Vector Examples Tutorials Projects

Anki Vector SDK examples aren’t easy to find as the SDK is very new. So we made this Anki Vector SDK tutorials, projects, and examples page. Let’s get Coding!

The Vector SDK was literally released today. So please keep in mind this is a living Draft that will be constantly updated. As we add more Vector example’s well add them here. If you have any examples please feel free share them via the comments!

If you read this, and it seems a bit over your head, check out our Ultimate Guide to Block Coding. You can program Cozmo in a much simpler format.

Updated Dec 15 2018

Vector Examples, Tutorials, and Projects

We will organize this so you can find Anki Vector SDK projects, examples, and tutorials according to certain categories. For example, we’ll sort the Vector examples, projects, and tutorials separately. We’ll also sort according to Python functions, Vector functions, and Vector features. For example, when sorting for Python we’ll look at examples that use loops, conditionals, etc. When looking at Vector features we’ll look at animations, the lift, etc. When looking at Vector functions we’ll look more at things like say_text() etc.

Examples will be pretty brief, giving a quick description and code for Vector. Tutorials will be much more in depth, and will take more work to write. Projects are ideas for things you can do at home or in the classroom.

Anki Vector Examples – Vector Functions

Here we will look at Anki Vector Python examples looking at specific functions.

anki_vector

• say_text()

anki_vector.anim

Find Vector examples of animations here. We will slowly be adding more and more examples using the anki_vector.anim class.

• play_animation()

anki_vector.behavior

For now this seems to be the area that Anki has focused on the most. We have a lot of commands to use in the Vector Behaviors. We have written several examples on how to use some of these behaviors, and more are on the way.

• dock_with_cube()
• drive_off_charger()
• drive_on_charger()
• drive_straight()
• go_to_pose()
• motion_profile_map()
• set_eye_color()
• set_head_angle()
• set_lift_height()
• turn_in_place()

anki_vector.camera

There is a lot of power in Vector’s camera. For now we are just scratching the surface with the possibilities. We will be writing more Vector examples that further utilize the camera. Kinvert loves modules like OpenCV and we’ll have some tutorials on that in the near future. Please stay tuned.

• enable_camera_feed
• anki_vector.Robot.camera.latest_image

anki_vector.events.Events

Events allow Vector to watch for certain things to happen and then react.

• audio_send_mode_changed
• cube_connection_lost
• nav_map_update
• object_appeared
• object_available
• object_disappeared
• object_finished_move
• object_moved
• object_observed
• object_stopped_moving
• object_tapped
• object_up_axis
• robot_observed_face
• robot_observed_object
• robot_state
• wake_word

anki_vector.motors

• set_head_motor()
• set_lift_motors()
• set_wheel_motors()

anki_vector.proximity

One of the great features of Vector over Cozmo is the distance sensor. This will help a lot in obstacle avoidance as well as other things like mapping.

• robot.proximity.last_sensor_reading.distance

anki_vector.screen

Kinvert anticipates more functions becoming available in the future when it comes to Vector’s camera. We have a few Vector SDK examples here and will be adding more.

In particular we are looking forward to when we can draw shapes and text on Vector’s face. This is currently possible in the Cozmo SDK and Anki will almost certainly add similar functions in the future. Check out Cozmo SDK Examples to see what might be possible for Vector in the future.

• convert_image_to_screen_data()
  • Text on Vector’s Screen
• convert_pixels_to_screen_data()
• set_screen_with_image_data()

Anki Vector Examples – Vector Features

Here is a list of Anki Vector examples based on the features of Vector. So for example, we’ve sorted these examples based on things you can control and sense with Vector. This includes Vector examples on the head, lift, backpack light, camera, and more.

Cube

• Vector and Cozmo Play Fetch – anki_vector.events.Events.object_tapped
• example 2

Drive

• Vector Figure 8 – anki_vector.Robot.behavior.drive_straight() and turn_in_place()
• Example – Drive Vector 2

Lift

Once Anki releases Custom Markers or improves their dock with cube command we’ll be adding more lift examples. For now the lift just doesn’t seem to do much. It functions fine, but without being able to dock with cubes reliably it’s still sort of meh. Give them time. It’s still Pre-Alpha.

• Vector Play Fetch
• Vector and Cozmo Play Fetch with Tapped Cube – set_lift_motor()

Anki Vector Distance Sensor

We are super excited about this. Cozmo really needed a distance sensor and Vector actually gets one. Kinvert is thrilled to see that Anki included the Proximity sensor in their Pre-Alpha.

• Anki Vector Distance Sensor – Proximity Verbal Ruler
• Vector Proximity Example 2

Backpack Light

I don’t yet see how to control the backpack light in the Pre-Alpha. Once we see this is updated we’ll make sure to add some examples here.

• Anki Vector Example – Vector’s Backpack Light 1
• Anki Vector Example – Vector’s Backpack Light 2

Animations

Animations are what brings Vector to life and we’re excited to bring you some Vector examples with animations in them. Check them out below.

• Anki Vector Animations 1 – anki_vector.anim.play_animation()
• Vector Example – Vector Animations 2

Camera

This camera seems much much better than the one in Cozmo. I plan to have some OpenCV examples out in the not too distant future.

• Vector Camera Stream on Screen with latest_image
• Example – Vector’s Camera 2

Face

The new color IPS Display opens a lot of possibilities. We can’t draw text and shapes yet but we can display images. Here are some examples that Kinvert wrote using the Vector SDK and the camera.

• Displaying Image on Vector’s Screen using convert_image_to_screen_data and set_screen_with_image_data
• Slideshow Using convert_image_to_screen_data and set_screen_with_image_data
• Display Text on Vector’s Screen With PIL
• Rainbow Eyes using robot.behavior.set_eye_color
• Pulsating Eyes Using robot.behavior.set_eye_color

Head

Move the head to change the camera angle, or give Vector a bit of personality. You can find examples below that show you how to move Vector’s head.

• Making Vector Nod – anki_vector.Robot.behavior.set_head_motor()
• Anki Vector Example – Vector’s Face IPS Display 2

Touch

Using the capacitive touch sensor in the SDK.

• Playing Fetch With Vector Robot – robot.touch.last_sensor_reading.is_being_touched
• Cozmo and Vector Can Talk To Each Other – robot.touch.last_sensor_reading.is_being_touched

Vector Cube Examples

Not much to see here yet. Coming soon 🙂

• Anki Vector Play Fetch – dock_with_cube()
• Anki Vector Example – Vector’s Cube 2

Anki Vector Examples – Python Based

Here we will look at using things like for loops, if / else statements, and more in working examples. For example in case TKinter isn’t installed we use a try except to cleanly exit the program. At Kinvert we believe students learn best by seeing real working Vector examples.

For Loops

We have some Vector examples that use for loops which you might find helpful.

• Vector Nod
• Vector Figure 8
• Slideshow on Vector’s Face
• String List Python With For Loops
• Nested For Loops
  • Vector Rainbow Eye Color

While Loops

Here are some Vector examples that use a while loop to make them work.

• Vector Nod
• Playing Fetch With Vector
• Cozmo and Vector Recognize Each Other

Lists

To make these programs work we used lists.

• Vector Figure 8
• Slideshow on Vector’s Face

PIL Module

• Anki Vector Text on Screen – ImageDraw.Draw()

Events

• Vector and Cozmo Play Fetch with Tapped Cube

Useful Links

https://developer.anki.com/blog/features/interview/from-stem-to-learn/

Anki Vector SDK in Python

Anki Cozmo vs Vector Comparison Chart

How to Replace Cozmo and Vector Cube Battery

Have a Cozmo but not a Vector? Check out the Anki Cozmo SDK and our Anki Cozmo Examples Projects and Tutorials.

Please ask questions and leave feedback in the comments!

If you’re a beginner and Python isn’t your thing take a look at What is Robotics, Block Coding, and Age to Teach Kids Python.

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