[Robotgroup] Robot Challenge

[Gray Mack]

I am putting together an autonomous robot challenge.
I want something different than line following or
micro mouse or sumo, something more about
individual/team learning than competition.
This is mostly a programming challenge about
navigation and environment sensing but you can build
your own bot and sensors for mechanical and electrical
challenges.

I want it to be affordable for most folks and to allow
you to use things you already have or are learning.
Under $30 does seem possible but having an easy to use
controller like Parallax homework board may make
things easier. 
Ideally you can make your own arena at home for around
$10 to practice with.

A tabletop size arena seems best for now and I can
bring the arena to the meetings. This internal TRG
challenge may be a precursor to a larger published
fest if we want but I have now idea how hard or easy
this thing will be so it may need adjusting or levels.

You need some sort of micro-controller (basic stamp
will work) and a way to drive a few stepper/
continuous rotation servos or some other type of
locomotion, a few sensors of your choosing. You could
do this all on a breadboard even and hot glue the
motors and battery box on.

Please let me know if you are interested in this
challenge or if you have input into its goals.

-Gray


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