HardwareFreaks

Tag: DIY Robotics

  • Oomwoo is a new open-source robot vacuum you can 3D print yourself, sidesteps cloud security risks by running fully offline — project combines Raspberry Pi, 2D LiDAR, and a 3D-printed chassis

    The future of smart home robotics isn’t just coming—it’s being built by the community. Maker’s Pet has officially launched oomwoo, an open-source robot vacuum that empowers users to design, build, and own their own intelligent cleaning device.

    Oomwoo is not a mass-produced gadget; it is a complete framework designed for tinkerers who want complete control over their technology. The system operates by using an inexpensive 2D LiDAR sensor to map the home environment before navigating, all powered by a Raspberry Pi and the robust navigation stack provided by ROS 2 and the Nav2 framework. Crucially, oomwoo integrates natively with Home Assistant, bringing localized intelligence directly into the smart home ecosystem.

    What truly sets oomwoo apart is its commitment to open source. The entire system—the hardware design, firmware, and software—is released under the permissive Apache 2.0 license, allowing anyone to inspect, modify, and contribute to its evolution. This philosophy extends beyond the code; the robot can be printed using a regular desktop 3D printer, turning complex engineering into accessible physical reality.

    The development process is inherently community-driven. The project is structured in a way that allows contributors to work on self-contained modules, submitting their innovations as pull requests. While Maker’s Pet offers a convenience kit, the intention is clear: participants should be able to source every component independently.

    Currently, oomwoo is progressing through an exciting request-for-comments stage. The initial version, v0, already delivers significant functionality, including a 3D-printed chassis, a ROS 2 Gazebo simulation environment, and basic LiDAR mapping with manual SLAM. The team is still exploring optimal compute choices, weighing options like the Raspberry Pi 5, an ESP32 running micro-ROS, or a combination of both.

    Looking ahead, plans involve delivering comprehensive build materials, printable files, refined firmware, and even a custom PCB design. A Bill of Materials (BoM) is targeted for release around mid-July, marking the next phase in turning concept into tangible hardware.

    This approach addresses a growing pain point in the smart vacuum market: security and control. The typical path to cloud-free control often involves rooting proprietary vendor firmware, which can void warranties and introduce serious security vulnerabilities. Concerns about remote hijacking and data exposure have been highlighted by researchers who have demonstrated how external access could compromise numerous robot vacuums.

    Oomwoo fundamentally eliminates this potential attack surface. By relying on local sensor navigation—using 2D LiDAR and bumper sensors to map the space without needing external connections or cloud dependence—the design sidesteps the security risks associated with proprietary systems. It offers a pathway for enthusiasts to develop smart devices that are not only functional but also inherently secure, giving users true autonomy over their technology.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware

  • Modded Steam Controller can automatically charge itself like a robot vacuum — enthusiast creates GitHub program that uses the vibration motor to walk it back to its docking station

    The Robot Vacuum for Your Gaming Gear: How One Programmer Taught Your Controller to Charge Itself

    Tired of wrestling with charging cables and trying to perfectly align your Steam Controller with its docking station? For gamers, the routine often involves a frustrating hunt for the right alignment—a process that can feel like an obstacle course designed purely to annoy. But what if your gear could simply navigate itself? A clever combination of programming and computer vision has brought this futuristic idea to life: a web application that turns your Steam Controller into a self-guiding agent, making the mundane task of recharging nearly effortless.

    Meet the Auto-Charge Vision Tracker, a brilliant project created by an aerospace worker and programmer. This ingenious system uses a camera and computer vision to solve the frustrating alignment problem, guiding the controller back to its charging puck automatically as soon as you place it down on your desk.

    How does this digital assistant operate? The application functions entirely within your web browser, meaning there is no need for complicated software installations. All you need is to connect your Steam Controller and position a camera directly overhead your workspace. By simply clicking the puck, the front, and the back of the controller, the system uses its powerful built-in motors to make the device creep toward its docking station, ensuring a smooth and accurate charge.

    This innovative solution taps into an interesting use case for the Steam Controller’s haptic motors, which are typically designed to deliver tactile feedback to gamers. Instead of just providing vibration alerts, this application leverages those motor capabilities to facilitate physical movement, creating a system that functions much like a miniature robot vacuum.

    While other projects have explored using the controller’s rumble motors to drive devices across the floor, this vision-based approach is unique. Where other methods require manual intervention or complex programming for driving directions, the Auto-Charge Vision Tracker uses visual data to autonomously determine location and execute a precise return path.

    The motivation behind this development was simple: to make the recharging experience less tedious and more comfortable. While the system ensures proper alignment, creators have also noted that further refinements are possible. Some suggest adding rubber feet to the controller to prevent surface abrasion caused by movement on the desk and potentially improve acceleration and handling.

    This project shines as a testament to the open spirit of the gaming community, echoing Valve’s commitment to providing users with accessible tools. Valve recently released the CAD files for the Steam Controller and Puck in May 2026, encouraging users to build custom accessories. Projects like the Auto-Charge Vision Tracker demonstrate how enthusiasts can take that creative energy and turn it into practical, highly personalized solutions for everyday frustrations.

    If you are curious about seeing this technology in action, the program’s files are readily available on GitHub, allowing anyone to play around with the code and even create their own version. It’s a perfect example of how seemingly small technical fixes can deliver a surprisingly large amount of convenience for those who spend their time gaming.

    Credit: Tom’s Hardware