Robot (controlling motors with computers)

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around building a small robotic arm and controlling it with a computer program, particularly focusing on the use of stepping motors. Participants explore various resources, programming languages, and methodologies for learning robotics from a foundational level.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses a desire to learn how to control a stepping motor using C++ and seeks guidance on selecting control chips and a foundational approach to robotics.
  • Another participant suggests specific books as resources for learning about robotics.
  • A different participant recommends obtaining materials for a robotics course and emphasizes the need to research material mechanics, dynamics, and control theory, suggesting that programming for robotics may require knowledge of assembly or NC code.
  • Another participant shares an experience with Lego Mindstorms, detailing a project where they programmed a robot to follow a course using light sensors and motor controls, highlighting practical applications and techniques used in that context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants present various approaches and resources for learning robotics, but there is no consensus on a single method or programming language to use. Multiple competing views on how to approach the learning process and project implementation remain.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention different programming languages and methodologies without resolving which is most effective. There are also varying opinions on the necessary theoretical background required for building a robotic arm.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in robotics, programming, and educational projects related to automation and control systems may find this discussion beneficial.

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I want to make a small robotic arm and control program like the kind schools use to teach kids about robot arms. I need alittle guidance though, I only know how to use C++ to say "hello world!". How would one go about making a computer program to control a stepping motor? And how do I choose control chips etc? I guess what a really need is a from-the-ground-up way to learn robot making.
 
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Try getting the material for a robotics course, and self teach. If your trying to assemble it from scratch you will need to do reasearch into material mechanics, dynamics, and control theory. I'd think the language to control robotics would closer to assembly , or NC code.
 
How about Mindstorm's Lego Bot stuff?

lego mindstorms rcx

http://mindstorms.lego.com

At my previous company, we messed with the lego bots. The goal was to get a RCX to follow a course using it's light sensor and motor control inputs to follow the edge of a medium dark tape and stop or u-turn on a very dark tape (I used velcro for the very dark tape). By standing the RCX on end, yaw mometum was greatly reduced, allowing for the fastest bot in the group, about 40 cm/sec on the straights of the larger track, yet able to follow some tight turns (given wide enough tape), and uturn (1 dark stripe) or stop (2 dark stripes) very quickly. "Grey" tape was used to create a wider "edge" to follow on the long straights, which let the motors run full speed with reduced corrections. The smaller wheels are in the "back". Some pics:

lego01.jpg
lego02.jpg
lego03.jpg
 
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