This is a cool video that goes over the basics of DIY Combat Robot building. Nothing very high tech but there is lots of interesting tips such as using cheap cordless drills as robot motors when you are trying to build on the cheap. "RoboGames founder and SFSU School of Engineering instructor, David Calkins, gives Patrick a primer on building a combat robot. From the wheel and controllers to
MechRC is a cool new robot that is very technical but unlike other applications of technology where the product becomes more complex this device is simplified by it. Unlike most programming where you need to enter complex commands to be executed with this robot you simply show it what you would like! Our friends over at Trossen Robotics are the first in the United States to offer the robot,
Ashish Derhgawen has done lots of interesting work with vision. You can see all of his projects on his Ashish’s Programming Journal. Best of all the vision is captured with a simple webcam which makes these projects possible for any hobbyist. Here are a few links to my favorite projects of his. Laser Pointer used as a Mouse (first video). Pan Tilt Webcam using a Mouse (second video). This
This LEGO Safe project demonstrates the creativeness you can have using LEGO. No, you wouldn’t want to store your diamonds in this safe, but if this locking scheme was implemented in a real safe I think it would be sound. "Put away your valuables in this Lego Mindstorms NXT Safe and nobody ever can get even close to it! This 6,5 Kilogram heavy weight SAFE has an electronic code
This car that drives on walls using a vacuum is a very cool concept. By using a internal vacuum pump this car can stick the a wall or ceiling and still have enough slippage that the wheels can drive it around. I am sure the designers had to work on the optimal level of vacuum for a long time. Too much and it would not move with the wheels
When starting a project it is often easier and cheaper to start with an existing product. In this case a Radio Shack HexBug toy was the base. Some new electronics allows this robot to learn some new tricks. "The Hexbug sold by Radio Shack is a tiny robotic insect with very simple reflexive “reverse-turn upon obstacle” response. Interesting, but it quickly gets old. How about giving it a real
This is a great project that has pieces of an old scanner at its heart. I love the fact that this project is very functional, keeps the dog amused and was built on a recycled parts budget. I think it just needs some kind of water sprayer in the front that squirts just before it launches to prevent the inevitable ball to the nose that dog will endure. Have
