Robot Access

Intro PythonVariables, loops, functions, imports, dictionaries, and basic debugging.

Before you start

An assigned Gather developer robot
An HDMI monitor and cable
A USB keyboard and mouse
An instructor available for hardware or login problems

Gather developer robots are prepared so you can work directly on the onboard Ubuntu desktop. You do not need remote-access software or the internal autonomy repository.

Learning Goals

You will learn how to:

Identify the developer-facing ports.
Open the robot's local Ubuntu desktop.
Find the prepared ~/gather-sdk/projects workspace.
Verify the beginner Python imports without moving the robot.

Before Connecting Anything

Place the robot on a stable, level surface.
Make sure it cannot roll into people or equipment.
Keep the physical E-stop visible and reachable.
Ask an instructor before unplugging a cable that is already connected.

External Port Guide

Port	Purpose
HDMI	Connect the local monitor
USB host	Connect the keyboard, mouse, or approved removable storage
Ethernet	Optional approved connectivity after local login
USB device/recovery	Instructor maintenance only; not a normal development method
Power and internal I/O	Instructor or technician use

Do not change Ethernet profiles, controller addresses, IP settings, network services, or controller configuration. An Ethernet port may already be part of the robot's control network.

Open The Local Ubuntu Desktop

Connect the monitor to the robot's HDMI port.
Connect the keyboard and mouse to USB host ports.
Set the monitor to the correct HDMI input.
Power on the robot using the instructor-approved startup procedure.
Wait for the Ubuntu desktop or login screen.
If prompted, sign in with the prepared local account:
- Username: gather
- Password: ag

Do not open the robot enclosure or use its recovery connection when the desktop does not appear. Use the troubleshooting steps below and ask an instructor.

Open The Project Workspace

Open the Terminal application and run:

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

Expected results:

pwd ends in /gather-sdk/projects.
Python prints Gather SDK ready.
The robot does not move. Importing classes never enables the motors.

Create all of your project files in this directory. The developer-platform update process preserves projects/ while instructors update the SDK around it.

Troubleshooting

The monitor is blank

Confirm the robot and monitor both have power.
Confirm the monitor is on the correct HDMI input.
Reseat the HDMI cable at both ends.
Wait for the robot to finish booting.
Ask an instructor before restarting or opening any hardware.

The keyboard or mouse does not work

Confirm it is connected to a USB host port, not a maintenance port.
Try another labeled USB host port.
Avoid hubs until the direct connection works.
Ask an instructor before unplugging an existing robot device.

Re-enter the prepared local account carefully.
Check Caps Lock and keyboard layout.
Ask an instructor to confirm the assigned robot's account. Do not reset credentials yourself.

`No module named gather_sdk`

Confirm the command uses python3.10. The SDK installation is managed by the developer platform; ask an instructor to repair it rather than installing from another folder.

Ethernet is not connected

Ethernet is optional for the basic Camera and Robot exercises. Do not create or edit a connection profile. Ask an instructor which external network, if any, is approved.