Plan A, Part 1, Step 1. In the beginning.......

As mentioned in the blog description the plan is to work towards having a robot that autonomously moves, avoiding obstacles, and eventually performs a useful task.

I have chosen to start with an Alix3d3 single board PC from www.pcengines.ch
This board is available in Australia from www.wifiproducts.com.au

Initial task was to get the Alix3d3 single board PC to communicate with Open-USB-IO board, switch on lights, read the state of switches, and measure voltage level at analogue inputs.

Alix3d3 is running the 'Voyage' linux distro which is debian based. Check out http://linux.voyage.hk/

Open-USB-IO is an Australian open source (software & hardware) project. Reference for more information is http://pjradcliffe.wordpress.com

In the attached picture you can see illuminated LEDs on the USB-IO board and voltage reading at the multimeter.
The Alix3d3 is in the bottom left of the picture, and the Open-USB-IO board just down from centre.
Alix3d3 uses compact flash for program memory, has a VGA output, and can be accessed via either serial port, or USB keyboard. It also has audio input / output ports.

Next I will be looking to re-house the Alix3d3 and USB-IO board and try and get back in to Python to see how I might be able to control the IO board from within Python.
In addition I need to decide on a layout for the robot. I am not sure yet whether to go with the popular two wheel, two motor drive combination with free castor wheel or something different.
Size is another consideration. Making the platform big allows for expansion and provides flexibility, keeping it small makes it easily portable, reduces power requirements, etc.