Chapter 1: Getting Started
Last revision 2026/01/13
This article introduces the Intel Edison microprocessor, emphasizing its small size, integrated Wi-Fi, and utility for developing portable wireless devices. It showcases innovative projects like the Devastator Tank and Romeo for Edison, highlighting the technology's versatility and potential in robotics.
Meet Intel Edison
The Intel Edison is a powerful microprocessor with integrated Wi-Fi module. Its size is amazingly as small as a postage stamp. With its powerful computing capability and extremely low energy cost (as low as 1W), it‘s an excellent tool for portable wireless device studying and developing. Comparing with the first electronic general-purpose computer, the ENIAC, which was as large as 2.4m x 0.9m x 30m and weighed 27 tons, you will definitely be amazed by the improvement brought by our modern technology. Just as those big events in the time line below, the invention of Intel Edison may bring us the same amount of excitement.
Bring your cup to life!
Wants to interact with your Facebook friends through a cup? Here it is! With a few electronic components and a simple program, this cup is now able to send notifications through its LED indicator when a massage pops up on your Facebook page.
The Devastator Tank Mobile Platform
The Devastator Tank Mobile Platform is a set of robotic kits controlled by the Intel Edison microcontroller. Its outstanding mobility allows it to travel over various terrains. With an ultrasonic distance sensor and a two-DOF cradle head, the Devastator is able to detect and avoid obstacles. Moreover, Equipped with integrated Wi-Fi module, it can be attached to internet and connected to your own devices so that you can control its motion and view the real-time images captured by its camera wirelessly.
Romeo for Edison
Arduino platform is an open source platform. Due to its simplicity and functionality, it has been widely used in smart device development. Based on Arduino platform, we developed the Romeo for Edison, a more powerful, functional and user friendly expansion board exclusively designed for robotic uses. The Romeo for Edison micro Expansion board integrates a 2-path motor driving module and a servo driving module in an ID-card sized mother board, which largely simplifies the circuit connection and saves a significant amount of space. Together with its 14 Digital output pins with optional external power supply and 6 analog input pins, building a robot would never be so easy.
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