Micah Carrick is not your average robotician (is that a real word?) He has now created the 5th generation of his FailureBot, a project that involves a "build a line" robot. After studying datasheets and searching through parts, he came up with the FB on a limited budget and from scratch. Kudos to him and his brainwaves. Hit his site and get extensive details.
Robots have been around longer than most of us think. Tanaka Hisashige, of the Edo period in Japan (1603-1867) originally created this Bow-Shooting Boy as part of a series of Karakuri mechanical dolls. They were made for rich feudal lords and merchants. Even today they are mounted on floats during festivals in the country. The lad loads the arrow, pulls the bow, and shoots. Now you can build your own Gakken model. The toy is 150 x 160 x 250 mm and weighs 970g and can be your best friend for ¥9,800 (~$91.00.)
H.A.L.E. to Celebrate 10 Years of Lego Mindstorms NXT
Nevada Space Grant, Energizer, the University of Nevada-Reno and National Instruments have teamed together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of
Lego Mindstorms NXT. College professors, middle school students, and Mindstorms freaks in general are planning on launching several of the bots today to collect data and explore Earth's atmosphere. All concerned are hoping to set a world record with H.A.L.E. (High Altitude Lego Extravaganza.)
The robots will be inserted into 2 weather balloons, launched outside Reno, and will go as high as 100,000 feet up. After the balloons burst, the NXTs will parachute back down to the planet.
There have been other robots that can solve the Rubik's Cube, and now Hans Anderson has programmed his Lego Mindstorms NXT to do the same. The Tilted Twister has a set of sensors that detects when holds the puzzle, then calculates the moves. Using algorithms, the Twister can solve the cube in an average of 60 moves in about 6 minutes. While it may not be as fast as Rubot II, it certainly will beat most humans. Being the decent guy that he is, Anderson is sharing his instructions and plans with anyone who wants them.
What does Pixar's Angus MacLane do to ward off stress? Sometimes, he plays with Legos like the rest of us. He built this Wall-E in about 7 hours over a 3 year span at the same time the robot was being built in the computer. Part of the delay came in waiting for tracks to be released. His problem was solved when the Wookie Attack Set became available. Although he is not happy enough with the eyes on his robotic model, we think it would be hard to build a better Wall-E.
If you live in Southeastern Michigan and have an interest in robotics, Rocks and Robots is a combination science and adventure program for ages 7 - 17 who want more to do with their summers than hang around the house. They offer summer camps, workshop weekends, and special events designed around kids' brains and bodies. Those who are only interested only in robotics can take part in a "Mayan Adventure" by building a Lego NXT Mindstorm and exploring a pyramid. If it sounds intriguing, contact Katie Tilton at 734-645-0211 or visit their site for rates and more information.
Instructables has teamed up with RoboGames to create a Robot Contest. Come up with your most creative idea, build it, submit with detailed plans and pix, and you could win a trip to RoboGames 2009. The second place winner gets a RoboPhilo Walking Android Kit and a Robot prize package. There are also some other cool prizes, so check out their site to get contest instructions and official rules. Submit your entry by July 13.
Talk about awesome! The team at bit-tech came up with their own Wall-E to celebrate his coming out. They used an old Gamecube, added a movable platform, acrylic, and plexiglass, then airbrushed their mod for the complete effect. Both his arms and legs are movable. We understand that even some of the folks at Pixar got to see their creation. Props to the clever designers.
VEX Robotics is an excellent source for students who want to learn more about the science. Not only do they offer instructional tools and materials, they also host a yearly competition. Teams can take part in the next one which is being held the end of the summer. These events take place in many different cities, states and countries, and the fee is only $75.00 to register a team. The next time your science teacher suggests that it's time to dissect a frog, tell him/her that you would rather win accolades by taking part in the 2008/2009 Challenge.
And yet another kewl gadget devised by someone using Lego's NXT Mindstorm has been introduced. Mike D'Amour had the original idea, and Will Gorman built and kindly provided instructions so that you can build your own toilet flushing robot. The RoboFlush gives you the option of a manual flush as well. If the duo could figure out how to get it to clean the thing, now that would be worth the investment.
We know that every time you see a robotics competition taking place you would rather participate than watch. So here's the thing. Stop being a Monday Night Football couch potato and hit the Zagros Robotics site. For a mere $139.95, you can create your own RFL (Robotic Football League) wireless player. Check out these features:
Built-in Wireless 2.4GHz
IR emitter/detector
Speaker and voice synth chip
Four high speed, high torque motors
PIC controlled
Think of it this way. You can feel the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat personally rather than living vicariously through the boob tube.
If you always wanted to build your own bot, but won't admit you are geeky enough, a good place to start is the Society of Robots. The site has step-by-step tutorials, articles from other members, links to journals and conferences, and sources to help you find materials to create your new best friend. The SoR also helps you to incorporate hardware such as batteries, sensors, microcontrollers, and other materials. Their forum can help you ask real people real questions, unless you can get your bot to do it for you.
We know that there are just as many adults as kids that dig Lego's Mindstorm NXT, so we applaud the efforts of Anders Søborg's NXT Image Scanner. Utilizing a HiTechnic color sensor, the scanner saves in 24-bit true color, 8-bit color, or gray scale. The design also has a small LCD menu to set up properties. Best of all, Anders shares his knowledge with the world, so the very least we could do is pass on his instructional DIY video.
We have found a DIY Kit that will surely ace you through your science fair, or make a charming companion when no one else is interested. The BotBrain Animatronic Head turns right and left and has a mouth that changes expressions. It can move its eyes and eyelids and features sensors for environmental reactions. At a whopping $449.00, the BotBrain is temporarily out of stock, but pre-order to get your own kit in time for the next geekfest. If that's a bit pricey, check out the Discovery Channel's Kit, although we have to admit their bot doesn't have the same charm.
FailureBot Walks the Line
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