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iRobot® Create® 3 Hookup Guide

The iRobot® Create® 3 has a USB-C®1 connector implementing a USB 2.0 host capable of 5 V @ 3 A continuous, which can be used to power and communicate with various downstream devices. Here are some hookup examples.

Raspberry Pi®

The Raspberry Pi®2 mounting scheme does not match Create® 3's faceplate or cargo bay hole pattern; here are two 3D-printable mounts. The larger mount is more rigid but requires three times as much time to print.

Raspberry Pi® 4

Since the Raspberry Pi®2 4 has a USB-C® port capable of an OTG connection, a cable with a USB-C® connector on both ends is all that is required. The Raspberry Pi® is pictured in the cargo bay with the large mount, and the Adapter Board is removed from the robot for clarity. Hookup diagram for Raspberry Pi® 4

Raspberry Pi® 1-3 Model B

The original Raspberry Pi® through the Raspberry Pi® 3 do not have upstream (device) ports, so it's a little more difficult to connect and power them cleanly. We suggest using a USB-C® hub which includes an integrated USB to Ethernet adapter as the cleanest way to go. Hookup diagram for Raspberry Pi® 3B It's also possible to power the Raspberry Pi® using the USB-C® port on the Adapter Board with the help of a downstream connection adapter like this one and make the data connection over Wi-Fi.

Raspberry Pi® Zero

This should be the same as the Raspberry Pi® 4. The Micro-USB connector labeled "USB" is an OTG port capable of being an Ethernet Gadget; use a USB Micro B to USB-C® cable to connect it directly to the robot's Adapter Board. Hookup diagram for Raspberry Pi® Zero

NVIDIA® Jetson Nano™ 2GB

The Jetson Nano™3 2GB has a USB-C® port (J2) for power and a USB Micro-B port (J13) for downstream data. This can be connected to the Create 3 most simply using a USB-C® hub and two cables -- USB A to Micro-B and USB A to USB-C®. Hookup diagram for Jetson Nano™

NVIDIA® Jetson Xavier NX™ Developer Kit

The Jetson Xavier NX™ Developer Kit has a 5.5mm x 2.5mm barrel connector jack (J16) for power (9 V to 20 V) and a USB Micro-B port (J5) for downstream data.
This can be powered from the unregulated battery port of the Create® 3 adapter board by using a JST-XH female connector to DC barrel plug cable. The data connection is established by using a USB Micro B to USB-C® cable. Hookup diagram for Jetson Xavier NX™ Developer Kit

Mounting NVIDIA® Jetson Xavier NX™ Developer Kit

You can 3d print the mount adapter to place the Jetson Xavier NX Developer Kit in the cargo bay or on the faceplate.

Note

  • If you are 3d printing the above mount adapter, use support to support overhang areas. (slicing example)
  • You need four (4) M3 x 6mm screws; cap head is suggested.

  1. USB-C® is a trademark of USB Implementers Forum. ↩

  2. Raspberry Pi® is a trademark of Raspberry Pi Trading. ↩↩

  3. NVIDIA and Jetson Nano are trademarks or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation. ↩

  4. All other trademarks mentioned are the property of their respective owners. ↩