[Robotgroup] table top robot platform

[Paul Atkinson]

Might be an interesting project. I built two mini-sumos and a ring about 2 years back, but no one else wanted to build one. They are a compact size to build and not too pricey. You can get kits for ~$100 for the 4x4x4 inch mini-sumos, I believe. Might open up some table-top competitions like the Dallas group holds. A modified mini-sumo could do line following, wall-hugging, sumo, and other low-end feats.

Paul

----- Original Message ----
From: Gray Mack <gray_mack at yahoo.com>
To: Austin Robotgroup Mailing List <robotgroup at puremagic.com>
Sent: Tuesday, January 9, 2007 7:01:58 PM
Subject: [Robotgroup] table top robot platform

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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