Programming your Roomba with C# or VB.Net

Jul 29, 2006 3 Replies

For those of you that would like to take your Roomba to the next level, I have Developed some code in C# & VB.Net to control your iRobot Roomba vacuum from your computer.



The core of the code is a C# class that implements the iRobot Software Command Interface. (C# RoombaSCI) I also have 2 projects that use this C# interface, called Roomba-Term, and Roomba Monitor. Roomba Term is intended to be a diagnostic program that visually implements Roomba's SCI interface for purposes of education, & testing your roomba. Hopefully my code will kickstart you forward in developing your own Roomba programs.



Here is a link to irobot documentation

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I have a C# project located here:

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and a VB.Net project that focuses on Sensor stability (talks to the C# class) here:
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Next, you probably need some hardware to connect your computer to the Roomba:



you can either buy an RS232, USB or wireless interface:

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or create your own cable:
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or buy Roomba Add-ons:
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of special interest as well:

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As far as practical use: I suggest using Roomba as a platform to build a robotic arm or something else upon, using:

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Kevin Gabbert



doh! i forgot, you might not have C# handy in which to program you Roomba. Here is a link to the free version of C# to get your programming moving.

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snipped-for-privacy@gmail.com wrote:

Awesome!

I am blown away with all the available technology in this growing field that you are sharing with us. I only wish I were fifty years younger so that I could really get my hands into this stuff!

Wayne

Another cool product is the Mind Control. It's a small module that plugs into the Roomba and is C/C++ programmable. The Mind Control has an Atmel AVR processor inside of it. You program it with the open sources WinAVR GCC compiler. It also comes with a USB programmer and good documentation.

Check it out at:

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RoboMe

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