The Robot Audio Command Sequencer is a powerful tool for creating custom audio programs for vintage robots that use audio cassette tapes for command input. This software is compatible with Robie Sr. and OmniBot 2000 series robots, allowing you to create sophisticated movement sequences, lighting effects, and voice recordings.
Python 3.7 or higher
Required packages: pygame, numpy, scipy, sounddevice, soundfile
Microphone (for voice recordings)
Audio output device
Cassette recorder (for final robot programming)
pip install pygame numpy scipy sounddevice soundfile
Place the 8 robot command WAV files (wav1.wav through wav8.wav) in the same directory as the program
Run: python robot-audio-sequencer.py
Forward (3.4s) - Robot moves forward
Back (5.1s) - Robot moves backward
Left (4.2s) - Robot turns left
Right (4.5s) - Robot turns right
Light (0.5s) - Activates robot’s lights
Bleep (0.5s) - Robot makes a beep sound
SoundOn (0.4s) - Enables robot’s audio system
SoundOff (3.0s) - Disables robot’s audio system
Rest (Silent) - Creates a pause of specified duration
Voice Recording - Records and integrates your voice with automatic SoundOn/SoundOff wrapping
Import Audio File - Adds existing audio files (WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, M4A, AAC)
Click any command button to add it to your timeline. Commands are automatically positioned after the previous command.
Smart Spacing:
Identical consecutive commands (e.g., Right → Right) have no gap between them
Different command types have a 2-second separation for robot processing
The timeline shows your complete command sequence with color-coded blocks:
Green: Forward movement
Red: Back movement
Orange: Left/Right turns
Yellow: Light command
Purple: Bleep sound
Cyan: SoundOn/SoundOff
Pink: Voice recordings
Gray: Rest periods
Timeline Features:
Drag and Drop: Click and drag commands to reposition them
Mouse Wheel: Zoom in/out for detailed editing
Horizontal Scrolling: Navigate through long sequences using the scrollbar
Auto-scroll: Timeline automatically follows the red playhead during playback
Amplifies microphone input for better recording levels
Adjust before or during recording
Applied to both live recordings and imported audio files
Green: Good recording levels (-60dB to -20dB)
Yellow: Loud levels (-20dB to -6dB)
Red: Very loud - risk of clipping (-6dB to 0dB)
Aim for green/yellow levels for best quality
Set desired volume boost level
Click “Record Voice” to start
Speak into microphone while monitoring the level meter
Click “Record Voice” again to stop
System automatically adds: SoundOn → Your Voice → SoundOff
Set volume boost level
Click “Import Audio File”
Select supported audio file (WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, M4A, AAC)
File is automatically processed and added with SoundOn/SoundOff wrapper
▶ Play: Start sequence playback with visual playhead
⏹ Stop: Stop playback and reset playhead
Status Display: Shows current operation status
Clear All: Remove all commands (with confirmation)
Delete Selected: Remove the currently selected command
Selection: Click any command block to select it
Save Project: Export timeline as JSON file for later editing
Load Project: Import previously saved project
Export to MP3: Create final audio file for cassette recording
Click “Forward” → “Right” → “Forward” → “Light” → “Bleep”
Add a voice recording: “Hello, I am your robot!”
Click “Play” to test your sequence
Export to MP3 when satisfied
Use consecutive identical commands for extended actions (no gaps)
Add Rest periods for pauses
Combine turns with forward movement for complex navigation
Always use SoundOn before voice/audio content
Monitor recording levels to avoid distortion
Import pre-recorded messages for consistent quality
Use SoundOff to return to normal robot operation
Account for robot mechanical response time
Test sequences before final cassette recording
Use Rest commands to synchronize with physical actions
Create and test your complete sequence in the software
Export to MP3 or WAV format
Ensure good audio quality with no clipping
Use a high-quality cassette recorder
Set recording levels appropriately (not too loud)
Record your exported audio file to cassette
Test the cassette with your robot before final use
This software generates audio commands compatible with:
Robie Sr. robots
OmniBot 2000 series robots
Other vintage robots using similar audio cassette command systems
No sound during playback: Check system audio settings
Distorted recordings: Reduce volume boost, aim for green/yellow meter levels
Commands not working on robot: Verify WAV files are correct robot commands
Slow timeline: Reduce zoom level for better performance with long sequences
Memory usage: Close and restart application for very long sessions
Cannot import audio: Ensure file format is supported (WAV, MP3, FLAC, OGG, M4A, AAC)
Project won’t load: Check JSON file format and integrity
Start Simple: Begin with basic movement sequences before adding complex voice content
Test Frequently: Use the Play button to verify sequences before exporting
Monitor Levels: Keep voice recordings in the green/yellow range
Save Often: Use Save Project to preserve your work
Organize Commands: Use the visual timeline to plan complex sequences
Cassette Quality: Use high-quality cassette tapes for reliable robot operation
Compatible Robots: Robie Sr., OmniBot 2000 series
Audio Format: Cassette tape input
Software Version: 1.0