features distinguish it from other educational robots, offering users a unique and powerful tool to explore the world of robotics and artificial intelligence. Whether used for educational purposes or personal projects, the XGO-Lite Robot Dog is an exceptional addition to any tech enthusiast’s collection.

What’s Inside the Box?

Each component is carefully packed to ensure you have everything needed to get started with your robot dog. The inclusion of accessories like the colored balls and cubes allows for immediate interaction and testing of the robot’s capabilities, providing a hands-on learning experience right out of the box.

• CM4 XGO
• A Charger
• Micro HDMI to HDMI cable
• Type C USB Hub
• Instruction Manual
• Colored Balls
• Bolt drivers
• Screws

Working of XGO-Lite Robot Dog

To start the robot, place it flat on its belly to avoid any joint problems, then press the power switch on its back. The ring light will flash quickly and then stay on as the robot stands up, showing it’s ready to use.

To turn it off, press the power switch again; the robot will lie down and the light will go out, indicating it has powered off. When the battery is low, the ring light will flash, signaling that it’s time to charge it using the included charger, which takes about 2 hours for a full charge. Make sure the robot is on a stable surface during these steps to avoid any movement issues.

Parts of XGO-Lite Robot Dog

Servo Motor

The XGO-Lite Robot Dog is equipped with high-performance motors called serial servos, which are used to control its movements.

Each leg of the robot dog has three of these servos, one each for the elbow, shoulder, and hip joints. This setup is similar to how real animals’ legs work, giving the robot a smooth and lifelike way of walking and moving.

The servos’ ability to provide feedback about their positions is crucial. It means the robot knows exactly how its joints are aligned at all times.

This feedback helps the robot perform complex movements and stay balanced, even when it encounters obstacles or changes in the surface it’s walking on. This advanced control system is what allows the XGO-Lite Robot Dog to move as naturally and stably as a real four-legged animal.

The Robotic Arm

The XGO-Lite Robot Dog features a robust and versatile mechanical arm with three movable joints, allowing it to bend and rotate in multiple directions, similar to a human arm.

This powerful arm can lift objects weighing over half the robot's weight, enabling it to perform various tasks such as picking up and moving items, interacting with objects, and executing precise, complex movements.

Its flexibility and strength make it ideal for educational purposes, helping students learn about robotics and engineering, and practical applications like sorting items, assembling components, and playing games. The mechanical arm significantly enhances the robot's capabilities, making it a valuable tool for learning and exploration.

CM4 Module

The CM4 module is a key component of the XGO-Lite Robot Dog, designed to enhance its functionality and user interaction. It includes;

• 2.0-inch IPS Color Display: This is a small, high-quality screen that shows clear and colorful images and information. It’s like the screen on your smartphone but smaller.
• Four Programmable Buttons: These buttons can be set up to perform different actions or commands. You can program them to do things like start a specific task, change settings, or switch between different modes of operation.
• 5-Megapixel Camera: This is a camera that can take high-resolution pictures and videos. It’s similar to the camera on a smartphone and is used for tasks like recognizing faces or objects.
• Digital Microphone: This microphone can pick up sounds and voices. It allows the robot to hear and respond to voice commands, making it interactive and responsive to its environment.
• Cavity Speaker: This speaker can play sounds and speech. It enables the robot to “talk” or make noises, adding to its interactivity.

The CM4 module’s main strength lies in its ability to support advanced AI functions like:

• Image Recognition: The robot can see and identify objects and people.
• Face Detection: The robot can recognize and respond to different faces.
• Speech Recognition: The robot can understand and respond to spoken commands.

These features make the CM4 module a powerful AI terminal, meaning it can handle complex tasks and interact with users in a more natural way.

Raspberry Pi CM4 Integration: The CM4 is a compact but powerful computer module. It provides the robot with strong processing capabilities, meaning it can run complex programs and handle multiple tasks at once. This makes the robot very versatile, able to perform a wide range of functions from simple movements to advanced AI tasks.

User Interaction: The display and buttons on the CM4 module allow you to interact directly with the robot. You can make quick changes, adjust settings, and get real-time feedback right on the robot itself, without needing an external computer or device. This makes it easy to control and use the robot in various situations.

Highlights of XGO-Lite Robot Dog

AI Capabilities

The XGO-Lite Robot Dog features advanced AI capabilities, including face recognition, object identification, and speech understanding, powered by its efficient CM4 module.

• Face Detection: The robot can look at a group of people and identify individual faces. This means it can recognize and remember different people, which can be useful for personalized interactions.
• Object Classification: The robot can look at various objects and identify what they are. For example, it can distinguish between a ball, a cup, or a book. This ability helps it to interact with and respond appropriately to different items in its environment.
• Speech Recognition: The robot can listen to spoken words and understand them. This allows you to give it voice commands, making it easier to control and interact with.

These AI functions enable intelligent interaction with the environment, making the robot an excellent tool for learning about AI and machine learning in a hands-on manner.

It supports graphical programming for beginners and Python for advanced users, providing flexibility for various skill levels. This allows users to develop custom applications and explore real-world AI scenarios.

The XGO-Lite's AI capabilities and programming support make it a powerful educational resource for understanding and experimenting with AI technologies.

15 Degrees of Freedom

The XGO-Lite Robot Dog features high-performance serial servos, essential for its advanced movement capabilities. These servos are precise actuators that provide real-time feedback to the controller, enabling accurate and consistent complex movements.

• 15 Active Joints

The robot has 15 active joints, with three servos per leg corresponding to the hip, shoulder, and elbow joints, allowing lifelike quadruped motion.

• Kinematics Decoupling

This feature enables independent control of the robot's body position and orientation, allowing it to adjust posture without changing its ground position, maintaining stability and balance.

• Omnidirectional Motion

Combining high-performance servos and kinematics decoupling, the robot can move smoothly in any direction and rotate on its axis.

• Smooth Gait in Any Direction

The control system synchronizes the movement of all 15 joints, ensuring a stable, natural gait, allowing the robot to walk, trot, and run like a real quadruped animal.

Self-Stabilization

The ELECFREAKS CM4 XGO Robot Dog Kit for Raspberry Pi features an advanced 6-IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) system, essential for maintaining stability and balance.

This system includes accelerometers and gyroscopes that measure the robot's acceleration and rotational movement along three axes. The collected data is fed into a closed-loop control system, where the robot continuously monitors its position and movement.

If discrepancies like tilting or unexpected movement are detected, the system adjusts the actuators to correct the position and maintain balance. This real-time feedback ensures the XGO Robot Dog remains stable, even on uneven or moving surfaces.

Connecting to Wifi

To get your XGO-Lite Robot Dog connected to your WiFi network, follow these detailed steps to ensure a smooth setup and optimal performance. This guide will walk you through configuring your router or mobile hotspot, troubleshooting connection issues, and accessing the robot’s control interface.

1. Configuring Your Router or Mobile Hotspot

SSID and Password :

• Set your router or mobile hotspot’s SSID (network name) to “XGO2”.
• Set the password to “LuwuDynamics”.

Network Frequency :

Ensure that your network operates on a 2.4GHz frequency or a mixed frequency (2.4GHz and 5GHz). The XGO-Lite Robot Dog is optimized for 2.4GHz networks, which provide better range and compatibility with IoT devices.

2. Connecting the Robot

• Upon powering on the XGO-Lite Robot Dog, it will automatically search for the network with the SSID “XGO2” and attempt to connect using the provided password.
• The robot’s indicator light will provide visual feedback on the connection status:Flashing Light: Indicates the robot is attempting to connect.Steady Light: Indicates a successful connection.

3.Accessing the Control Interface

• Once connected to the network, you can control the XGO-Lite Robot Dog using the XGOBOT app.
• Download and install the XGOBOT app on your mobile device from the appropriate app store (Google Play for Android or the App Store for iOS).
• Open the app and follow the on-screen instructions to connect to the robot. The app will automatically detect the robot on the network, allowing you to control its movements, access programming features, and utilize its AI capabilities.

Troubleshooting

If the XGO-Lite Robot Dog fails to connect to your network, try the following troubleshooting steps:

1.Double-Check SSID and Password:

• Ensure that the SSID is exactly “XGO2” and the password is “LuwuDynamics”. Both are case-sensitive and must match exactly for the connection to succeed.

2.Network Range and Strength:

• Make sure the robot is within range of your WiFi network. If the signal is weak, move the robot closer to the router or hotspot.
• Avoid placing the robot near large metal objects or other electronics that may interfere with the WiFi signal.

3. Network Compatibility:

• Confirm that your network is set to 2.4GHz or mixed frequency. Some routers may require manual configuration to enable 2.4GHz if they are set to 5GHz only.

4.Restart Devices:

• Restart both your router/hotspot and the XGO-Lite Robot Dog. Sometimes, a simple reboot can resolve connectivity issues.

5. Network Settings:

• Check your router’s settings to ensure it is not blocking the robot’s connection. Disable any MAC address filtering or parental controls that may restrict the robot’s access to the network.

6. Firmware Updates:

• Ensure that both your router and the XGO-Lite Robot Dog are running the latest firmware versions. Check the manufacturer’s website for updates and follow the instructions to update the devices if necessary.

By following these steps and tips, you should be able to successfully connect your XGO-Lite Robot Dog to your WiFi network and enjoy its full range of features and capabilities. If issues persist, refer to the user manual or contact customer support for further assistance.

Modes of Operation

1. Demo Mode

In Demo Mode, you can control the XGO-Lite Robot Dog using the buttons on its AI module. This makes it easy and fun to see what the robot can do without needing any other devices. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:

• A and B keys: These buttons are used to scroll through different options or actions that the robot can perform. Think of them as “up” and “down” arrows on a keyboard.
• C key: This button acts as an “exit” or “back” button. If you make a selection you want to undo, press the C key to go back.
• D key: This is the “confirmation” button. Once you’ve selected an action with the A and B keys, press the D key to confirm and execute it.

Demo Mode allows for a quick exploration of the XGO-Lite Robot Dog's capabilities through pre-programmed actions that demonstrate its range of motion and interactive features. You can make the robot walk in various directions, turn, and perform small tricks.

The XGO-Lite's omnidirectional movement and ability to maintain balance on uneven surfaces showcase its adaptability and stability. This mode offers a hands-on introduction to the robot's abilities, making it ideal for presentations or casual use at home.

2. RC Mode

In RC Mode, you can control your XGO-Lite Robot Dog using your mobile phone. Here’s how to set it up and what you can do with it:

Explore and Test: Use RC Mode to explore the robot’s environment. You can test how the robot responds to different commands and see how it handles various tasks and obstacles. Whether you’re navigating through tight spaces, picking up objects with its arm, or simply driving around, RC Mode provides a fun and interactive way to control your robot.

Download the XGOBOT App: First, download and install the XGOBOT app on your mobile phone. This app is available for both Android and iOS devices. You can find it by searching for “XGOBOT” in your phone’s app store.

Connect the Robot to the Network: Turn on your XGO-Lite Robot Dog and make sure it’s connected to your Wi-Fi network. The robot will automatically connect if the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) is set to “XGO2” and the password is “LuwuDynamics”. Ensure your phone is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Select RC Mode: On the robot’s AI module, use the buttons to navigate to the RC mode. The buttons on the module allow you to scroll through different options. Once you find RC mode, press the confirmation button to select it. The robot’s screen will display an IP address.

Enter the IP Address in the App: Open the XGOBOT app on your phone. It will ask for the IP address displayed on the robot’s screen. Enter this IP address into the app to connect your phone to the robot.

Real-Time Video Feed and Controls: Once connected, the app will show a real-time video feed from the robot’s camera. You’ll see what the robot sees, allowing you to navigate and interact with its surroundings remotely. The app has easy-to-use controls for moving the robot forward, backward, left, and right, as well as other interactive functions.

User-Friendly Interface: The XGOBOT app is designed to be user-friendly, with intuitive controls that make it simple to operate the robot. Even if you’re a beginner, you’ll find it easy to drive the robot around and explore its capabilities.

3. Programming Mode

In Programming Mode, you can make the XGO-Lite Robot Dog do exactly what you want by writing and running your own programs. Here’s how it works in simple steps:

• Connect to the Network: First, you need to connect the robot to your Wi-Fi network. This allows your computer to communicate with the robot.
• Enter Programming Mode: On the robot’s AI module (the small screen with buttons), use the buttons to navigate to Programming Mode. This puts the robot in a state where it’s ready to receive programming commands.
• Access the Programming Interface: Open a web browser on your computer and enter the IP address displayed on the robot’s screen. This will take you to the robot’s programming interface, which is a web page where you can write and test your code.
• Choose Your Programming Method:
• Graphical Interface: This is a user-friendly way to program the robot using visual blocks that you can drag and drop. It’s similar to puzzle pieces that fit together to form a sequence of actions.
• Python Library: For more advanced users, you can write programs in Python, a popular programming language. This method provides more control and flexibility over what the robot can do.

• Supported Environments: The robot supports various programming environments. One notable example is ROS (Robot Operating System), which is used for more advanced tasks like kinematics (how the robot moves) and dynamics (how the robot responds to forces).
• Endless Possibilities: Programming the robot opens up endless possibilities for customization and experimentation. You can make the robot:Perform specific tasks, like picking up objects or following a path.Respond to voice commands, adding an interactive element.Interact with its environment in complex ways, like avoiding obstacles or recognizing faces.

Conclusion

The XGO-Lite Robot Dog is a versatile tool ideal for educational and development purposes. It offers students hands-on learning in robotics, programming, and AI.

Educators can enhance lessons with interactive demonstrations, while hobbyists and developers can experiment and innovate with its advanced features. Suitable for students, teachers, and tech enthusiasts, the XGO-Lite provides a dynamic platform for exploring robotics and AI.