Making a robot can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s the perfect combination of creativity, engineering and problem solving. However, if you’re just getting started in robotics, it can also be overwhelming. To make things easier for those who are just starting out, we’ve put together some tips and tricks to help makers bring robots to life! From the basics of assembling your robot to software implementation, these pointers will give you everything you need to get started on your robotic adventure!
Wow! Kato-san’s new TETRA micromouse robot totally confounded competitors with his innovative ‘out-of-the-box’ design and record setting times during the early matches. Unfortunately the lighting conditions, or other unknown factors, defeated TETRA during the final Expert Class event. Read more @ ROBOT DREAMS…
This little robot is tough! Run by a single motor, the Co-Robot kit walks with a decidedly “angry” pace. If he falls over, he is able to pick himself up and continue marching about thanks to an amazing gear mechanism. up again! An awesome design with an amazing gear mechanism, he will not quit!
I have written before about Thingiverse user fdavies’ ongoing project to produce a 3D-printer that requires no precision-ground shafting or bearings using printable hinged actuators based on the Sarrus linkage (Wikipedia). Why would you want to do that? Well, because precision shafting and bearings are currently beyond the abilities of most 3D printers, and if you can build the printer itself using printable substitutes for them, then you’re that much closer to a truly self-replicating home fab system. Keep it up, man!
This curious wire bending rig, built by Dorkbot Bristol members David Henshall and John Honniball, was reportedly seen designing unique snow flakes to the delight of visitors at the unCraftivism art show this past weekend. Utilizing a simple DC gearmotor and servo, the machine appears to be an experiment in generative manipulated wire forming.
Here’s another remote-control robot built around a cooler, but for a completely different purpose. This Cooler Bot, accredited to the Creators at Hyde Park Middle School (!), was built using parts from the Vex Robotics and Pitsco Design System parts.
MAKE subscriber and prolific robot-builder Steve Norris writes in to share his latest creation, the CoolerBot. Unlike most of the telepresence devices we see, this one is designed to be used outdoors, and sports solar panels to help keep it charged up
I normally try to steer clear of weapons-related posts, but this “full auto” crossbow from YouTuber TheDuckman666 was too cool to pass up. There’s lots more crossbow-y goodness on his personal site. [via The Automata / Automaton Blog]
