robotics

Ha, fun!
The problem with an autonomous robot is deciding what you want it to actually do.

I have a nice area of flat roof on the house...I did consider a robot which would run around up there chasing the squirrels which run across it making a loud thump-a-thump-a- thump as they go.

It's really a matter of looking at the inputs and outputs. So in my example above I'd need.
1. Edge of roof detection.
2. Squirrel movement detection.
3. Solar cells for charging.
4. Rain detection...maybe it could go and hide under my solar panels if it is raining?
5. Drive motors and/or steering.
6. Maybe some sort of comms link for programming or just a replaceable chip.
7. Battery low/problem alert...could litterally be a flag that pops up.

Anyhow..once you have mapped out the inputs and outputs, allow a couple extra of each for expansion and start building.

Del

Like previously mentioned, the first thing is to know exactly what you would like for your robot to do. Also, budget is a factor as the more sensitive of a robot you'd like the cost grows at a logarithmic rate. It is possible to build one of these with the right mindset of adhering to what your plans for it are. Also i'd recommend using an 8051 microcontroller or a few =P You should post up exactly what it is you'd like to do and your background in electronics/programming and I think the forum could better direct you.

Regards,

P-

Please visit www.artecrobotics.com; I'm located in Chennai and have successfully Guided numerous Student Projects involving "Autonomous" Guided Vehicles.It's the Decision making ability in an unstructured environment that distinguishes "Autonomy" (free of Human intervention) for the Robot (Control functionality) and it can be achieved to a limited extent by even "Hardwired" logic instead of "embedded" software. You could think of building an ANT robot capable of following a line with just a couple of "Comparators" and amplifiers.

Your thinking in this direction is certainly appreciable and well worth encouragement.

D.Ramakrishna Naidu

hello sir..

thanx fa ur encouragement..i'm saiteja from guntur,a.p;studyin ece 2nd year in sastra university...

i would like to do for iitm 's shaastra..robotics competition.. in thati got a problem statement ''emergency exit'' fa that i need to do one auto robo , and one manual robo.. if u can help me reg. that project please help me..

thanking u sir,

I will be glad to help you and your team (if you have formed one).

Please update me on details of last date of submission of the working models to IIT-M, so that we can plan accordingly.We would need to do a "Brainstorming" at Chennai,to quickly firm up the details of what type of Robots to build.I'm sure, these have to be your ORIGINAL efforts (made from scratch by you/your team) and not put together from kits.

Please indicate to me the time available for the projects and when you can visit our office, at the earliest, so that I can adjust my schedules to accommodate your requirements. There will be no professional charges by me but all other material and labour costs (to make and build the components) will have to be borne by you.Since the assembly and testing will have to be done by you under my direct supervision at my office, you may have to be in Chennai for that duration.

Best wishes

D.Ramakrishna Naidu

We had a long discussion with a gal who was building a line following model car about a year ago. This sounds like it might be similar. Now if I could only figure out how to dig it out of the archives... Anyone know how to fish that info out??

Bill

There are companies around the world that sell simple kits that you put together yourself if you are up to simple soldering, electronics/electrics and some simple mechanics. Might this be a better way to start as all parts are supplied in one kit!!! No searching around!

Here's a good place to start, at least for learning concepts.

http://www.parallax.com/tabid/411/Default.aspx

If you stick with it, I'd look at other microcontrollers as well though.