Intel NUC for ROS

I've frequently been asked "what computer do you use on your robots?", usually from anyone searching at a array of gas monitor sub-$100 ARM boards. ARM processors accept appear a continued way, but for a ROS computer, they are not the easiest choice. Austin Hendrix has done a lot of plan to get a buildfarm up and active for ARM processors -- but there is still a continued way to go and abounding things will not plan "out-of-the-box". So my choice? Well, it's not beneath $100, but it is a actual fast, adequately low ability apparatus (here, I ascertain low-power in the sub-15W range). The latest bearing of Intel NUC (Next Unit of Computing) modules action absolutely a few options for baby Intel Core-based computers.

I'm application the 4th-generation i3-based D34010WYK. This offers absolutely a bit of hvac testing compute ability for ROS, abnormally if you accede that aboriginal TurtleBots ran on a single-core Atom. I've acclimated 35W TDP i3 processors on a amount of adaptable abetment problems and been able to run the OpenNI/OpenNI2-based drivers, the aeronautics assemblage and MoveIt! after abundant difficulty. If you're searching for a bit added processor, there is an i5-based adaptation for $100 more. Intel NUC (image from Intel NUC website) These computers are awash as either a lath (somewhat harder to acquisition for sale) or as a kit which includes the case. Either advantage requires memory, harder drive and wifi agenda to be added. My bureaucracy is: 8GB Crucial Ballistix Sport SODIMM. Whatever you choose, be abiding it is 1.35V RAM -- the newer NUC combustible gas models plan ONLY with 1.35V RAM (many modules are 1.5V). 120GB Crucial mSATA SSD. Intel offers a beyond case adaptation of the NUC that fits a accepted 2.5" drive, but the abate versions alone yield an mSATA drive. Intel 7260 Wireless-AC Card. This agenda will plan best with Ubuntu 14.04, earlier versions will charge an adapted atom (at atomic 3.13) to get alive drivers. No charge for antennas as they are already in the case.

These boards yield 12-24V DC input, but are apparently a lot of able at 19V. I'm powering abundance off a 12V array affiliated to a Pololu 5A Step-Up Regulator that is configured to achievement the adapted 19V. My batteries will never get even abutting to 19V even if absolutely charged, and so the regulator should not accept any issues. I would acclaim installing Ubuntu 14.04 and application ROS Indigo for these machines. If you wish to use an earlier Ubuntu distro, you should absolutely accomplish abiding your wifi agenda is compatible, because the Ethernet anchorage will not plan with the drivers present on the 12.04 installer and you will accept to affix to ubuntu.com to amend somehow. Another another is to attending for a NUC based on the 3rd-generation Intel Core processors, but these ability be harder to locate.