Robotics Kit for Beginners: $1,000 Budget

[apc3161]

Hello all,

I was wondering if any of you knew of a really good entry level robotics kit and where I could get one. My budget is probably around $1,000.

I'm looking for a kit that has all the essential components, a computer interface, customizable programming etc.

I don't know much about robotics (I just have a bachelors in mech. eng), so I want to start from scratch, put it together myself, program it etc.

Obviously though, since this is my first attempt, it shouldn't be too complicated. If anyone knows of a good place to start I would appreciate it. Thanks

 

[tedbmoss]

see for starters

LEGO® MINDSTORMS® NXT 2.0
Price USD 279.99
Item #: 8547


(open source)

http://www.arduino.cc/

http://store.makerbot.com/makerbot-thing-o-matic.html

all these I have used or am using.

 

[DaveC426913]

An entry level kit for $1000?

 

[jposs]

Probably not what you are looking for, but my question on https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=495871 led me to
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BEAM_robotics

Likely not what you are looking for, but seems like if you spent the thousand on used parts
you could have years of building if you wanted. Seems neat to me, likely not helpful, but it wouldn't be the first time I heard that.