Neato D7: a base

[NetBUG]

Hi, just writing to set a point for myself.

Found an Neato D7 device in average condition (the rotary brush is worn and was stuck; managed to fix it).
The platform as is is not usable for hacking (fucking secure boot on TI Sitara), but it provides decent mechanical platform (DC motors, encoders, sensors) and even a Lidar (WIP in reversing how to use that induction-powered device).
Of course, mainboard is to be made (a CPU, e.g. Pi Zero W, an MCU, e.g. RP2040, and a bunch of DC drivers, MOSFETs and level converters; I'll follow the project considerations thoroughly). However, that's to some extent easier than plan all from scratch.

I think any scrapped robot vacuum can serve as a two-wheel platform with some basic motion and suction. Many have at least a bump sensor (Neato has four), an optical distance sensor (bump/dock/wall), some have speakers and lidars. That can be a base -- if you can source one.

[benpjohnston]

My D7 recently was bricked by Neato shutting down its servers/app. It's supposed to still work by pressing the go button (and not using the app) but mine just sits there flashing the wifi symbol.

Taking a device that was bricked unexpectedly after years of ownership and giving it a second life via open source would be poetic.