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allpcm
Overall, its a good start. Introducing the site to educators' is important ...
cmathas
Thank you for posting this. Readers - this is a really cool project with an ...
Build a Robot with your Kid!--Part I
Gareth Branwyn
10/13/2010 3:58 PM EDT
Embedded Bots
This is the invisible robot, the machine with sensors, brains, and actuators, that doesn't look like a robot at all. Embedded systems is one of the fastest growing areas of digital technology, but its modest, behind-the-scenes (under-the-hood, inside-the-walls) nature means that it's off of most people's radar. And because of their very un-botish nature, we won't really be spending too much time discussing embedded robotics here.
FIGURE 4.3 JPL's latest robo-critter, Spiderbot, is designed for extraplanetary exploration. Let's hope it doesn't get blown away in a stiff Martian wind. Photo used with permission of NASA/JPL/Cal Tech.
Embedded robots vary greatly in body type, depending on their function and environment. They are usually highly integrated into their world (a new home, the signs and light poles of a highway, the guts of an orbiting satellite), which is why we tend to overlook them.
The SDR-4X (Sony Dream Robot), Sony's diminutive answer to Honda's Asimo. The SDR looks human-sized in many pictures, but it's actually tiny (23 inches tall). When it's available for sale, the SDR-4X will cost as much as a luxury car! Photo courtesy of Sony Corporation.
The Development Platform
This type of robot is a little different than the rest. In research labs, school classrooms, and garages and basements all over the world, piles of mechanical, electronic, and computer parts can be seen motoring around, trying to make sense of their world.
Bots of this type are often the least "style" conscious, and often have no shell. The form is usually the lowest priority and often takes the shape of a couple of large disks stacked on top of each other, separated by spacers (see Figure 4.5).
Here, the robot body only exists to allow the experimenter to test out control programs, sensor arrays, and other robot components. Information gained by experimenting on these platforms is often incorporated into more solid, robust robots.
Bots of this type usually have an extremely simple structure made of readily available materials and sport a constantly changing array of hardware. The robot we will build in Project 3 is a miniature version of such a development platform.
The type of simple platform seen here (without other components mounted) is a common sight in university labs and hobby workshops all over the world. Photo reprinted courtesy of Budget Robotics.com.
NEXT: Robots: The Exploded View
The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Building Robots by Gareth Branwyn, ISBN-10: 0-78972971-7 is available from InformIT. Permission to reprint granted by Pearson Publshing.
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Robotics Developer
10/13/2010 7:02 PM EDT
I am confused after reading the article, the title was "Build a Robot with your Kid! Part 1", but no where is there any building in this first part? There should have been an introduction section at the beginning of the "article" indicating that this is a portion of a book and not a short series of articles aimed at building a robot. If this article was handed to a non-technical person they might have given up very early, as it was I found the background sort of interesting but not captivating (sorry!). I might suggest re-titling this section, something like: An overview of robots and their basic forms. I am coming from the historical perspective of popular electronics types of building articles, so I expected that concise approach.
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cmathas
10/14/2010 8:46 AM EDT
Thank you for your comment - I really hate to cause confusion. Great suggestion on adding an editor's note before the excerpt begins and I will do just that. In a blog on the site: Be a hero, build a robot, I do explain what this chapter covers and add, "Naturally, this chapter will just whet your appetite for all of the information found in the book that will be necessary to really build your robotic wonder."
Again, thanks for taking the time to comment - always appreciated!
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Robotics Developer
10/14/2010 11:17 PM EDT
I really hesitated to "rain on your parade" with the confusion comment but desired to provide helpful feedback. I hope that it was not a discouragement, I am all for promoting and supporting robotics! I have a number of children who have been involved with robotics; this has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for both them and myself. I would recommend others consider getting their kids (and themselves) involved in robot competitions. There are many competitions available, I can personally recommend FIRST competitions.
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cmathas
10/15/2010 10:52 AM EDT
Dear RD - Your comments were constructive, and in this case correct (and I'm not easily discouraged). The title, without any other commentary, was misleading.
As to the topic of robotics programs and projects for students of all ages, maybe there's something here to promote for everyone's benefit?
What is the best way, for example, for parents, educators to begin? I am sure attending competitions will be both motivating and informative. What, in your opinion, is a good way to capture interest and keep it going?
Again, always interested in comments on this site. I am trying to make available a substantially greater number of articles on this site (no less than two a week). Any help is appreciated.
Carolyn
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Jagdish Bisawa
10/14/2010 1:36 AM EDT
Hi,
I agree with Robotics Developer's comment - the title of this article is misleading. Even I was expecting to see something of a Do-It-Yourself kind of information.
I request the editing team to make a note of this & avoid misleading titles in the future so that the content is more professional.
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sanjaac
10/14/2010 5:16 AM EDT
Me confused too. This article said nothing to me related to "Build a Robot with your Kid!".
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Duane Benson
10/14/2010 12:13 PM EDT
Regardless of how clear the title is or is not, we need more articles like this. I and others on EE-Times may not find this information to be new because I immerse myself into the subject. But, the rest of the world doesn't necessarily do so.
I really like the style used to introduce the subject. It covers a wide variety of robot types as well as specific real-world application examples. Very clear and well written.
I'd add in another category though hobby and educational robots, or maybe add a bit about hobby/ed in with the development platforms. A good example would be the Lego robotics systems. Building one isn't the same as soldering a PCB and wiring up servos and such, but it gives a great introduction to the concepts of motion control and programming to the uninitiated.
Further, with the FIRST Lego league, robotics is being treated like a sport in grade schools and middle schools across the country. It's competition for us geeks with teams, tournaments and championships. It makes robotics real, exciting and accessible.
Thanks for the good article. I'll be reading parts 2 - 4 when you post them.
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cmathas
10/14/2010 6:58 PM EDT
Thanks Duane for the comment. Care to take a stab at writing that step-by-step guide covering the Lego robotics system? I'd publish it in a heartbeat.
I see too often that our kids languish unchallenged while we talk about our horrible educational system. It's up to us to make learning and life exciting. These simple projects can make a real difference.
If you provide info to me on Lego league events that are coming up and a recap on ones you attend, I'll post it.
Thanks again!
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Robotics Developer
10/14/2010 11:09 PM EDT
How long would you like the article on FLL to be? I have been involved with FIRST Lego League teams and FIRST Robotic Competitions (FRC) teams for many years. FIRST (For Inspiration Recognition of Science and Technology) is a non profit organization that uses robotic competition to encourage students to pursue careers / studies in science and technology. FIRST offers programs for a wide range of students from Elementary (FLL) to High School (FTC & FRC) ages can compete. Check out www.usfirst.org for more details!
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cmathas
10/15/2010 12:18 PM EDT
Wow, www.usfirst.org is an awesome site. I'll have to calendar the events in the SF Bay Area and experience FIRST first hand.
Thanks for sending the link.
Carolyn
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cmathas
10/15/2010 10:55 AM EDT
As long as it takes to do the subject justice. If it is more than 2,000 words, I might publish it in a multi-part series. As I wrote to RD above, maybe we have something here for the site on the topics of robots. We can also get EELife involved! Send an abstract and any ideas you have on the topic to me at cmathas@earthlink.net.
Thanks for your readership and participation.
Carolyn
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Robotics Developer
10/15/2010 11:19 AM EDT
I could see a number of articles I could do: "How to get started in robotics with your kids", "How to start a FIRST Lego League team", "How to start a FIRST Tech Challenge team", How to start a FIRST Robotic Competition team"; to name a few. If there is interest, I could start on the first title article. How should I submit these? Let me know...
RD
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cmathas
10/15/2010 12:12 PM EDT
Please email an abstract to me at cmathas@earthlink.net. We'll communicate from there regarding the articles. Thank you! This sounds like a great series...
Carolyn
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tb1
10/15/2010 2:28 PM EDT
The confusion others show over the title is nothing compared to my morning-pre-coffee reading of the title.
In my mind I pictured:
Build a Robot With Your Kid
Take one kit of robot parts, and one kid.
Build the robot with your kid. The resulting kid-robot hybrid can be programmed to accomplish many tasks.
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cmathas
10/20/2010 9:37 AM EDT
Hahahaha. That's a good one! You may have something there.
Carolyn
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Cosma.Pabouctsidis_#2
10/21/2010 2:17 AM EDT
Here is a project that anyone can do http://www.roboteq.com/robotics-motion-control-projects/wifi-robot-platform-design-instructions.html
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cmathas
10/25/2010 8:38 AM EDT
Thank you for posting this. Readers - this is a really cool project with an amazingly short list of necessary parts. If you build it, send photos of yours and I'll try to post some. I hope those of you with kids are gathering great ideas here!
Carolyn
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Julie Harrison
10/21/2010 3:25 PM EDT
Hi Carolyn,
It's a great topic for a series and I love how open you are to suggestions. I will definitely follow along to learn about the Lego robotics!
It reminded me of a period in my house where my hubby and daughter were very busy (and excited) about their vibro-bot project:
http://www.julieharrison.ca/family/invasion-of-the-vibro-bots/
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cmathas
10/25/2010 8:35 AM EDT
Julie,
Thanks for the link! When I first posted the article, I was so excited to be able to deliver a little exercise to add levity to the lives of my engineering readers. I didn't even look at the possibility of a headline to excerpt disconnect. Once this was pointed out - well, they were right!
You must have had a great time with these robot projects at your house.
Let me know how you like the Lego pieces once they are posted.
Thanks for writing,
Carolyn
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allpcm
11/2/2010 11:26 AM EDT
Overall, its a good start. Introducing the site to educators' is important because so many are turned off by all things technological.
Carolyn, there are so many robotics events. FIRST is one of the largest. One way to introduce robotics to this audience is to invite them to events and encourage them to volunteer and help mentors teams.
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