[Robotgroup] table top robot platform

[Gray Mack]

Is there any interest in committee designing a table top robot platform within the robot group made from simple or off the shelf components?
Granted we would have some variances but a basic similarity could enable us to provide support/quantity buys to members and other people interested.
This would be something you could build yourself with common tools like a hand saw and drill but may require PCB board etch and solder skills.
So we could have a how-to or instruct-able that trees out at some variances and some base code library. (As few variances as possible so we have a common platform to build upon) Then see where people take it.
Some questions for those interested-
Is this worth doing?
What would be the desired price point over which you would not build it or you would rather buy a bot or kit?
How many hours would you be willing to spend building it to have some basic functionality?
What size, say 3.9 x 3.9 inch (mini sumo size) or 5x8 inch?
For drive train, servo motors or stepper motors best or don't care?
For construction: Carefully crafted, built, and bolted or inexpensive hot glue and zip ties?
What programming Language- Parallax basic, other basic, C, .net, java, Something else, or willing to learn any?
What things are necessary in the base platform-light sensor,distance tracking,remote control,bumper sensing, object sensing?
What things might you want to add on your own once the platform is done?
Thanks for your input here or verbally at the next meeting.
-Gray

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