Building a Robot: How to Get Started with Robotics Kits

[Rhine720]

So I know little about engineering. But I do know a thing or two about programming in c++ now. I've disassembled many electronics (MANYMANYMANY) IN my house. Like we have all sorts of things I could just take apart.

Since I know little about robots and engineering them I decided I'd also purchase a robotics kit. So I'm looking for one withen the 200-400 range.

I want to be able to build a robot that I can upgrade all my life. (Ultimatly as my programming and engineering knowledge develops I can make something very helpful out of it)

I havn't started college yet so..yeah. Can anyone give me an overview or something? Good kits? How robots work? What these green boards are? Thanks!

 

[Pattonias]

This website has a lot of resources you might find useful. From what I can tell it can be less or more expensive based on your expertise.

http://www.arrickrobotics.com/arobot/build.html"

 

[Topher925]

Before you go building anything you need some basic skills first. Can you solder (SMD and throughole), program a microcontroller, design basic analog and digital circuits? If you can't you may want to start small with something like this http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=9501

 

[J.ofalltrades]

I got the fever a few days ago, but I'm to frugal to go buy a kit. So I spent the money on all the stuff I would need to build my own. Based it on the bot at the link below. You'll want to look into "BEAM robotics" for some true DIY stuff. BTW, the smaller the wheels on the bot, the better. I thought I'd like it to go fast, I've had to repair it numerous times on account of damage from running head on into the wall. Well, that and the dog doesn't seem to like the little bot. The next project is a simple walker, then I'll see about moving into something that needs code and a controller. After that, THE WORLD!

http://members.tripod.com/robomaniac_2001/id120.htm

 

[wolram]

http://www.active-robots.com/

A good place to start, i have just finished the Boe-Bot.

 

[Mech_Engineer]

I would recommend looking at these two websites:

http://www.parallax.com/
http://www.crustcrawler.com/

Crust Crawler used to make some very cool crawler robots but it seems that they have since discontinued them. Still, they have some good servos, and their http://www.crustcrawler.com/products/bioloid/index.php?prod=59" might be right up your alley if you don't want a "rolling" robot. It can't really make use of sensors or uneven terrain though...

Parallax is an excellent website that sells simple robots, and TONS of hobby-grade robotic components like sensor modules, control boards, etc. The http://www.parallax.com/Store/Robots/RollingRobots/tabid/128/CategoryID/3/List/0/SortField/0/Level/a/ProductID/296/Default.aspx", which comes with two robots and a competition ring. It's still in your price range, and would allow you to try out different strategies and tactics and hone your programming skills.

 

[Rhine720]

Thanks guys for all these links... So, I've taken a look at the Boe-Bot. And I think one or two people here mentioned it. If I were to buy this kit ( I also want to add the crawler and gripper kit to it) How much would I be learning from it? Or should I get a more "difficult" kit?

If i get really into it (like it turns out i like it and am good at it(after all I do consider both computer science and engineering for my future) I might want to build professionally one day. Of course I'll start out small.. Thanks again! =]

 

[wolram]

Thanks guys for all these links... So, I've taken a look at the Boe-Bot. And I think one or two people here mentioned it. If I were to buy this kit ( I also want to add the crawler and gripper kit to it) How much would I be learning from it? Or should I get a more "difficult" kit?

If i get really into it (like it turns out i like it and am good at it(after all I do consider both computer science and engineering for my future) I might want to build professionally one day. Of course I'll start out small.. Thanks again! =]

The Boe-Bot is an excellent learnig kit with very good instructions, i found if one stage didnt work it was my fault the book is very well put together.
No need for soldering as all the circuits are on bread board, it will never be more than a toy, but you can get some good ideas for your own project.

 

[Rhine720]

I noticed the programming on it was like PBasic or something like that. I looked it up on google and apparently it is a really good starter kit. But I only know things about c++ and don't really want to learn another language and start getting them all tangled. Is there a programming language most used for robotics?

 

[Mech_Engineer]

I noticed the programming on it was like PBasic or something like that. I looked it up on google and apparently it is a really good starter kit. But I only know things about c++ and don't really want to learn another language and start getting them all tangled. Is there a programming language most used for robotics?

You should get away from thinking of programming languages like foreign languages; if you know the basics of programming in general, then it will just be a matter of finding the command that does what you want. It's good that you know C++, and don't worry because the Basic programming language used by the Boe-Bot is very simplistic in comparison and can be learned on the fly with a command reference and a few examples.

 

[DavidSnider]

You could get a cheap laptop or Nano-ITX motherboard and use USB Servos and sensors.

 

[Albalan0779]

Hi, you could try looking at "Instructables.com and searching their archives,there is loads of stuff on there and lots of alternative ways of doing things!

 

[Rhine720]

Hmm. I found this website and this http://letsmakerobots.com/start

Do you think that bot would be more invaluable to learning as a starter than a boe bot?