This tutorial come from Parallax, will show you how to control the Bluetooth Boe-Bot Robot using Microsoft Robotics Studio.
The Bluetooth Boe-Bot Robot Kit for Microsoft Robotics Studio (MSRS) is a Parallax Boe-Bot Robot and an A7 Engineering eb500-SER Bluetooth module. The eb500 module makes it possible for the Boe-Bot robot
Vex Robotics Design System is a robotic kit intended to introduce students as well as adults to the world of robotics. The Vex Robotics Design System is centered around the Vex Starter Kit (which retails for about USD $500). This kit comes with the Vex “brain” (a microcontroller), a hobby-grade remote control, various sensors (2 bumper sensor and 2 limiter switches), three electric motors and a servo, wheels (4 small, 2 medium all purpose, and 2 large high traction tires), gears, and structural parts. Additional sensors (ultrasonic, line tracking, optical shaft encoder, bumper switches, limit switches, and light sensors), wheels ( small and large omni-directional wheels, small, medium, and large regulars), tank treads, motors, servos, gears (regular and advanced), chain and sprocket sets, extra transmitter and receivers, programming kit (easy C) extra metal and rechargeable battery power packs,can all be purchased separately.
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If Mio Pup is making eyes at you, it’s because that’s how he communicates. This robotic Rover can walk, talk, play music, and more. And he lets you know exactly what he wants with his more than 100 “eye-cons”–images that light up in his eyes to express moods like happiness, hunger, love, and surprise. Standing about 10 inches tall, the futuristic friend is an interactive companion that uses technology to let owners know how he’s feeling.
Four touch sensors let Mio Pup know when you are petting him (and, again, his eyes will tell you how much he likes it). Tickling him under his chin may cause him to strut, wag his tail, wiggle his ears, or even play music. When Mio Pup’s eyes tell you that he’s hungry, you can “feed” him the included magnetic bone until his eye-con lets you know he’s had his fill.
Sure, Mindstorms NXT is a toy, but it is an important toy, like a piano or a chemistry set. It’s one of those items that engages an imagination and possibly opens doors to new interests. Since our future is surely to be shared with robots–it’s already started happening, just look at Roomba–those robots will need, at least initially, humans to program and maintain them. Those people, years from now, will likely remember their experiences with Lego Mindstorms.Out of the Box
The main part of the kit is the NXT itself. It’s about the size of an iPod (though a bit thicker) with a a loudspeaker, a monochrome LCD, and navigation keys on the front. This is the controller for the robot–it’s brain, if you will. It has three ports on top for connecting to the servo motors and four ports on the bottom for connecting to four different sensors: Touch, Light, Sound, and Ultrasonic (see detail below).
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The set includes Ethernet-like wires for connecting all of these to the NXT, as well as software and a basic USB cable for downloading programs from your computer. Then there are all the Lego parts, hundreds of them, and most are very small. It would be a good idea to get a plastic organizer for the different parts–it would not only make construction and storage easier but also part loss less likely.
Robosapien Version 2 is the next generation of Robosapien technology and personality from Wowwee. This new member of the robotic family comes with more advanced dynamic motion, interactive sensors, new program functions, speech capability, and a personality all his own. It’s clear from the start that he enjoys bowling, dancing, and having conversations.
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Movement
RobosapienV2 is able to walk forward in four different styles, or gaits. He normally uses his IR vision and touch sensors built into his feet and hands to avoid obstacles, but if put into bulldozer mode, he will walk forward or backward and try to push his way through anything.
Beyond controlling him manually with the included remote controller, RobosapienV2 can explore his environment independently in free roam mode. You can also direct his movements by using the remote’s targeting feature–just point the beam to a spot on the floor and he will walk toward it.
RobosapienV2 has been designed with a full range of motion. He can turn his head just like humans. So, too, can he turn at the hips and can move them forward and back and from side to side. RobosapienV2 can move each arm independently, and his hands can grab, pick up, and throw light objects, such as the included bowling balls and pins. He even comes preprogrammed with a selection of dance moves.
The Robonova I offers educators, students and robotic hobbyists a complete robot package. The advanced and stable Robonova I can walk, run, do flips, cartwheels, dance moves and once programmed, is ready to compete in any Robo One Class “J” competition. This kit version of the Robonova I allows you to enjoy building your new friend from the ground up. The Robonova I kit was designed for easy assembly in six to eight hours using only a screwdriver. On the other hand, if you prefer instant gratification, you can choose the Robonova I in a pre-built, ready-to-walk version.
Wowwee’s Roboreptile is an often startling robotic toy that, once you get the hang of its wonky controls, is actually pretty fun. Like other Wowwee robots, there’s a preprogrammed animation that goes off when it is first powered up. It’s impressive: growling, snapping jaws and a whipping tail. In short, Roboreptile looks like something out of the future and moves like something out of the past.
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The Roboreptile has infrared “vision” sensors where its eyes would be and stereo “hearing” sensors on the sides of its face. Its sounds, though a bit tinny, are menacing. During a tail swipe, it lets out a sort of Eagle cry, harkening back to the shared avian/reptile ancestry.
Controlling the Monster
Controlling the Roboreptile with the remote is a bit of a strain. First, because the remote uses an infrared beam and the pick-up sensor is located in its head. You won’t be able to control it from far away, and it’s difficult to control while walking away from you.
Build and program a high-quality, complex robot with a BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller runnig on a Board of Education project platform. With the Boe-Bot Robot kit you can do over 40 hands-on activities! Program your Boe-Bot Robot to navigate on its own with touch, light and infrared sensors. Easy to build and program and easily expandable, this Boe-Bot Robot kit will launch you into the world of robotics!
Product Features
Get hands-on experience with gears, batteries, motors, and electronic circuits as you build your own robotic beetle.
Bring science to life with this fun, engaging build-your-own-robot kit.
If you want to engineer a satellite tracking system someday, you have to start somewhere. How about learning circuitry with a Line-Tracking Mouse? This 6″ x 4-1/2″ robot has a transparent mouse-shaped plastic case over its electronics, making him almost 3″ tall. He has (3) photo interrupters that project infrared rays and distinguish between black and white. Assemble him and watch him follow a black stripe that you’ve drawn on white paper. The challenging kit involves soldering, but contains illustrated instructions and all the necessary electronic and mechanical parts to complete it. You provide household tools, soldering equipment, and (4) “AA” batteries. Only for ages 12 and up. Basic soldering skills required.
