Robotics... where to start?

[nmcglennon]

I have been interested in robotics and would like to know more about about the field. I want to actually build my own robots, and control them with a PC, but I don't know where to start.

Anyone know any good robotics kits or something? Any help?

 

[ArmenK]

lego mindstorms?

 

[EyeMWing]

Go to the kitchen. Pick an appliance. Take it apart. Build robot.

 

[nmcglennon]

Anyone have any experience with Mindstorms? I haven't done anything with Legos since I was 8.

In the meantime I'll start on my Microwave-toaster-eggbeater bot.

 

[MaxFusion16]

Originally posted by: nmcglennon
Anyone have any experience with Mindstorms? I haven't done anything with Legos since I was 8.

In the meantime I'll start on my Microwave-toaster-eggbeater bot.

it's cool, easy, and cheap. But if you want to do anything advanced then you'll need to get several mindstorm packs plus some custom parts and sensors from special websites.
I built a 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steering semi-autonomous vehicle for my highschool senior engineering project.

 

[EyeMWing]

Originally posted by: MaxFusion16

Originally posted by: nmcglennon
Anyone have any experience with Mindstorms? I haven't done anything with Legos since I was 8.

In the meantime I'll start on my Microwave-toaster-eggbeater bot.

it's cool, easy, and cheap. But if you want to do anything advanced then you'll need to get several mindstorm packs plus some custom parts and sensors from special websites.
I built a 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel steering semi-autonomous vehicle for my highschool senior engineering project.

Whoa, they still make mindstorms?

I remember that shiz from the IIGS boxen in elementary school. I may have to order me a pack or two (I have plenty of normal legos)

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Do a google search for beam robots.

 

[labrat25]

if you're in college you can get involved in an orginization call FIRST... it's supported by the guy who designed the segway scooter

essentially what you do is design and build a robot with highschool students to compete at national competitions... it's a great way to get involved

two of my roommates run the club at the local highschool here while we work on our degrees

FIRST Robotics

 

[sciencewhiz]

Mindstorms are a good way to start. So is the book The Robot Builders Bonanza.

There is a FIRST team in Austin, so that is another option. However, it is late in the season to be getting involved in FIRST. Best bet is to try to contact them next fall. Austin team

 

[MystikMango]

This site has a great overview on how to design and build bots. They cover a lot of the basic and advanced topics such as RC Control, Tools, DC Motors, etc.

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Good information, thanks folks. I was going to make a post about this too, after hearing a guy from JPL talking about robotics on the radio last night.

 

[Amorphus]

Originally posted by: labrat25
if you're in college you can get involved in an orginization call FIRST... it's supported by the guy who designed the segway scooter

essentially what you do is design and build a robot with highschool students to compete at national competitions... it's a great way to get involved

two of my roommates run the club at the local highschool here while we work on our degrees

FIRST Robotics

$5k to register for each individual event, and you'll need to buy your own build materiel, except for motors and some other gadgetry.

 

[CanOWorms]

Real engineering robotics requires a lot of calculations and concepts... It's nothing that most people would imagine!

 

[ShotgunSteven]

Cool, looks like LEGO Mindstorms are alive and well.

LINKY!

LINKY 2!

FIRST Lego League

 

[marquee]

apply to cmu. they have the best robotics program in the world. i think its also because they have the only robotics program in the world.

it was fun too, we got to program these robotic arms to throw darts!