About Oktopod Studio

Oktopod Studio is an open source development platform for mechatronics, robotics and automation, which enables creating and controlling low voltage electronic devices, models and home applications. /in an extremely simple way/

We designed Oktopod Studio to be as user friendly as possible, which features plug-and-play analog outputs, digital inputs, DC and Servo motor drivers and a graphical user interface for PC and Andriod devices.

Using Oktopod Studio you don't need to be a programmer or an electronic expert to make your own robotic projects!

How does it work?

There are two parts of the system:
the hardware unit Oktopod_Board
and the software Oktopod_Control.

The connection between these two parts can be established through Bluetooth or USB.

HARDWARE: Oktopod_Board presents a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), which features plug and play inputs and outputs for connecting low voltage electronic devices, like: LED lights, DC & servo motors, electromagnets, switches, photo-, thermo- and magnetic sensors, and so on.

Technical characteristics:
- 8x Analog output (up to 3A)
- 2x DC motor driver
- 3x Servo motor driver
- 4x Digital inputs

Other: ATmega16 microcontroller, USB/Bluetooth communication modul, Power supply input 6-12 V (reverse polarity protected), On board 3 A fuse...

SOFTWARE: Oktopod_Control allows manual control or programming the board. There are PC and Android versions of the application, which both are open source!

In Manual Control mode, the software is used as a remote control for the board, like a virtual dashboard! The desired actions are executed in real time, by moving the sliders and pressing the buttons.

Programming the board is enabled by creating so called “WishList”. This presents a unique way of programming which you can get the hang of in just five minutes. When the board is connected, you just need to set the desired output actions, using the virtual dashboard, and add them to your WishList. When all of the actions are added to your list, just DOWNLOAD or click PLAY, and watch what happens!

What can you connect to the board?

Oktopod Studio can drive most of the low voltage electronic actuators:

  • Light bulbs
  • LED diodes
  • DC motors
  • Servo motors
  • Electromagnets
  • Buzzers

For the inputs you can use different sensors:

  • Switches and tasters
  • Temperature sensors
  • Light sensors
  • Magnetic detectors
  • Sound sensors
  • Humidity sensors
  • ...and any other sensos with digital output!

What do you need for using Oktopod Studio platform?

Oktopod studio is not a standard construction kit which includes predefined parts for building models. It provides a control system for your own creations, that can be built from whichever parts you can think of (bike lights, old printer motors, CD players, to name a few). No worries if you get stuck, we are here to help you!

For sure you will need:

  1. A PC and/or an Android phone for controlling and programming the board
  2. Basic tools, like screwdrivers , pliers, insulating tape, soldering gun, hot glue gun, etc.
  3. The internet, for help and downloads
  4. + Your idea

For more details you can read the user manual (Serbian). (English version available soon!)