About Arduino

Arduino is an open-source electronics prototyping platform based on flexible, easy-to-use hardware and software. It’s intended for artists, designers, hobbyists, and anyone interested in creating interactive objects or environments. Arduino can sense the environment by receiving input from a variety of sensors and can affect its surroundings by controlling lights, motors, and other actuators. The microcontroller on the board is programmed using the Arduino programming language (based on Wiring) and the Arduino development environment (based on Processing). Arduino projects can be stand-alone or they can communicate with software on running on a computer (e.g. Flash, Processing, MaxMSP). There are many different Arduino variations on the market, from small boards like the Arduino mini to large boards like the Arduino MEGA. All have certain features in common:

• Digital input/output pins (some double as PWM pins)
• Analog input/output pins
• Serial communication pins
• In-system programming pins (ISP)
• Compatibility with Arduino software
• more…

Shields

Several boards are also “shield” compatible. “Shields” are electronic boards which can be mounted directly on top of certain Arduino boards (and connect to the Arduino pins via pin headers) and are intended to extend the functionality of Arduino to control different devices, acquire data, etc. The location of the headers on Arduino boards is very specific, so only shields can be easily stacked. The Arduino Uno in the image below clearly shows the headers. The XBee shield shown only uses some of the pins, though the placement on the board corresponds to the placement of the pins on the Arduino.

There are many different shields available on the market, and new ones are released on a regular basis from third party manufacturers. These shields can be used for a wide range of applications and their main “raison d’etre” is to facilitate design, assembly and integration and reduce the time required to create a functional project and/or prototype. Below are just a few such shields:

Ethernet Shield The Ethernet shield allows you to connect the Arduino to the internet and includes a microSD card slot, multiple status LEDsand stacking headers, so you can add even more shields. RoHS compliant and comes assembled.
Adafruit GPS Logger Shield Connect a GPS module to your Arduino! Track and log GPS and other data to an SD card or help your robot navigate the world. Soldering and assembly is required, and the GPS module itself is sold separately.
Adafruit Motor Shield Drive two DC motors at up to 0.6A each as well as 2 servo motors with a dedicated timer, or drives up to two low power stepper motor. Soldering and assembly is required. Stacking headers are not included.
Color LCD Shield Connect the Nokia 6100LCD to your Arduino using this shield display anything you want on its 128 x 128 pixel color LCD. Stacking headers are not needed since it should be the last shield in the stack. RoHS compliant and comes assembled.
Arduino XBee Shield Transmit data up to 100m (~300′) away at up to 115.2Kbps transfer rate (operating on 2.4Ghz frequency) using the Xbee Series 2 wireless module (included). Be aware that the Xbee module is not compatible with Series 1, and you will need a second XBee series 2 module to send/receive data. The shield comes assembled and ready to use.
DFRobot Joystick Input Shield Use the onboard dual axis mini joystick and two colored push buttons to control your robot. At the rear of the board there is mounting for DFrobot Bluetooth or RF Modules. Comes assembled.

Software

Arduino boards are made to be directly compatible with the software which bears the same name. Arduino (software) is also open-source, making it easy to write code and upload it to the i/o board. The software runs on Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux. The environment is written in Java and based on Processing, avr-gcc, and other open source software. You can download the latest version of the Arduino software for free at any time. Previous versions are also made available. The first screen you will see when you load the software is the following: The software is text based (as opposed to graphical) and was designed to give easy access to all the features of Atmel chips, as well as including pre-written functions and routines. Just as with many other programming languages, reserved words are recognized and change color, and there is a “verify” button which allows you to compile the code (to see if there is anything wrong or missing) before uploading it to the microcontroller. There are many pre-written code examples which come included in the software and range from blinking an LED to working with IMUs, and the user community has created and shared even more.

Project Ideas

	RobotShop Rover Mobile Rover There are many possible ways to build a mobile Rover using Arduino. The RobotShop Rover is a programmable mobile platform which features a normal Arduino USB board, a dual motor controller, tank tracks, a pan and tilt and much more.
	Arduino Tutorials Tutorials There are many tutorials presented on the Arduino website which start off simple (essential code) and become more and more complex and comprehensive (creating a server, displaying interactive images on an LCD and more).
	Online Search Many people have put their success stories online to share with others. They often include their setup, parts list and an idea of how to go about reproducing their project.

Curriculum

There are many books, articles and online tutorials explaining how best to learn / program / create using / hack / teach Arduino.

Getting Started with Arduino Detailed introduction to the open-source electronics prototyping platform Learn about interaction design and physical computing Contains lots of ideas and helps you get going on them Author: Massimo Banzi
Arduino Learning Arduino – Learning Contains a Style Guide to help you with writing examples and is intended for beginners.
Arduino 5 Minute Tutorials RobotShop has created simple tutorials which take about 5 miutes each to help you get started using common parts, useful for most projects.
Robotics Magazines Robotics magazines hold a ton of information and you do not necessarily need the most current issue to find useful and reletant content and project ideas. Popular magazines include SERVO, Nuts & Volts, ROBOT, MAKE and more

Competitions

Although there are currently no major competitions specifically around Arduino (or specifically requiring the use of an Arduino), Arduino is often used as the main processing unit inside many robots. The website Instructables occasionally holds open contests where many of the contestants use Arduino.

What to Buy

There are several categories on the RobotShop website based on Arduino and related products:

Arduino and Compatible Microcontrollers

This category contains all Arduino-based microcontrollers and variations from individual ATmega chips to large boards like the Arduino MEGA. When choosing a board consider the specifications and features (some may need an external USB to serial converter for programming). Keep in mind that all controllers here are compatible with the Arduino software.

Arduino Shields

This category contains most production shields available on the market. Instead of creating external circuits, shields have all the necessary component needed for a specific function and stack on top of many Arduino microcontrollers. Shields can range from motor controllers to LCD displays, GPS units, relays and more.  

Arduino Kits

This category contains starter kits intended to get you playing with Arduino immediately, and saves you the time of checking for compatibility with third party products. Kits can include sensors, actuators, USB cable, prototyping boards and more. Other kits can be more specific, allowing you to build, for example, a mobile robot.    

Arduino Accessories

This category contains all products which are useful accessories to Arduino products and include USB cables, power adapters, interfaces, a number of cables and more. Note that Arduino is compatible with almost all robotic products on the market, so this category only contains a short list of the most popular accessories which are not application specific.  

DFRobotShop Rover Kits

The DFRobotShop Rover incorporates a full Arduino USB microcontroller into the top PCB, which also serves as the top of the frame. Also incorporated into the PCB is a dual motor controller, voltage regulator, shield-compatible pin headers and more! The DFRobotShop Rover platform is one of the lowest priced programmable mobile platforms based on Arduino available on the market today.    

About Lynxmotion

Think of the Lynxmotion series of servo brackets as a variety of different modular parts for servos that essentially allows you to build your own custom robot. Lynxmotion is known best for its modular metal brackets that are used to make the frames of a variety of different robots.

These components are extremely versatile, making virtually any mechanical arrangement possible. The brackets are available in black anodized or brushed finish and easily connect to several standard servo motors (note that not all servos will fit the brackets). The ball bearings that come with specific components provide for precise low friction movement. The tubing, hubs and hub connectors are precision fit and really expand what is possible to build. They are made in the USA from high quality aluminum alloy. Lynxmotion also haa a series of laser cut Lexan chassis, torso, and electronics carriers that truly complete the set.

Lynxmotion has developed their own electronics, but also uses other off the shelf components to make the robots work. Unlike many custom kits where the user must purchase parts only from that manufacturer, Lynxmotion electronics such as the popular SSC-32 servo controller can be interfaced with almost any other electronics components such as microcontrollers, motor controllers and sensors.

Software

Lynxterm

GoRobotics Blog Change LynxTerm is a free downloadable utility. LynxTerm makes it easy to quickly test all functionality of the SSC-32 Servo Controller.

Lynxmotion RIOS SSC-32

RIOS (Robotic arm Interactive Operating System) is a Windows 95/98SE/2000/XP/Vista program for controlling the L5 and L6 Robotic Arms with the SSC-32. With RIOS, your robot can be taught sequences of motion via the mouse or joystick. This extremely powerful program uses external inputs to affect the robot’s motion for closed loop projects. External outputs can also be controlled. 3D image capture is possible with a GP2D12.

Lynxmotion Powerpod

PowerPod is a free downloadable utility. PowerPod makes it easy to quickly create custom Basic Atom programs for your H3/H3-R robot. The control options are: autonomous, PS2 remote control, and TTL serial control from a PC, PDA, or any other microcontroller. Many other control parameters can easily be modified with this utility.

Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32

Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer is a Windows 95/98SE/2000/XP/Vista program for controlling anything you build using up to 32 servos using the SSC-32. The main screen allows you to add servo control boxes, and position them on a grid. This visual representation of the robot makes it easier to position the servos for each sequence. Lots of other features. The program will even generate Basic Atom and Basic Stamp 2 code as well.

Project Ideas

If you can read a pictorial schematic and follow step by step instructions, you shouldn’t have trouble. High school students do well with Lynxmotion kits. These are just some of the many sample Lynxmotion projects. Lynxmotion provides several dozen examples of custom robots on their website for items ranging from robot legs and balancing two wheeled vehicles to hands and humanoids.

How do you make it?

The basic components behind this custom robotic arm are the Lynxmotion MAB-01 Metal Arm Base (RB-Lyn-140), the Mini Gripper, the SSC-32 controller, and a variety of servo brackets and tube connectors. Additional degrees of freedom can be added easily but be sure to use the robot arm torque calculator to ensure the servos can provide enough power.

How do you program it?

The Lynxmotion RIOS SSC-32 software is the best choice for programming a multi degree of freedom robotic arm. Advantages to making a custom robotic arm include choosing your own servos, link lengths and gripper.

How do you make it?

The Lynxmotion hexapod is made up primarily of a laser-cut hexapod base coupled to an aluminum chassis. Main components include Lynxmotion C-channels, tubing and tubing connectors, as well as 6 leg kits. The SSC-32 provides more than enough connections, so you need not worry about modifying the design by adding additional servos.

How do you program it?

There are two programs that can be used to control 18 degrees of freedom: Lynxmotion PowerPOD, and the Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32.

How do you make it?

This humanoid has the look, feel and walk of a sumo wrestler. A humanoid is one of the more complex robots to create because of their dynamic stability. Lynxmotion provides assembly instructions on how to make a variety of humanoid models using the Erector Set. Instead of aesthetic hands, Lynxmotion provides a choice of two functional grippers.

How do you program it?

The Lynxmotion Visual Sequencer for SSC-32 is the best software choice for bringing this humanoid to life. Combined with the SSC-32 servo controller, building and programming a complex humanoid with the Lynxmotion Erector set is fun and easy.

Curriculum

There are many user-submitted projects available on the Lynxmotion website including some programs and assembly guides. Lynxmotion also provides a sample project for high school students using their L5 and L6 arms.

Competitions

The Lynxmotion Erector Set can be used create many competition-ready robots. View a complete list of robot competitions.

 

What to Buy

In order to determine what to order, you need to have an idea what it is you wish to build. For example, you may want to build a multi degree of freedom robotic arm that looks something like the image below:

Before purchasing parts, it is best to make a list of all the components you will need to make your robot. Below is an example as to how you might go about making the custom robotic arm shown above. The arm can be split up into the following components:

• 1x RB-Lyn-48: Lynxmotion Mini-Grip with servos – Two servos included
• 2x RB-Lyn-81: Lynxmotion Multi-bracket – Two per pack
• 2x RB-Lyn-82: Lynxmotion large C-Channel –  Two per pack
• 1x RB-Lyn-83: Lynxmotion L-Bracket –  Two per pack
• 1x RB-Lyn-84: Rivets – 25 per pack, 16 used
• 2x RB-Hit-29: Hitec 645MG high torque servo – Shoulder and elbow joints
• 1x RB-Hit-27: Hitec HS422 standard servo – Wrist join

In addition to these components, you may also want to have the base rotate:

• 1x RB-Lyn-211 : Lynxmotion base – (does not include a servo)
• 1x RB-Hit-27 : Hitec HS422 standard servo

To control the arm, you would need the following electrical components:

• 1x RB-Lyn-100: Lynxmotion SSC-32 Controller (any 6+ servo controller can be used)
• 1x RB-Lyn-157: 2″ servo cable
• 3x RB-Lyn-158: 24″ servo cable
• 1x RB-Inx-05: Serial to USB adapter (for ease of use)
• 1x RB-Phi-36: 6′ USB cable

To power the arm, you would need a 6V power supply or battery (capable of supplying 4A+) to power the servo motors, as well as a separate 9-12V power supply for the SSC-32 controller (a 9V battery is recommended). You can use black electrical tape or tie wraps to neatly arrange the cables (making sure they can still follow the full range of motion). Note that just because the image shows large C-channels, you are not restricted to these components. Instead, you might have used the Lynxmotion offset servo brackets (RB-Lyn-103) to give it a different look and ability. Another option would be to use two servos at the base instead of one, to give it more lifting capability. This would be done using the Lynxmotion Dual Servo Bracket (RB-Lyn-182). This procedure can help you make legs and arms, chassis and more.

Chassis and Accessories

In this category you will find all of the Lynxmotion custom bodies, as well as legs, grippers, feet and other more specific items.    

Sensor, Wheel and Motor Mounts

Looking to mount a motor or servo? Many of the hubs and connectors are Lynxmotion erector set compliant, using standard servo horn connections.  

Servo Brackets

You will find most of the erector set in this category. These parts connect to each other and to servos. These parts are ideally suited to making joints of all types joints

Tubing and Connectors

Tubing and connectors can be used a variety of ways, and are perfect for making the skeleton of your robot (including one idea of using them to make fingers on a multi-degree of freedom robot hand).

Hardware

Many Lynxmotion parts come with applicable hardware (nuts, bolts, screws), though these parts can be purchased separately as well. One part that is indispensable is the plastic rivet which allows you to easily connect the servos to the servo brackets.

Hitec Servos

Not all servos are the same size, so not all will work with the erector set. The two most popular servos are the Hitec “standard” HS-422 and the Hitec 645MG (metal gears and highest torque for its size).

About Fischertechnik

Fischertechnik computing kits come in all shapes and sizes, each allowing the exploration of modern systems controlled by computer logic and makes it easy to build a robot yourself, even walking robots! Leading educators across the United States, Canada and the world have adopted Fischertechnik as their recommended robotics construction system after careful comparison and investigation. Fischertechnik is also popular for utilization in home school curriculum, giving children a modern and proven competitive-advantage in technology education.

Software

ROBO Pro – Programming

Robo Pro is the officially supported software offered by Fischertechnik to control your robot kit; however, a variety of third-party solutions are offered for alternative control methods. With Robo Pro, you can build your own robot and control it without learning a complex programming language Robo Pro is a new programmer’s application for Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP (Linux in development) for programming Fischertechnik robots. RoboPro is easy for beginners to use, thanks to proven flowchart programming utility consisting of various software modules. Data can be interchanged between software modules and subroutines using not only variables but also graphical connections. It is easy for students to understand how the program operates. Subroutines are stored in a library and can now be used without having to understand the internal workings in the subroutine. Beginners will find it easy to grasp even complex programs. The graphical programming language ROBO Pro provides all the key elements of a modern programming language, such as arrays, functions, recursion, objects, asynchronous events and quasi-parallel processing, making it a useful tool even for professional programmers. Programs are translated directly into machine language for efficient execution of even the most complex programs. Even advanced programmers will find that ROBO Pro knows no limits. With ROBO Pro, it’s easy to write teach-in programs or exchange data with other Windows software. In “Online” mode, it is possible to control multiple ROBO Pro interfaces in parallel – for large-scale models – and to make custom control panels which include switches, controllers and display elements.

Software Designer – CAD

The perfect software for planning, developing and implementing fischertechnik models. Operating the software is child’s play and the scope of functions is gigantic. Ideal for school and training, this software allows the visualization of technical processes. Purchased separately, the program includes over 500 components from all areas including pneumatics, motor and gear unit, aluminium profiles and even stickers. There is even animation of the models in real-time including camera movements and zoom.

Project Ideas

Fischertechnik is a modular design system that allows you to creat almost any kind of robot including wheeled mobile robots, a multi-degree of freedom robotic arm and even walking robots. Fischertechnik provides detailed visual instructions as to how to build a variety of different robots. These are step by step graphical instructions to guide you through the building process.

Your students will quickly learn how to use the modular parts and can set about building their first autonomous robots:

Robo Mobile Set: Obstacle Avoidance

What the robot can do:The Robo Mobile Set includes instructions on how to build 7 different robots, one of which is the obstacle avoiding robot. This robot uses two drive motors for locomotion and uses sensors located around the robot to detect collision with an object.

Robo Mobile Set: Walking Robot

The Robo Mobile Set includes instructions on how to build 7 different robots, one of which is the walking robot. This robot uses two drive motors to actuate its six legs. The robot is capable of moving forward, backward, left and right. Extra parts allow your students to give the robot a customized look and feel.  

Industry Robots 2

What the robot can do: The Industry Robots 2 add-on kit allows you to build a number of different robots including this multi-degree of freedom computer controlled arm. Your students will be amazed that they build and programmed a robot capable of picking up and moving objects.      

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for Fischertechnik kits and products. The Fischertechnik ROBO Mobile Set is the ideal starter kit for getting started with Fischertechnik products. The ROBO Mobile set includes the ROBO Pro interface and ROBO Pro software. Additional kits include the ROBO Mobile Kit, Industry Robots 2 and more!

FISCHERTECHNIK

About VEX Robotics

VEX Educational Robotics is a robotic building system which allows you to design, build, control, then disassemble and rebuild remote-controlled, autonomous or semi-autonomous robots. There is also a VEX Pro series which allow you to make even larger and more powerful robots. VEX consists of several key building blocks:

Motion

VEX motion is composed of motors, gears, wheels, bearings and other related components. VEX motion components make your robot move. To give you an idea of the range of motion products, not only does VEX have normal rubber wheels, they also have omniwheels in different sizes, wheel legs, off-road wheels and more.

Power

VEX power gives your robot the energy it needs to run all the motors and electronics. VEX uses two different batteries; one for the microcontroller (including all the motors and sensors) and another for the hand-held transmitter. VEX uses rechargeable battery packs, but also gives you the option of using AA batteries.

Structure

VEX structure is made of metal parts and is used to make the frame of your robot. VEX standard spacing and hardware makes it easy to make larger sized robots.

Sensors

VEX is introducing more and more sensors. The current selection of VEX sensors already includes touch, infrared, ultrasonic, potentiometers, switches, encoders and more.

Control

The VEX remote control system currently uses a standard RF 6 channel remote and receiver, and a newer WiFi based gaming joystick (for use with the Cortex microcontroller) . There is an RF crystal in both the RF transmitter and receiver that can be changed to increase the number of robots operating in the same area. Currently up to 9 robots can be used simultaneously using the RF system, and an almost infinite number using the WiFi system. If you use the Cortex microcontroller with a WiFi dongle, you can also control your robot from the computer.

Equipment

VEX has you covered with protective eye-wear, standard wrench sizes and more.

Software

VEX has you covered with three different programming packages. Note that VEX has two main microcontrollers; PIC based (first generation) and CORTEX (second generation). Be sure to choose the right version of the software for your microcontroller.

easyC

easyC makes advanced robotic programming easier than ever. In addition to all of the features offered by easyC offers greater control and flexibility with user defined functions. You can now create custom functions with the ease of a mouse-drag, and you can share your user-defined functions between projects and users with the same ease. Download (activation license required)

ROBOTC

ROBOTC is a complete solution for programming with VEX. It includes an operating system for the VEX Controller and a Windows-based environment for developing and debugging programs. ROBOTC rocks the world of robotics competitions with a bold new feature set designed to take your team to the finals and beyond. Designed from the ground up to program robots, ROBOTC provides a formidable advantage for VEX enthusiasts. It includes a high level of support for teachers, and is ideal for students new to programming. Try RobotC free for 30 days.

MPLAB

Program like the pro’s do using the MPLAB IDE with the MPLAB C18 compiler. The MPLAB IDE is a text-based Integrated Development Environment for writing ‘C’ programs using the ANSI ‘C’ programming language. The IDE allows you o directly write ‘C’ programs to control your VEX robot, without any sort of overlay. At the heart of the MPLAB IDE, is the MPLAB Mcc18 ‘C’ compiler. The Compiler translates the written ‘C’ code into the machine language code which is used by the VEX Micro Processor. Try the DEMO and download the USER GUIDE.

Autodesk 3D Curriculum

The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum is designed to help students master the fundamentals of robotics and the engineering design process while learning to use industry-leading Autodesk Inventor design software and the leading classroom robotics solution, the VEX Classroom Lab Kit. The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum is included for FREE in the VEX Classroom Lab Kit, which is designed to bring VEX Robotics into the classroom while making your budget go farther.

Project Ideas

VEX Robotics is a modular design system that allows you to creat almost any kind of stationary or mobile robot. VEX provides detailed instructions as to how to build a couple of different robots and takes you through the procedure step by step. However, few students have felt the need to build a third robot and immediately go about inventing and building their own designs.

Your students will quickly learn how to use the modular parts and can set about building their first autonomous robots:

Tumbler Robot

What the robot can do: The tumbler is a robust differentially driven robot that operates right-side-up and up-side-down. The large off-road wheels help the robot climb steep angles, and then flip over if the angle is too high. Instructions The Tumbler assembly instructions are simple and clearly explained with images. The robot need not be programmed and connects directly to the VEX microcontroller and uses the pre-installed code.

Protobot Robot

What this robot can do: The Protobot is design to pick up tennis balls and place them into bins. The Protobot uses a pivoting arm and a spinning gripper to pick up the balls, and travels on four differentially driven wheels. The robot uses the VEX microcontroller and is remote-controlled. Instructions The Protobot assembly instructions are simple and clearly explained with images. The robot need not be programmed and connects directly to the VEX microcontroller and uses the pre-installed code

Tomahawk Robot

What this robot can do: The VEX Tomahawk was inspired by the Dodge Tomahawk which is a Concept Vehicle powered by a Dodge Viper V-10 Engine. The VEX Tomahawk demonstrates how a very complex robot can be created with the VEX Robotics Kit. The unique feature of the Tomahawk is the way it is able to steer. This is achieved by simultaneously varying the camber of all four wheels. Two Servos independently control each side of the Tomahawk. This allows the Tomahawk to achieve a 30 degree lean angle. Additionally power is reduced to the inside rear wheel during a turn improve steering performance. There are no instructions as to how to build or program this robot.

Curriculum

Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum

The Autodesk VEX Robotics Curriculum combines industry-leading Autodesk® Inventor® design tools with the premier educational robotics platform for middle and high schools, the VEX Robotics Design System. You can even download all the VEX parts for FREE.

Course Materials

Course proposals & outlines, STEM Activities & Assessments, Robotics & Related Standards, Rubrics, and more, all for free! There are 8 sections and the list is always growing.

Games & Challenges

Generate excitement for learning though robotics competitions in the classroom. There are four challenges including: Wiffle War, Robot maze Challenge, IED Clean-Up and the Ordnance Disposal Design Challenge.

VEX Machinations

VEX Machinations is a step by step guide to building VEX robots beyond the Square Bot. (by Justin Petersen and Yolande Petersen)

Competitions

There are now many VEX competitions taking place worldwide, from North America to Tokyo. A VisualEdge Game-in-a-Box provides a unique opportunity to introduce robotics into the classroom. Each game is designed to stimulate student learning and engages participants to solve a variety of math, science and engineering problems.

Games are designed for various levels of experience and can be adapted for use with any educational robotics system that you may be currently using. Everything you need to play the game is in the box. Components typically include scoring goals, scoring components, fasteners, rules, field construction plans, and scoring software. All you have to do is add your own robots.

Involution Challenge

Involution Challenge is a battle-tested intermediate-level robotics game that offers fast-paced action and is a true test of efficient robot design, control and skill. A combination of a unique scoring goal and a limited number of scoring components adds the element of strategy and quick thinking into the problem-solving equation. Rookie and veteran robot builders can be competitive at the same time and will both find this game a serious test of their abilities. Along with the game components, Involution comes with a CD full of everything you will need to run a full-scale, robotics competition of you very own.

Cone Zone

Cone Zone is a entry-level robotics game that is action-packed and full of excitement. The unique scoring device, the Conic, provides a challenge that, on the surface, appears simple, but presents many design obstacles in order to score quickly and effectively. The scoring components, a regulation set of pool balls, provide many different scoring possibilities and thought-provoking design problems due to their size, weight, texture and inertial qualities.

Elevation Challenge

Local VEX Robotics competitions are being held in many different cities, states and countries. Teams can register for the VEX Robotics Competition to get their official VEX Team Identification Number and Team Welcome Kit. Once teams have registered, they can come back here and sign up for events they would like to participate in (listed below). More events are being added every week. Check back to see if new events have been announced in your area. Top teams from around the world participating in local, regional and national VEX Robotics Competitions listed here will qualify for the VEX Robotics Championship of the Americas.

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for VEX Robotics kits and products. The VEX Classroom kit is ideally suited to teams of 2-3 students.

 

About Robotis BIOLOID

Robotis Bioloid is an educational robot kit for building various robots such as an autonomous exploration robot, quadruped puppy robot, hexapod spider robot, dinosaur robot, bipedal humanoid robot and more. Boiloid is made up of three basic components: the CM-5 central controller, the AX-S1 sensor modulefor feedback and the special modular robot servo motor. Students can learn the principles of robotics through these exciting activities.

Modular Structure

There is no worry about causing damage to the structure, which is made of high-strength plastic. All assemblies are completed using a simple screw driver, and parts will never deteriorate even after repeated assembly/disassembly.

Microcontroller

The “brain” of every Bioloid robot is the CM-5 Microcontroller. The CM-5 controls the motors and receives feedback from the AX-S1 sensor module(s). Unlike conventional remote controlled toys, autonomous programmable robots with intelligence can be built with the Bioloid robot construction kit.

Motor Module

The AX-12+ is the standard motor included with Bioloid kits. The motor differs from others in many ways, including multiple mounting points, I2C interface and high torque for its size.

Sensor Module

The Bioloid Kit includes a sensor module with various functions including distance sensing, sound detection etc. The frame of the sensor includes the same connection points as the motor module.

Software

The Bioloid CD includes the executable program, the manual, various pre-written programs and examples, and a comprehensive help file complete with video clips. Bioloid software (included with the expert kit) is composed of three sub-programs:

Behavior Control Programmer:

This aspect of the Bioloid software allows you to program the behavior and motion of the robots. “Behavior control programming” is a process that determines the functionality of a robot. There are various aspects to consider such as how a robot reacts to sound, perceives an object, reacts to a button or remote control and other input. Robotis Bioloid simplifies this process of making algorithms that achieve by using a visual interface and grouping functions.

3D Motion Editor:

Software that edits the motion of robots in a 3D graphical environment. The Behavior Control Programmer and the Three-Dimensional Motion Editor programs are included with the Bioloid robot construction kit to be used for creating various robot behaviors and motions.

Robot Terminal:

Serial communication software for advanced control, such as setup configuration and others related to Dynamixel products.

Project Ideas

The expert package includes instructions as to how to build a variety of different robots. The instructions are presented step by step with images to guide you through the process. A printed manual is supplied with each kit (images are black and white). A sample diagram from the online manual:

A wide variety of different robots can be built with even the basic Bioloid kit. The Bioloid Comprehensive and Expert Kits can be used to make complex robots such as these three:

Excavator: What can it do?

The design of the Excavator is meant to resemble an actual excavator in look and functionality. The base of the robot uses the continuous rotation aspect of the motors, while the three degree of freedom arm allows it to pick up and manipulate objects. The Probing Robot is another example of a robot that uses both wheeled motion as well as a manipulator.

Spider: What can it do?

The spider robot is actually a hexapod (6 legs), though the effect is still the same. The spider uses all 18 motors included with the expert kit. Students learn not only what is involved in making a robot, but also the control needed to balance when walking. The puppy and Turtle are more examples of projects that use multiple legs for motion.

Humanoid: What can it do?

The humanoid is exactly as it sounds; a robot meant to act just like a human. The most complex of the projects, the human has feet, legs, knees, arms, a head and more. The AX-1 sensor allows the head to both see and hear and react to its surroundings. The Bioloid human is comparable in size to other humanoid robots and stands 14 inches tall

Curriculum

Although there is no specific curriculum material written for the Bioloid series of robots, there are many aspects of Bioloid design that have been included in higher-level studies.

Microcontrollers

The Bioloid expert kit can be used to explain robotic control at the microcontroller level. Students can understand the circuit diagram of the robot and can grasp the principles behind using I/O ports and A/D conversion.

Programming in C

Instructors have designed courses based around the GCC (Ansi-C: freeware) software used in the Bioloid expert kit. Students study C-programming and implement it on the embedded microcontroller.

Robot Communication

The Bioloid expert kit teaches the basic concepts involved in a PAN (Personal Area Network), and can control the robot via their PC or remote control (by radio communication) using the Zig-100 communication modules (included with the expert kit).

Motor control via the PC

The Bioloid expert kit introduces methods that control Dynamixel servo motor directly via the PC. The image below shows the method for controlling multiple Dynamixel servos using RS485.

Robot Vision

The Bioloid microcontroller is capable of sending a video signal from a camera (included with the expert kit) real-time to a PC through the USB port (image processing). Furthermore, students analyze the image using Edge detection and image realization.

Walking algorithms

The Bioloid expert helps students understand the concepts of static and dynamic and apply it to multiple walking robots.

Competitions

The Boiloid kits can be used create many competition-ready robots. The humanoid robot which can be built using the expert kit has been used in Robocup. View a complete list of robot competitions.

 

What to Buy

RobotShop has a category specifically for Robotis Bioloid kits and products. The Bioloid Comprehensive Kit includes all features discussed above (less the wireless and camera) and is ideally suited for late high school and college level students. The Bioloid Expert Kit includes many additional parts such as a wireless camera system, wireless communication, additional motors, metal case and more. The Bioloid Beginner Kit is intended to allow users to explore the functionality of the microcontroller, motors and sensor module and purchase additional parts separately based on their designs. The Bioloid Premium kit incorporates a more advanced microcontroller and a variety of additional electronics.