This is the newest addition to the family. MALaD is a 3pi robot from Pololu and it is awesome. It's specialty is in using line following and maze solving algorithms to solve those problems -- both of which i have tried and successfully tested using both C and the C++ programming languages.
The 3pi robot makes a great platform for people with C programming experience to learn robotics, and it is a fun environment for ambitious beginners to learn C programming. At its heart is an Atmel ATmega168 microcontroller running at 20 MHz with 16KB of flash program memory and 1KB data memory, enough space to run complicated programs. An extra 512 bytes of persistent flash memory is provided on the microcontroller for data logging or long-term learning applications. The popular, free GNU C/C++ compiler works perfectly with the 3pi, Atmel’s AVR Studio provides a comfortable development environment, and an extensive set of libraries provided by Pololu makes it a breeze to interface with all of the integrated hardware. The 3pi is also compatible with the popular Arduino development platform. We provide a number of sample programs to show how to use the various 3pi components, as well as how to perform more complex behaviors such as line following and maze solving.
Here he is on a simple line-following task using the NXT line map. i will post a video of him solving a maze, a very crude maze, that i designed. As crude as the maze is, the task was still accomplished successfully.
The image above depicts the use of RFID and sound on the NXT brick. This simple program starts out with implementing the RFID sensors and connecting them to a Logic block. The input we are looking for in this case is the 'AND' operator. We then connect to a Switch block which contains our first sound (can be any sound) and a simple motor movement. When we pass the RFID keyfob (any) transponder before the RFID sensor, out robot plays a sound and moves forward.
The second stage of the program does pretty much the same thing, in reverse, but with one key exception; we use a second keyfob transponder. This was done to experiment with using multiple transponders to see how it would work. The key thing to remember when using multiple transponders is to be certain to do a "Live Update" and click the "Current Transponder" button in order to uniquely identify each transponder. Sound, movement, just about anything is possible using RFID on the NXT.
So i had a chance to finally play around with the RFID sensor. Yeah, yeah! It is certainly exciting. The RFID sensor was easy to implement and use, once imported. Importing was easy as well, i simply used the built-in block 'Import and Export' wizard.
With that in mind, here is a simple program that illustrates how to control the NXT with RFID.
Start out by displaying a message. Then, implement the RFID sensors and connect them with Data Wires. Pass the value from the RFID sensors to Data Wires on a Compare Block that will determine the state in which the robot is in, i.e., 'Stop' or 'Go'. We then connect the Data Wires to a switch which contains our movement. The movement in this case is simple, just a 'jog' forward, say something ("Bravo", in this case), and then execute a sharp left turn. That's about that.
How It Works: Run the program, and then pass the RFID transponder before the RFID sensor. Once read, the robot does his little run and turn move and then stops and awaits further instructions.
Clearly, RFID on NXT has infinite possibilities. We can have the robot carry out various tasks, use multiple transponders, 'go here, do this', identify objects using RFID, etc. Let your imaginations go wild with it. The RFID sensor does not disappoint and i am eager to delve deeper into more experiments with robotics and RFID.
SeTH-1 as a 'Hunter'. Got the idea from NXTprograms, decided to implement it for fun as well as to check out some of the light sensor's capabilities. Using this program gave me an idea for another program which i am currently working on -- actually almost done with -- using the ambient light in a space to determine what SeTH-1 does; i.e., go forward, reverse, etc.
At any rate, here's a short video demonstrating the hunter in action.
The idea is to seek out the objects -- in this case the ball. Based upon a pre-determined criteria, ball color, the robot decides what to do with it: Blue? Identify it as being 'Blue', push it away, seek out red ball. Red? Identify it as being 'Red' and hold on to it.
Today i received my new Codatex RFID sensor for the NXT brick. Yeah, yeah! i have not 'officially' begun experimenting with it just yet, since i have some actual work to do, but will probably give it a go a little later today. i finally have the chance to combine two of my strongest passions -- robotics and RFID.
The following is a picture that i took just to show what it looks like out of the package.
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Here's a quote from LEGOEducation:
The Codatex RFID Sensor works with 125 kHz transponders and can read five-byte transponder numbers into the NXT Intelligent Brick. The RFID Sensor has three different reading modes: single read, continuous read, and stop. The maximum reading distance depends on the transponder size; for example, the keyfob will read up to a maximum distance of 30 mm. One RFID Sensor, five keyfob transponders, five clear disc transponders, and two card transponders are included in this set.
A simple "Bump & Run" program that i've been tinkering with. The idea is for the robot to run around, wnd when he bumps into an object, he utters "Ouch!", looks around, backs up, and then moves in a new direction. The only issue that i see, when he bumps into an object, he tends to want to keep going for an extra second or so, before backing up as he should.
So i've been working on (experimenting) with SeTH-1 and robotics in general, and decided to add a quick post including some pictures and a video of SeTH-1 in action. One of the primary things that i have been trying to accomplish, is to combine various algorithms so that SeTH-1 can perform several tasks using different methods. For example, combining voice-commands with pre-programmed commands that will allow for varying behaviors.
SeTH-1 as he currently looks.
SeTH-1 on NXT Test Pad, an earlier configuration.
SeTH-1 as is, currently has the ability to 'see' his environment while running around exploring. He is also designed to avoid obstacles, look for a better path to explore, make a comparison if more than one favorable path exists, and then chooses the optimal path.
Too, SeTH-1 follows some simple voice commands that are merely experiments with giving/receiving voice directions (additional work required). There is also an incomplete bit of work with Bluetooth BT that is designed to send a message to a Bluetooth device, based upon certain criterion.
Finally, there is a bumper added to SeTH-1 that allows him to make split decisions on what to do if he runs into an obstacle -- turn around and go a different way.
Introducing SeTH-1, the new addition to the family. Got the kit and constructed him and is in the process of tinkering with the software and programming him. i have also setup my environment so that i can program him using leJOS - Java for NXT bots. In addition, i will be using NXC -- the RobotC version of the C programming language in an experimental capacity. Lots of good times ahead i must say. Certainly looking forward to all the fun that this will provide. i will add a full post with a complete review of the entire process in the near future. Too, i may add some of the programs that i write, given that they are interesting enough.
The battle for the title of "World's Strongest Robot" escalated at the IMTS 2008 Show, which featured demos of two six-axis robots that up the ante on payload capacities and reach.
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