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AI CodingRobot

Getting Started

Gather documentation supports two distinct ways of working:

  • Python development: write projects in the prepared gather-sdk workspace.
  • Project operation: run an installed robot project with its physical controls or documented operator interface.

Hardware Layer Order

  1. Compute: onboard Jetson running Ubuntu
  2. Control and safety: ECU, service buttons, lights, and E-stop
  3. Motion: motor drivers and wheels
  4. Perception: ZED camera
  5. Operator interface: physical controls and supported field interfaces

Python Development Path

1. Prepare the robot

Place the robot in a stable work area, keep its E-stop reachable, and have an instructor available before connecting equipment.

2. Open the local desktop

Connect an HDMI monitor, USB keyboard, and USB mouse directly to the robot. Follow Robot Access to sign in and open Terminal.

3. Open your workspace

cd ~/gather-sdk/projects
python3.10 -c "from gather_sdk import Robot, Camera; print('Gather SDK ready')"

The platform has already installed the SDK. Do not install from or edit an internal robot software repository.

4. Start with sensing

Use Camera Module first. Camera-only and sensor-only Robot programs help you learn the system without enabling motion.

5. Move only with supervision

Use the motion section of Robot Module only with an instructor, a clear area, and a reachable E-stop.

Project Operation Path

Use the guide for the project assigned to the robot:

Operator interfaces are project-specific. Do not reuse operator-control instructions as a way to access or configure the Ubuntu development environment.

Safety Check

Before any motion:

  1. Confirm the E-stop is reachable and the circuit reports healthy.
  2. Confirm the expected idle lights and control mode.
  3. Clear the wheel path and turn radius.
  4. Tell everyone nearby that the robot may move.
  5. Stop immediately if behavior differs from the guide.

Quick Troubleshooting

The local desktop does not appear

Check monitor power, HDMI input, cable seating, and robot boot state. Do not use a recovery port or open the enclosure; ask an instructor.

The SDK import fails

Use python3.10 from ~/gather-sdk/projects. Installation is managed by the platform, so an instructor should repair a missing package.

Robot motion is blocked

Do not bypass the check. Inspect the physical E-stop and reported safety status with an instructor.

A robot project behaves unexpectedly

Return to its documented stop or idle state and follow the project guide from the beginning.

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