BEAM Robotics
Recently I've become very interested in solar robotics, called
BEAM. Solarbotics is an
excellent place to learn more about this, but basically they are small robots
that are based on incredibly simple analog design. Using 4 transistors, some
capacitors, a motor, and a few other small parts, it is simple to create a
device that can negotiate objects and travel towards light! The whole idea
behind BEAM robotics is to get down to the basics. Most BEAM robots are modeled
after insects. Why? Because insects have an extraordinary ability to accomplish
a lot with very little (or no) brain power. Instead, they react to their
surroundings in an instinctive manner with no thought processes.
I learned about BEAM robotics about 1999, and since then
have played around and read a little about it here and there. By far I am still
a beginner. I have not even begun to attempt to understand neural net robots
that Mark Tilden (BEAM robotics pioneer) designs. But even at my most basic of
understandings, it's still a lot of fun to play with.
I have purchased and built 3 of the kits sold
on the Solarbotics homepage. These kits are fun and easy, good learning tools,
and make great gifts. I have created two "freelance" robots, and am in the
process of creating my third and largest robot. (Although, who knows when (if)
I'll actually get it done.) Look at pictures of the robots I have
constructed.
The robot mentioned in the paragraph above is still not complete
many years later. I haven't worked on it in a long time for three reasons.
First, the solar robotics hobby is not cheap. This unfinished robot has already
cost me nearly $200. Second, solar robotics is not rewarding. It is neat that a
solar robot can basically run forever, and in that time they may cover a lot of
ground. But in my life time, I get really tired of waiting a minute or more for
my robot to make a movement (somtimes very tiny movements). Third, I just
haven't had time... If I do get the time to pickup the robotics hobby in the
future, it'll be on a microcontroller with a battery pack so I can get some
instant gratification when my robot is on. :)
I also have an old RC racecar chasis that is still in
fairly good condition and even has a motor, servo, motor controller, and radio
receiver. In the back of my mind I'm brainstorming about what to do with it. I
can put a microcontroller on it, but then it needs some kind of task. Following
a wire or a dark line is overdone. I'm thinking more along the lines of general
obstacle avoidance via infrared and touch sensors. Who knows when I'll actually
have time to do anything with it, but it sounds fun.