Orionrobots - Learn to build robots at home https://orionrobots.co.uk en-gb Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:44:07 GMT Sun, 05 Jul 2026 18:44:07 GMT 1800 https://orionrobots.co.uk/assets/themes/orionrobots/images/social-banner.jpg https://orionrobots.co.uk Over the years I’ve accumulated a fair amount of robot source code — old projects in zip files, folders with broken .git histories, repos that were once on a long-gone GitLab instance. I’ve been working through these archives recently, using AI tooling to help analyse branches, spot untracked files, and work out what’s already on GitHub vs what needs a new home. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/18/18-rescuing-old-robot-code-from-the-archives.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/18/18-rescuing-old-robot-code-from-the-archives.html Thu, 18 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT This is a safety-related erratum for Learn Robotics Programming 3rd Edition. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/15/15-anker-power-supply-for-learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/15/15-anker-power-supply-for-learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition.html Mon, 15 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT This weekend, I once again mentored the robotics activity at the Coder Dojo Kingston University bringing along our fleet of 10 robots for children learning and experimenting with MicroPython. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/14/14-this-weekend-at-the-coder-dojo-kingston-university.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/14/14-this-weekend-at-the-coder-dojo-kingston-university.html Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT There is currently a 27% discount on the print edition of Learn Robotics Programming, 3rd Edition on Amazon.com. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/04/04-discount-on-learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/06/04/04-discount-on-learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition.html Thu, 04 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT Tomorrow my book, Learn Robotics Programming, 3rd Edition, is published, and I am properly excited about this one. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/05/28/28-learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition-is-published-tomorrow.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/05/28/28-learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition-is-published-tomorrow.html Thu, 28 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Our Coder Dojo at Kingston University runs a fleet of 11 Raspberry Pi RP2040 robots — a design that evolved from my Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico book. After a recent session, one robot came back needing repair: a sheared standoff and some wiring attention. I figured I’d document the design while I had it apart. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/05/25/25-tearing-down-a-coder-dojo-kingston-university-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/05/25/25-tearing-down-a-coder-dojo-kingston-university-robot.html Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT Another SG90 servo failed on me today. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/04/02/02-sg90-servo-motor-failure-analysis.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/04/02/02-sg90-servo-motor-failure-analysis.html Thu, 02 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT Following on from my post on i2s playback with Raspberry Pi Pico, this is a write up of the recording lab notes I made in 2023. This was actually the trickier bit - getting an i2s MEMS microphone to capture audio and write it to a WAV file on an SD card. I completed this in 2023, but only got round to writing it up in 2026 - better late than never! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/03/28/i2s-recording-raspberry-pi-pico.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2026/03/28/i2s-recording-raspberry-pi-pico.html Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT I still hear phrases like “ruining the magic” when it comes to understanding how stuff like technology, natural processes or cosmic phenomena work. However, I’ve a different take on this. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/09/11/18-discovery-magic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/09/11/18-discovery-magic.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT I am currently getting my Tiny Toolkit into a better state, as I use it frequently when doing robot tweaks in the office and out of the lab. This Tiny toolkit is designed for robot repair or improvements, either in my office away from my workshop, or out in the field. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/09/11/11-tiny-toolkit-4mm-bit-holder.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/09/11/11-tiny-toolkit-4mm-bit-holder.html Thu, 11 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT If you have set up a headless Raspberry Pi using Raspberry Pi OS Bookworm, you may have found that the WiFi configuration has changed from previous versions. The trick with putting the SD card into antoher computer and updating wpa_supplicant.conf no longer works, as the file is no longer used. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/07/29/29-reconfiguring-headless-raspberry-pi-os-bookworm-wifi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/07/29/29-reconfiguring-headless-raspberry-pi-os-bookworm-wifi.html Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT While writing my book, the 2power USB Power bank I recommended stopped selling, everywhere. It was able to happily power a Raspberry Pi 4 robot, and fit nicely. However it wasn’t perfect in that it would power the robot down while charging. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/07/08/08-comparing-anker-power-packs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/07/08/08-comparing-anker-power-packs.html Tue, 08 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been slowly getting my head around the new (FreeCAD 1.0) assembly workbench, and using it to create exploded diagrams for my upcoming book, Learn Robotics Programming Third Edition. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/07/05/05-freecad-notes.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/07/05/05-freecad-notes.html Sat, 05 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT Last night, I got some preparation for today’s Coder Dojo KU Python Robotics activity. These are MicroPython robots based on an RP2040 (the Raspberry Pi Pico chip). The activity is aimed at kids learning to code. I have a fleet of 10 robots, plus 1 more as a demo/test model. It uses some of the principles from my books. These autonomous car type robots are built around the Cytron MakerPi RP2040 control board, with a dual RCWL-1601 sensor for obstacle avoidance, a Maker Line 5-sensor array, and a mini-3 round chassis. The code is written in MicroPython, and the kids write their own code to control them, with us providing activity sheets, reference cards, and helping out if they run into problems. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/06/07/07-preparing-for-the-coder-dojo.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/06/07/07-preparing-for-the-coder-dojo.html Sat, 07 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT This weekend, I went to Makers Central at the NEC in Birmingham. And it was a lot of fun! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/05/19/19-makers-central-2025.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/05/19/19-makers-central-2025.html Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT This week I’ve been having fun, and with a weekend of Makers Social, I’ve more to come. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/05/15/15-antisocial-robots-and-makers-central.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/05/15/15-antisocial-robots-and-makers-central.html Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT I’m honoured! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/04/08/08-robotics-book-featured-in-a-humble-bundle.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/04/08/08-robotics-book-featured-in-a-humble-bundle.html Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT 🚀 Pre-order Alert! 🤖 https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/02/12/learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/02/12/learn-robotics-programming-3rd-edition.html Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT These are surprisingly hard to find. So I’ve made measurements using my digital calipers. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/02/12/rcwl-1601-ultrasonic-sensor-dimensions.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/02/12/rcwl-1601-ultrasonic-sensor-dimensions.html Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been working on a robotics mentoring project for Coder Dojo KU. There will be a fleet of 10 of these robots. The current task is to model a sensor bracket that I can print for some RCWL-1601 ultrasonic distance sensors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/02/12/2025-freecad-assemblies.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/02/12/2025-freecad-assemblies.html Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been fixing up my Maplin/OWI Edge USB controlled robot arm. Here’s what I’ve been doing with it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/01/26/26-fixing-the-maplin-owi-edge-robot-arm.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/01/26/26-fixing-the-maplin-owi-edge-robot-arm.html Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT My python library for the Maplin USB robot Arm has been reasonably popular over the years. However, at one point several years ago, I wanted to move the repository from my dannystaple account into the orionrobots org, so other people in orionrobots, students or helpers, could contribute, review and so on. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/01/04/04-thanks-to-github.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/01/04/04-thanks-to-github.html Sat, 04 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT The old projects https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/01/03/03-explorer-shield.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2025/01/03/03-explorer-shield.html Fri, 03 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT I am a frequent user of Micropython. I also have recently been using a Windows desktop (I had been using a Mac for a while). https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/12/23/23-vscode-for-micropython.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/12/23/23-vscode-for-micropython.html Mon, 23 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT In the previous particle systems article we built a simple particle system that created raindrops. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/12/04/04-particle-systems-part-2-the-snowglobe.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/12/04/04-particle-systems-part-2-the-snowglobe.html Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have a lifelong fascination with Particle systems, complementing my robotics. However, it was only a few years ago that I found out how to bring the two together in a Monte Carlo Localization particle filter. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/11/24/24-making-particle-systems-for-fun-and-robotics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/11/24/24-making-particle-systems-for-fun-and-robotics.html Sun, 24 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT My student is making an entry for the UK Micromouse competition. The competition has a recommended reference robot design for entrants to build, the UKMarsBot. She applied, and was sent the Main board along with the Line sensor and Wall sensor boards. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/10/20/uk-micromouse-sensors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/10/20/uk-micromouse-sensors.html Sun, 20 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have always had an interest in AI. I’ve been running a local OpenWebUi with a local Ollama for a while now, hosting my own AI’s so I can use them with my notes. I’m a long term fan of the Zettlekasten method of note taking and linking, a second brain if you will, so tying that to an AI as RAG (Retrieval Augmented Generation) is a natural fit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/10/12/reassigning-openwebui-chat-users.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/10/12/reassigning-openwebui-chat-users.html Sat, 12 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT After reading my book Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico, reader Doug Blanding used the concepts from the book and took it to the next level. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/10/09/reader-feedback-on-learn-robotics-programming.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/10/09/reader-feedback-on-learn-robotics-programming.html Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT When I’m writing books, articles and blog posts, I often need to create figures, drawings and photos. Here is the process I use to make them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/08/25/how-i-make-figures.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/08/25/how-i-make-figures.html Sun, 25 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have a collection of sample filament. It’s a little vintage, iht some being from Faberdashery, one of the multi colour and transparent sample filament packs. These are great fun, allowing you to try many colours. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/08/17/3d-print-sample-spools.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/08/17/3d-print-sample-spools.html Sat, 17 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have a complex relationship with ROS, the Robotic Operating System. But let’s start by looking at what it is. For this articles purposes, ROS and ROS 2 are considered as versions of the same basic idea. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/08/13/opinions-on-ros.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/08/13/opinions-on-ros.html Tue, 13 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT I started with what seemed like a simple question: “What Raspberry Pi models and cameras are compatible with each other?” given the context of using the current libcamera/rpicam stack. I found that there was no straight answer on the internet. I went to ask the internet, and nobody came back with a simple answer. So I decided to do some research and write this article to answer this question. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/06/04/raspberry-pi-camera-compatibility.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/06/04/raspberry-pi-camera-compatibility.html Tue, 04 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT On Sunday, the team got together to discuss and consider how we did in PiWars 2024. The overall view was positive, but we looked at what we can learn and improve upon. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/05/02/02-piwars-retrospective.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/05/02/02-piwars-retrospective.html Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT I was asked how I know what all the wires are when I’m working on, or are looking at an old robot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/29/29-how-do-you-know-what-all-the-wires-are-for.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/29/29-how-do-you-know-what-all-the-wires-are-for.html Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT This week has seen some major progress on the robot. Let’s get into it… https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/17/17-piwars-robot-updates.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/17/17-piwars-robot-updates.html Wed, 17 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT We had only some ideas for lift and grab, but nothing concrete. We had some concept sketches on what we’d like to do. Over the weekend, between the sessions with the whole team, Danny did what he could as we were running out of time for this. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/13/13-piwars-2024-grab-and-lift-mechanism.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/13/13-piwars-2024-grab-and-lift-mechanism.html Sat, 13 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT This is a short 5 minute video showcasing the technical and design aspects of Big Ole Yellow (which is mostly granite red) for PiWars 2024. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/09/09-piwars-technical-artistic-video.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/09/09-piwars-technical-artistic-video.html Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT This week, Danny finally finished printing the FreeCAD designed parts to mount the Nerf Turret onto Big Ole Yellow, using the shiny new BambuLabs A1 Mini printer to get really smooth prints, no warping and warp speed. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/07/07-piwars-disaster-nerf-turret.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/04/07/07-piwars-disaster-nerf-turret.html Sun, 07 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT I have a Raspberry Pi 4, running Raspberry Pi OS Lite, bookworm. I wanted to connect a bluetooth headset to it so I can record and playback. I needed to get the speakers and microphone working. This is handy for a DIY project like a voice assistant. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/30/30-bluetooth-headset-on-pi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/30/30-bluetooth-headset-on-pi.html Sat, 30 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT This week I finally opened the Pico Bricks kit, which they had sent to me to play with. It is an amazing kit! They sent me the Zero-to-hero kit, which is a great way to get started with the Raspberry Pi Pico. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/28/28-picobricks-kit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/28/28-picobricks-kit.html Thu, 28 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/19/19-inventor-hat-mini-problems.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/19/19-inventor-hat-mini-problems.html Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been doing a lot of FreeCAD work, including a frustrating case of rebuilding a chassis base, the base of my CAD models, because the original was from a STEP import, and had two major issues: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/11/11-freeecad-sheet-tips.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/11/11-freeecad-sheet-tips.html Mon, 11 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT In my recent book, Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico, I have used the PIO (Programmable Input Output) system to read the encoders on the robot. Why have I taken this step? https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/06/06-why-pio-was-used-in-robotics-at-home.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/03/06/06-why-pio-was-used-in-robotics-at-home.html Wed, 06 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT The attachment mounting plate for the robot we’ve been building in my home lab is coming together today. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/28/piwars-mounting-plate-comes-together.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/28/piwars-mounting-plate-comes-together.html Wed, 28 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Our Pi Wars 2024 robot, Big Ole Yellow, will compete in challenges that require different attachments. So far, the ones we have in mind are: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/25/piwars-attachment-plate-in-freecad.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/25/piwars-attachment-plate-in-freecad.html Sun, 25 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT I recently have had a reader having trouble with the electronics in Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/24/24-debugging-electronic-circuits.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/24/24-debugging-electronic-circuits.html Sat, 24 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Since the second edition of Learn Robotics Programming was published the Raspberry Pi operating system has moved on. This means that the instructions for installing OpenCV and Numpy are out of date. Here’s the updated instructions for installing OpenCV and Numpy on the Raspberry Pi. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/20/installing-opencv-and-numpy-learnrobotics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/20/installing-opencv-and-numpy-learnrobotics.html Tue, 20 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT This week I found a helpful guide for people new to crimping wires. Crimping wires is not easy without practice, but also knowing what a good crimp should look like is a start. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/19/19-handy-guide-for-crimping.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/19/19-handy-guide-for-crimping.html Mon, 19 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Our robot, Big Ole Yellow, originally built in 2019, is being re-purposed for the PiWars 2024 Disaster Zone competition. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/18/piwars-progress-update.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/02/18/piwars-progress-update.html Sun, 18 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT Our robot for Piwars 2024, Big Ole Yellow, has a USB cable between the Raspberry Pi and the Pimoroni Yukon, for programming and communicating with the Micropython code running on the RP2040. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/29/right-angled-usb-cable.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/29/right-angled-usb-cable.html Mon, 29 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT The robot I’ve been building and documenting for an upcoming book is using a VL53l5cx sensor for front mounted distance sensing. This sensor is great in that you get an array of 8x8 distance measurements, so a single sensor can do the job of many! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/28/amusing-distance-sensor-issue.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/28/amusing-distance-sensor-issue.html Sun, 28 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT So our robot is wired up, and on a bench power supply, and we have things driving as of last week via the Yukon. Exciting. However, when we tried to switch over to independent power for the motors, it ran out pretty soon. The robot’s motor power is based ona bank of 6 NiMH AA’s, and it is in my roadmap to replace that with 18650’s, but until then, keeping these charged is an important part of maintenance. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/27/battery-charging-issues.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/27/battery-charging-issues.html Sat, 27 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been using React Native and Expo to create phone apps to interact with robots via MQTT, both in PiWars and in preparation for an upcoming robotics book. The benefit being that they can attach to an MQTT broker, and you can control it or get sensor data from it directly on the phone. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/22/22-jan-note-on-kivy.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/22/22-jan-note-on-kivy.html Mon, 22 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT We looked at pyinfra, installing services and python serial. Often debugging is not caused by a large theoretical issue but instead some small mistakes/bugs. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/21/21st_january_piwars.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/21/21st_january_piwars.html Sun, 21 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT If you’ve not come across it, there’s a neat command line tool for working with Micropython and CircuitPython boards called MPRemote - the MicroPython remote control. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/21/21-aboutmpremote.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/21/21-aboutmpremote.html Sun, 21 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT My student and I realised how few weeks we had until PiWars. having booked the hotel rooms and train tickets, it became very clear how close it is. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/14/14-planning-piwars-robot-tasks.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/14/14-planning-piwars-robot-tasks.html Sun, 14 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT We had an amusing power problem after adding the Yukon to the Big Ole Yellow robot for Piwars 2024. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/09/09-piwars-yukon-power-issue.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/09/09-piwars-yukon-power-issue.html Tue, 09 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT For my PiWars 2024 robot, and other robotics projects, I’ll occasionally need the 3D printer. I don’t use it for book robots as I’m aware that readers may not have access to a 3D printer, but for the PiWars robots, I like to get into more complicated stuff and use whatever I have at my disposal. With the largest limitation being time. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/04/dialing-in-my-3d-printer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/04/dialing-in-my-3d-printer.html Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT First off, I want to say a Happy New Year to all my readers. 2024 has started off as I’d like it to with some great things happening. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/03/robot-building-fun-this-week.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2024/01/03/robot-building-fun-this-week.html Wed, 03 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT This week I found time to unbox, review and play with the Elecfreaks Smart Cutebot Pro. This is a robot kit based around the BBC micro:bit, and is a great way to get started with robotics. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/12/26/elecfreaks-cutebot-pro.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/12/26/elecfreaks-cutebot-pro.html Tue, 26 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT This weekend, while doing some research for an upcoming book project, and other robots, I had an interesting challenge. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/12/11/change-of-viewpoint-on-wiring.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/12/11/change-of-viewpoint-on-wiring.html Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT For the last few months, I had the privilege of being a beta tester for the Pimoroni Yukon board. This meant I got to play with a robotics board with a tonne of features before it was released! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/12/08/the-pimoroni-yukon.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/12/08/the-pimoroni-yukon.html Fri, 08 Dec 2023 00:00:00 GMT This month I managed to break two items - a motor bracket and a Raspberry Pi Pico W. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/30/a-month-of-learning-robotics-the-hard-way.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/30/a-month-of-learning-robotics-the-hard-way.html Thu, 30 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT This week I’ve been taking photos of a Sparkfun chassis I have been using with my student, and for demonstration purposes. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/28/replacement-shadow-chassis-motor-bracket.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/28/replacement-shadow-chassis-motor-bracket.html Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today, I came across a paper detailing some interesting robotics sensor technology. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/21/robot-touch-sensors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/21/robot-touch-sensors.html Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT I was sent a link to a GitHub repository with a number of robotics algorithms implemented in Python.PythonRobotics https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/21/open-source-python-robotics-algorithms.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/21/open-source-python-robotics-algorithms.html Tue, 21 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today, I trialled PyInfra2 for managing the packages and files on a Raspberry Pi. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/20/managing-a-raspberry-pi-with-pyinfra.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/20/managing-a-raspberry-pi-with-pyinfra.html Mon, 20 Nov 2023 19:28:00 GMT I’ve recently started playing with MQTT. My intent is to use it in Python, with the Paho client, on a Raspberry Pi running the Mosquitto broker. I plan to use MQTT in my Piwars 2024 robot so I can have multiple communicating programs, and a channel to send control signals to/from a smartphone too. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/19/mqtt-mosquitto-password.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/19/mqtt-mosquitto-password.html Sun, 19 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT In this tutorial, I will show how to use a pair of distance sensors for wall avoiding. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/12/coder-dojo-robot-wall-avoiding.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/12/coder-dojo-robot-wall-avoiding.html Sun, 12 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT In chapter 11 of Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico, I introduce the asyncio library, and get this installed on the Raspberry Pi Pico. This is a library that lets you schedule multiple tasks on the Pico. They don’t run in parallel, so much as hand control over to different processes when they are waiting for something. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/07/verifying-asyncio-on-circuitpython-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/11/07/verifying-asyncio-on-circuitpython-robot.html Tue, 07 Nov 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today I’ve come across the TMF882x distance sensor series from AMS. I was exploring SparkFun for some sensors for a project. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/22/tmf882x-distance-sensors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/22/tmf882x-distance-sensors.html Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT My student arrived with a few things to fix up. At the last session, we had been trying to get the Adafruit Cricket to work, but had experienced an issue with i2c communication errors throughout. I will take a closer look, but so my student can continue, we swapped that out for a Pimoroni Explorer Hat Pro. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/22/piwars-notes.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/22/piwars-notes.html Sun, 22 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT A common chore I find myself doing (and I imagine anyone who has built a few robots) is adapting code they’ve written to many different motor driver or main breakout boards. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/18/adapting-different-pi-motor-controllers.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/18/adapting-different-pi-motor-controllers.html Wed, 18 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT I am a regular mentor at a Coder Dojo Kingston University, a place where we mentor children on their journey to learn about programming and technology. I’ve mostly been mentoring in Python there, but they have also had robot tracks, on and off. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/14/coder-dojo-robot-part-choices.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/14/coder-dojo-robot-part-choices.html Sat, 14 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT Exciting news! This weekend, we have plenty to celebrate, with robots, books and a little Prosecco. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/06/weekend-celebrating-robotics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/06/weekend-celebrating-robotics.html Fri, 06 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT I sometimes have suggestions that the books in my robots are a little expensive to build. They are sub £200, and can be closer to sub £100 if you get clever with parts. Considering that I recommend a number of sensors and encoder read motors, I think they represent good value, but are a bit pricier than a simple Arduino with two wheels on motors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/02/are-my-robot-recommendations-expensive.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/10/02/are-my-robot-recommendations-expensive.html Mon, 02 Oct 2023 00:00:00 GMT Say hello to the Raspberry Pi 5! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/29/say-hello-to-raspberry-pi-5.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/29/say-hello-to-raspberry-pi-5.html Fri, 29 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT This week I’ve been reading Lukas Kaul’s robotics book “Practical Arduino Robotics”, and trying the experiments within. Although I am experience with PID control. encoders and the Arduino, it is always useful to read and try the work of other robot builders and see what I learn from it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/09/pid-experiments-with-nano-and-encoders.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/09/pid-experiments-with-nano-and-encoders.html Sat, 09 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT Have you wondered about the basics for getting a robot driving? I originally wrote this for a coder dojo worksheet, but it is suitable for anyone getting started. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/07/worksheet-on-driving-robots-with-micropython.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/07/worksheet-on-driving-robots-with-micropython.html Thu, 07 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT A week and a half ago, I was asked to make a project to play a sound from an SD card, then record a response and play it back. This required me linking the Raspberry Pi Pico up to a few new devices. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/04/i2s-playback.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/09/04/i2s-playback.html Mon, 04 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT When building a robot, it is important to position sensors where they will be useful in the algorithms running on the robot. Getting it wrong can lead to amusing and odd results. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/29/robot-sensor-positioning.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/29/robot-sensor-positioning.html Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT I’ve recently been specifying changes to a fleet of robots used in my local Coder Dojo. The modified robots would be based on a Raspberry Pi Pico W, and a bunch of sensors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/15/adapting-pinouts-for-robot-worksheets.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/15/adapting-pinouts-for-robot-worksheets.html Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT Line following robots are a great example of autonomous robot behaviour. In this article, I will show you step-by-step how to add a line sensor to a Raspberry Pi Pico robot, how to wire it in, and then how to write Python code for responsive line following on the robot. I include CircuitPython and MicroPython examples. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/05/raspberry-pi-pico-line-follower.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/05/raspberry-pi-pico-line-follower.html Sat, 05 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today I took the Foam Dart turret I made for my 2020 Piwars robot “Bangers and Bash”, which had some problems around power handling, and having attached it to a Pimoroni Yukon, got it to make sound effects before firing a spread of 5 foam darts. Not sure it is perfect for mowing down Piwars targets in a challenge as the spread is not so much aimed but uniform. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/01/foam-dart-turret-with-sound.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/08/01/foam-dart-turret-with-sound.html Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 GMT My robotics book, Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico is currently available with a 20% discount until 31st July 2023! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/07/14/july-robotics-book-discount.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/07/14/july-robotics-book-discount.html Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT I have contributed to a feature published this month in The Magpi - the Raspberry Pi Magazine. In it I show how to use a Raspberry Pi Pico with a MeArm robot arm, and use Micropython to program a web controlled robot with step record and playback capabilities https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/07/04/magi-mearm-robot-arm.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/07/04/magi-mearm-robot-arm.html Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today, I need to get probing, and find out why the Arduino side wont power up. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/26/fixing-the-battery-box.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/26/fixing-the-battery-box.html Mon, 26 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT Yesterday I made a block diagram of the Piwars Robot. With an understanding of the connections, and not fearing that they will damage the Raspberry Pi, I can power it up and test it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/25/testing-the-piwars-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/25/testing-the-piwars-robot.html Sun, 25 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today I took the diagrams I made over the past few days and put them into a block diagram. I used Excalidraw to make the diagram. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/24/block-diagrams-of-robot-electronics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/24/block-diagrams-of-robot-electronics.html Sat, 24 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT In the last post, I looked at the Raspberry Pi Electronics in the robot. Today I’ll look at the Arduino side. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/23/piwars-2024-robot-arduino-electronics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/23/piwars-2024-robot-arduino-electronics.html Fri, 23 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT The robot I am repurposing for Piwars 2024 is repurposed from my 2019 robot Big Ole Yellow. This used a Raspberry Pi with an perma-proto hat. Before turning it on, I needed to understand the wiring, if it make sense or was the correct polarity. Simply powering this up if wires have gone awry could lead to damaging parts. Most connectors here are the locking polarised type, so I can be confident those are in the right way. However, some are just Duponts which could easily be in reversed. These are 4 way Duponts though, so could only be wrong one way. They also have a red-marked wire on them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/22/piwars-metal-chassis-robot-electronics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/22/piwars-metal-chassis-robot-electronics.html Thu, 22 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT The robot “Big Ole Yellow” has been sat on a shelf since Piwars 2019 gathering dust. That means none of it has been powered on, so some inspection and testing is needed before we can start working on it. The current initiatives list has Up and Running as the first step. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/21/piwars-robot-testing-and-current-state.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/21/piwars-robot-testing-and-current-state.html Wed, 21 Jun 2023 00:00:00 GMT I thought it would be fun to make a specs card for the robot I am entering into Piwars 2023. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/14/piwars-robot-character-card.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/14/piwars-robot-character-card.html Wed, 14 Jun 2023 20:51:00 GMT Piwars 2024 - Disaster Zone was recently announced by the PiWars team, and we’ve decided to make an entry. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/13/making-a-piwars-2024-entry.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/13/making-a-piwars-2024-entry.html Tue, 13 Jun 2023 19:28:00 GMT This weekend my robotics student and I set up a pair of MeArms to play pass-the-parcel. This was lots of fun and took a few tries to get right. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/07/mearm-robot-two-arms-pass-the-parcel.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/07/mearm-robot-two-arms-pass-the-parcel.html Wed, 07 Jun 2023 19:28:00 GMT We’ve been playing recently with a MeArm Maker robot arm. Our current experiments include a Wifi enabled Raspberry Pi Pico-W version, and using a web server running on the PicoW to record arm positions, then smoothly interpolate while playing them back to create smooth motion. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/05/mearm-robot-arm-with-pico-recorded-actions.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/06/05/mearm-robot-arm-with-pico-recorded-actions.html Mon, 05 Jun 2023 17:45:00 GMT Last week, I made a live talk about the robots in my lab, showing each one and discussing difficulties along with how I would improve each of them. I show where each has further areas to work on, what I’ve learned so far from each. These robots include Raspberry Pis, Raspberry Pi Pico’s, Arduino’s, and ESP8266s. There’s a hexapod, a buggy with an arm on board, my various PiWars entries, and more. This was also recorded from my new lab. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/05/02/talk-on-my-robots-at-raspberry-pint.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/05/02/talk-on-my-robots-at-raspberry-pint.html Tue, 02 May 2023 17:45:00 GMT A common question from readers of Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico is why I recommend stores like Pimoroni, Adafruit and The Pi Hut over the generic items on Alibaba and AliExpress. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/04/07/aliexpress-shopping-list-for-robotics-at-home-with-raspberry-pi-pico.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/04/07/aliexpress-shopping-list-for-robotics-at-home-with-raspberry-pi-pico.html Fri, 07 Apr 2023 16:39:12 GMT If you are based in the UK here is an item shopping list suitable for building a robot as shown in the Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico book. These are made using ThePiHut, a reputable UK electronics vendor with a broad selection and Amazon. You could definitely find parts cheaper on eBay or Alibaba, however you will have longer lead times and the quality will vary. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/04/04/uk-shopping-lists-for-robotics-at-home-with-raspberry-pi-pico.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/04/04/uk-shopping-lists-for-robotics-at-home-with-raspberry-pi-pico.html Tue, 04 Apr 2023 17:03:44 GMT 📕Today my new book “Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico” is out 🎉! The last year and a half of work, with research into Raspberry Pi Pico PIO, hand tool chassis build techniques, probability and Monte Carlo has finally paid off with the book available. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/17/robotics-at-home-book-launched.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/17/robotics-at-home-book-launched.html Fri, 17 Mar 2023 18:30:00 GMT Today is Pi day. As in the number 3.141592, and also the Raspberry Pi. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/14/pi-day-raspberry-pi-on-pico-bot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/14/pi-day-raspberry-pi-on-pico-bot.html Tue, 14 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT Today I’ve cut two more styrene chassis plates for building the robot rover from Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico. This article has paid links. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/10/more-robotics-at-home-chassis.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/10/more-robotics-at-home-chassis.html Fri, 10 Mar 2023 19:53:30 GMT Background https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/05/using-a-raspberry-pi-to-inspect-code-on-raspberry-pi-pico.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/05/using-a-raspberry-pi-to-inspect-code-on-raspberry-pi-pico.html Sun, 05 Mar 2023 09:16:52 GMT I am currently tutoring two children in robotics, which means practical and fun lessons ranging among a number of skills: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/01/new-robot-building-parts-in-the-lab.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/03/01/new-robot-building-parts-in-the-lab.html Wed, 01 Mar 2023 10:54:02 GMT I have now finished writing my upcoming robotics book, “Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico”. It is now going to print, available from the 17th of March, 2023. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/02/28/interview-with-packt-publishing-on-my-upcoming-book.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/02/28/interview-with-packt-publishing-on-my-upcoming-book.html Tue, 28 Feb 2023 22:14:54 GMT A Bluefruit BLE UART Friend (Bluetooth BLE) can add Bluetooth BLE to a project, with support in a Bluefruit Connect App to visualise data. Ulab is an implementation of parts of Numpy and SciPy for microcontroller Python interpreters, like CircuitPython and Micropython. This project uses CircuitPython, but similar issues would be seen in Micropython. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/28/circuitpython-ulab-arrays-and-data-transmission-size.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/28/circuitpython-ulab-arrays-and-data-transmission-size.html Sat, 28 Jan 2023 19:33:01 GMT The VL53LnX series sensors from ST are popular distance sensors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/26/using-multiple-vl53l-type-sensors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/26/using-multiple-vl53l-type-sensors.html Thu, 26 Jan 2023 12:37:36 GMT What have I currently been working on? As part of my work on Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico I discovered a problem in CircuitPython with the traceback module, although it was perhaps more of a misunderstanding on my part. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/25/what-ive-been-working-on-tracebacks-in-circuitpython.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/25/what-ive-been-working-on-tracebacks-in-circuitpython.html Wed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 GMT Sky News have published Sniffer dogs, beware: Scientists give robot a sense of smell. This sensor has come from Tel Aviv University in Israel. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/19/smell-detecting-robot-in-the-news.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/19/smell-detecting-robot-in-the-news.html Thu, 19 Jan 2023 13:34:19 GMT I’ve written books, articles, blog posts and made youtube videos. I’ve decided to make a place where my community can contact me to get support, talk about these robot materials, ask me questions, give me feedback, or feed into other books and content. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/16/getting-support-for-my-robotics-content.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2023/01/16/getting-support-for-my-robotics-content.html Mon, 16 Jan 2023 19:48:30 GMT Maker Rue Mohr recently suggested building a motion tracking workbench lamp. This is a great idea, as if you are moving around on the bench, and you need light focusing on where you are working, you could have the device adjust the focus for you. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/27/motion-tracking-workbench-accessories.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/27/motion-tracking-workbench-accessories.html Tue, 27 Dec 2022 14:43:36 GMT When taking photos of robots, nearly everything is Macro - that is, every shot is fairly close up. What this often means is that I get focus issues. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/27/cheeky-focus-stacking.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/27/cheeky-focus-stacking.html Tue, 27 Dec 2022 13:33:46 GMT In yesterday’s Maixsense A010 post I had reached a block, and it hadn’t worked either standalone, or via the serial port. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/27/maixsense-a010-day-2-sipeed-support.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/27/maixsense-a010-day-2-sipeed-support.html Tue, 27 Dec 2022 12:47:10 GMT The Sipeed Maixsense A010 is a 100x100 depth camera/sensor - using optical time-of-flight (TOFL) to get a picture that represents a depth field view of a room. This is a pretty exciting idea to me - it’s inexpensive (less than £100), solid state - not spinning, and small. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/26/maixsense-a010-first-impressions.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/26/maixsense-a010-first-impressions.html Mon, 26 Dec 2022 13:36:05 GMT I am currently working on a motion model for a robotics localisation system, more details of which will be in an upcoming book. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/23/debugging-motion-data.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/23/debugging-motion-data.html Fri, 23 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT Trigonometry in robotics https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/18/trigonometry-mix-ups.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/18/trigonometry-mix-ups.html Sun, 18 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT Sometimes, the best way to get all the little website fixes I want to get done on orionrobots, is to have a bigger harder task I am procrastinating from instead… https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/18/the-best-way-to-get-things-done.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/18/the-best-way-to-get-things-done.html Sun, 18 Dec 2022 00:00:00 GMT What is ulab? https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/11/debugging-ulab-or-numpy.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/12/11/debugging-ulab-or-numpy.html Sun, 11 Dec 2022 18:45:51 GMT This week I had reason to revisit Why we are using AA batteries when working on battery storage. I was looking at the batteries I have, and how I store them, and how I keep track of them. I’ve been using the same batteries for a while, and I’ve been using the same charger for a while. If you are learning robotics at home, battery choices are important, and I thought I’d share my thoughts on this. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/20/battery-choices-update-2022.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/20/battery-choices-update-2022.html Sun, 20 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT When I’m testing robots, I tend to use a lot of AA batteries. My preference is to use NiMH rechargeables. One issue is that the charger I have can only charge four, while some of my robots may use 12. So I have to charge them in batches. See Why we are using AA batteries for why I use AA batteries when building robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/19/battery-storage.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/19/battery-storage.html Sat, 19 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT Today I’m trying out a freecad weekly build. I’ve been doing a lot in TechDraw, and needed to replace a view, but all the annotations are behind the view. I’m hoping the weekly build has the view stacking implementation for https://github.com/FreeCAD/FreeCAD/issues/6012 so I can get the annotations in front of the view. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/02/freecad-annotations.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/02/freecad-annotations.html Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT I was playing more with foam board today. I’ve used it before to make drawer dividers, but at 10mm it gets interesting. This is a rough (rabbet I think) joint I made with it, because why not. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/02/foamboard-joint.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/11/02/foamboard-joint.html Wed, 02 Nov 2022 00:00:00 GMT Arg, in FreeCAD I split 2 edges in a sketch and hit what I assume is a topological renaming nightmare. Happened 3 or 4 times this week. My workflow has been sheet to master sketches, to shapebinders in bodies, to pads. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/10/30/freecad-topo-naming-issue.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/10/30/freecad-topo-naming-issue.html Sun, 30 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT Storage is one those problems for those learning robotics at home - where to put all the bits of different sizes. You need tiny little boxes for components like electronics, larger ones to contain and transport robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/10/24/euro-boxes-storage.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/10/24/euro-boxes-storage.html Mon, 24 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT I’m getting intimately familiar with Gaussian probability and generating them, along with combining matplotlib and asyncio for pc visualising. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/10/23/gaussian-circuitpython.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/10/23/gaussian-circuitpython.html Sun, 23 Oct 2022 00:00:00 GMT Tonight, while working on diagrams for Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico I’ve found a whole new menu of goodness built into #Inkscape for manipulating paths - use the menu paths->path effects, then click + and you get the following toolbox! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/09/28/inkscape-path-manipulation-menu.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/09/28/inkscape-path-manipulation-menu.html Wed, 28 Sep 2022 22:14:54 GMT Bluefruit app https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/08/07/bluefruit-graphing-beware-auto-scaling.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/08/07/bluefruit-graphing-beware-auto-scaling.html Sun, 07 Aug 2022 00:00:00 GMT Machine bolts in robot building https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/27/machine-bolts-supplied-with-parts.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/27/machine-bolts-supplied-with-parts.html Wed, 27 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT Jarkman, the person who inspired my tiny toolkit suggested making and 3D Printing a tray so the bits are less likely to escape into the toolbag. This is building on the Drill bits holder I made yesterday. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/25/tiny-toolkit-drill-bit-tray.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/25/tiny-toolkit-drill-bit-tray.html Mon, 25 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT Tiny Drill Bit Holder https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/24/tiny-drill-bits-for-tiny-toolkit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/24/tiny-drill-bits-for-tiny-toolkit.html Sun, 24 Jul 2022 00:00:00 GMT Today is day 2 of the Piwars Raspberry pi Robotics competition, with autonomous and manually driven robots by beginners, intermediate and pro robot builders. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/10/piwars-raspberry-pi-robotics-2022-day-two.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/10/piwars-raspberry-pi-robotics-2022-day-two.html Sun, 10 Jul 2022 09:46:28 GMT Today I needed to create a graph for my upcoming book Robotics at Home with Raspberry Pi Pico. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/09/vscode-jupyter-codepilot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/09/vscode-jupyter-codepilot.html Sat, 09 Jul 2022 20:54:27 GMT This weekend, the PiWars 2022 event is in full swing. Teams have submitted videos of their robots in action. All the robots are based around a Raspberry Pi, with school teams and home teams of different experience levels, competing with ingenious mechanisms, great design, autonomous code or manual driving. I’m really enjoying watching it! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/09/piwars-2022-raspberrypi-robotics-competition.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/09/piwars-2022-raspberrypi-robotics-competition.html Sat, 09 Jul 2022 11:35:09 GMT Inspired by social media user Jarkman, I decided to start making a mini portable robot toolkit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/09/tiny-robotics-toolkit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/09/tiny-robotics-toolkit.html Sat, 09 Jul 2022 10:35:39 GMT I’ve been trying to make it easier for me to post to the site. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/08/moving-back-to-github.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/07/08/moving-back-to-github.html Fri, 08 Jul 2022 20:31:39 GMT My upcoming book on Pico robotics has a section on FreeCAD, and I’ve been using it to make the parts for the book. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/06/14/freecad-issues.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/06/14/freecad-issues.html Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:54:02 GMT The NINA firmware allows an ESp32 to act as a Wireless bridge/network interface for any SPI connected microcontroller, for example a Raspberry Pi Pico, or an Arduino. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/05/20/esp32-nina-firmware.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/05/20/esp32-nina-firmware.html Fri, 20 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT My robotics/Raspberry Pi books Learn Robotics Programming, and Learn Robotics Programming - Second Edition takes the approach that using a network to connect to a robot makes it easier to program, configure or update it, also freeing the robot from being tethered to a screen, keyboard and mouse. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/05/19/putty-macos-alternative.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/05/19/putty-macos-alternative.html Thu, 19 May 2022 00:00:00 GMT These last few months, I’ve been working on things related to an upcoming Raspberry Pi Pico robotics book. The current few weeks have been relating to using an add on Wifi solution. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/04/08/pico-wireless.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/04/08/pico-wireless.html Fri, 08 Apr 2022 00:00:00 GMT If you are doing a lot of programming with the Raspberry Pi Pico, especially with a mobile platform like a robot, then you will be frequently unplugging your Pico. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/02/08/raspberry-pi-pico-tips.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2022/02/08/raspberry-pi-pico-tips.html Tue, 08 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT When using FreeCAD’s assembly4 workbench, have you seen broken object links after moving a file? Here’s how I came across the issue, diagnosed it and a fix for it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/07/24/freecad-assembly-link-issue.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/07/24/freecad-assembly-link-issue.html Sat, 24 Jul 2021 00:00:00 GMT Pimoroni have a wireless pack for Raspberry Pi Pico. This adds wifi capability with an ESP32 (and possibly bluetooth, more on that later). Wifi capability is great because it means I can teleoperate (remote drive) my robots, even if it’s just starting behaviors. In Learn Robotics Programming I have a chapter showing how to crate a nice web interface and remote camera/driving app to take advantage of Raspberry Pi 3a+ wifi. It’s something I’ve taken to adding to most of my robots. But what about Pico robots? https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/06/15/pico-wireless-pack-with-motor-board.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/06/15/pico-wireless-pack-with-motor-board.html Tue, 15 Jun 2021 00:00:00 GMT To get better access to tools in my closest drawer, I make dividers with foam core and hot glue. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/05/23/foam-core-drawer-dividers.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/05/23/foam-core-drawer-dividers.html Sun, 23 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT This weekend, I got an optical laser based distance sensors or two working with the Raspberry Pi Pico with Micropython. I managed to get a single one working, after some frustration with the XSHUT pin, and then I managed to get 2 of the devices working. Some GPIO trickery with the XSHUT pin, and there are multiple VL53L0x sensors working. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/04/28/raspberry-pi-pico-vl53l0x.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/04/28/raspberry-pi-pico-vl53l0x.html Wed, 28 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT The Learn Robotics Programming books use a laser cut motor kit, and these usually come with the cheap yellow plastic motors, aka TT Motors. These motors are ubiquitous, but are not really the best of gear motors. The kits that include these can be found around the world. There kits also used to come with wires soldered on the motors, but in recent years, probably for cost reasons, manufacturers are just selling the kits with the wires not soldered, or without them at all. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/04/07/motor-mash.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/04/07/motor-mash.html Wed, 07 Apr 2021 00:00:00 GMT When building robots with many sensors and actuators, it’s not hard for the wiring to start to get out of hand and resemble a rats nest. This causes a number of problems: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/03/07/wire-wrap.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/03/07/wire-wrap.html Sun, 07 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been playing with the Raspberry Pi Pico a lot lately, and Mini_orionrobots (aka Helena) joined me. In this article, I’ll examine what we got running with the Pico and how the session went. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/03/06/raspberry-pi-pico-tones-with-helena.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/03/06/raspberry-pi-pico-tones-with-helena.html Sat, 06 Mar 2021 00:00:00 GMT The second edition of Learn Robotics Programming is now for sale. Readers have been asking for a shopping list for this book. This is for the robot hardware components. I can follow up with a tools article if necessary. This article has paid links. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/02/19/hardware-shopping-list-2nd-ed.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/02/19/hardware-shopping-list-2nd-ed.html Fri, 19 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT Further to my recent announcements about the publication of my book, Learn Robotics Programming second edition I have made a video talking about the books features, showing demonstrations of the robot you’ll build in action. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/02/11/learn-robotics-second-edition-video.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/02/11/learn-robotics-second-edition-video.html Thu, 11 Feb 2021 00:00:00 GMT Today I attended the fantastic Pi Wars Conference 2021, and among the talks was Martin O’Hanlon with the Bluedot project. I followed along, had a few problems, and created two versions of a controller for the arm. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/01/23/bluedot-usb-arm-control.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/01/23/bluedot-usb-arm-control.html Sat, 23 Jan 2021 12:00:00 GMT This week I was interviewed by Packt Publishing, the publisher of Learn Robotics Programming second Edition, on how my experience with writing the book has been. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/01/16/interview-with-danny-staple.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/01/16/interview-with-danny-staple.html Sat, 16 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Hello, I’ve some great news. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/01/15/learn-robotics-programming-second-edition.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2021/01/15/learn-robotics-programming-second-edition.html Fri, 15 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Voice Assistants like Mycroft are a cool bit of technology, and running them on the Raspberry Pi seems like a great fit. The Seeed Studio ReSpeaker hat, and it’s clones seem to be an inexpensive way to get this running, however, none of the instructions I found on the web got this to work. So here I document how I made this device work. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/09/16/respeaker-2mic-hat-and-mycroft.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/09/16/respeaker-2mic-hat-and-mycroft.html Wed, 16 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT I have been asked by some readers of my book, Learn Robotics Programming (first edition), what parts I’ve specifically used for chapter 6. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/08/24/parts-for-learn-robotics-programming-chapter-6.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/08/24/parts-for-learn-robotics-programming-chapter-6.html Mon, 24 Aug 2020 00:00:00 GMT The State of The Piwars 2020 Robot https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/04/21/the-roof-rack.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/04/21/the-roof-rack.html Tue, 21 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT My Piwars 2020 robot, Bangers 'N Bash, is built around a Raspberry Pi 3A+ sporting a Pimoroni Explorer Hat Pro on top. I’ve been building a Nerf turret and attached it to the top of the robot. However, this comes with some electronic considerations. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/03/01/kicad-part-for-explorer-hat-pro.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2020/03/01/kicad-part-for-explorer-hat-pro.html Sun, 01 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Piwars Acceptance https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/12/08/piwars-designs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/12/08/piwars-designs.html Sun, 08 Dec 2019 00:00:00 GMT Build A Low-Cost Wheeled Robot https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/11/05/magazine-series.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/11/05/magazine-series.html Tue, 05 Nov 2019 00:00:00 GMT The EevBlog, aka the Electronics engineering video blog is a Video blog about electronics engineering. That is, a Youtube channel with original content that is intended for people who like to dabble with all thinks electronics. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/09/10/about-eevblog.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/09/10/about-eevblog.html Tue, 10 Sep 2019 00:00:00 GMT Building the Arm https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/08/31/mearm-with-raspberry-pi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/08/31/mearm-with-raspberry-pi.html Sat, 31 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT If you bought one of those cheap (£30) robot arms from Maplin a few years back (when there still was a Maplin) or find yourself in possession of one now, changes to Windows have made it feel like a bit of a paperweight. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/04/23/use-owi-edge-maplin-usb-robot-arm-with-the-raspberry-pi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/04/23/use-owi-edge-maplin-usb-robot-arm-with-the-raspberry-pi.html Tue, 23 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT While discussing my book with one of my readers, an error in the circuit diagrams, replicated in a number of them, has been spotted. I am writing this article as a correction to those errors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/04/16/learn-robotics-programming-electronics-fix.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/04/16/learn-robotics-programming-electronics-fix.html Tue, 16 Apr 2019 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/15/piconzero-with-learn-robotics-part1.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/15/piconzero-with-learn-robotics-part1.html Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:04:30 GMT I’ve finally designed a USB Battery mount for my PiWars 2019 robot. I designed the mount in Fusion 360, and this is the first iteration that I can 3D print. This article contains paid links. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/15/3d-printed-holder-for-the-piwars-usb-battery.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/15/3d-printed-holder-for-the-piwars-usb-battery.html Fri, 15 Feb 2019 08:04:30 GMT Over the last few months, I have been busy modelling parts of a PiWars 2019 robot. I am a reserve team, which means I may not make the main line up, but I still take this seriously enough to make sure I have built a robot for it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/13/piwars-cad-files.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/13/piwars-cad-files.html Wed, 13 Feb 2019 08:04:30 GMT This week, I’ve seen a new product range, the LuMini LED’s by Sparkfun (available in most sparkfun resellers). These are addressable RGB LED’s. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/09/neat-leds-for-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/09/neat-leds-for-robot.html Sat, 09 Feb 2019 08:04:30 GMT My Learn Robotics Programming book was written around the Raspberry Pi 3b+, however it did note that other Pis would work. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/01/learn-robotics-with-the-raspberry-pi-3aplus.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/02/01/learn-robotics-with-the-raspberry-pi-3aplus.html Fri, 01 Feb 2019 08:04:30 GMT On Tuesday the 17th January 2019, I gave a talk at Richmond New Technology on Creative Technology with Hobby Robotics where I made clear that robotics is about three main ideas: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/01/09/richmond-new-tech-resources.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/01/09/richmond-new-tech-resources.html Wed, 09 Jan 2019 20:04:30 GMT For this week, my book Learn Robotics Programming is available for $5 at the Packt Publishing website for an ebook copy. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/01/09/learn-robotics-book-deal.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2019/01/09/learn-robotics-book-deal.html Wed, 09 Jan 2019 20:04:30 GMT For many years, I’ve made-do with the kit made Reprappro Ormerod 2 printer. It was a platform for learning about these devices, but has never been that reliable, and never earned my trust enough to confidently leave for long prints. I made small prints and rarely on it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/12/25/merry-christmas-new-printer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/12/25/merry-christmas-new-printer.html Tue, 25 Dec 2018 13:04:30 GMT I was pretty quiet over the summer, however, I made some videos showing what I’ve been up to. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/12/12/made-in-my-lab-in-summer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/12/12/made-in-my-lab-in-summer.html Wed, 12 Dec 2018 00:00:00 GMT Tonight I am proud to announce that available to buy in most online bookshops is my new book, Learn Robotics Programming. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/12/05/learn-robotics-programming.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/12/05/learn-robotics-programming.html Wed, 05 Dec 2018 20:04:30 GMT Jonathan and I brought our robot to Piwars - the converted Skittlebot now on a tank tracks platform adapted from the Excavator RC toy came along with us. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/05/07/post-piwars-debrief.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/05/07/post-piwars-debrief.html Mon, 07 May 2018 20:04:30 GMT As we realise how close we are to going to the event, panic Sets In. 2 days before we leave! Our robot should be ready for the 22nd of April - not everything works! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/18/piwars-robot-panic-sets-in.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/18/piwars-robot-panic-sets-in.html Wed, 18 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT I am now in the final days before my PiWar 2019 journey, where I will be a reserve for the competition with my robot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/10/piwars-ipv6-pi-issue.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/10/piwars-ipv6-pi-issue.html Tue, 10 Apr 2018 20:04:30 GMT So throughout my build, I’ve been repeatedly thinking of a feedback system for the robot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/10/piwars-choosing-the-display.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/10/piwars-choosing-the-display.html Tue, 10 Apr 2018 20:04:30 GMT Introduction and Background https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/08/reviving-microviews-with-a-new-bootloader.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/08/reviving-microviews-with-a-new-bootloader.html Sun, 08 Apr 2018 17:42:52 GMT After changes to the robot hardware, a new software SD card image and lots of work on the robot, I needed to get the camera going again. It seems that the parts I’d not been paying attention to were now broken. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/06/piwars-fixing-sensors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/06/piwars-fixing-sensors.html Fri, 06 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT Now that the controller is working, we need to have a rough plan on how we want the buttons to control the robots behaviour. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/05/piwars-control-design.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/05/piwars-control-design.html Thu, 05 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT The last few days I’ve been trying to get my PS3 DualShock controller working with the Approx Eng Input library for python. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/02/more-piwars-bot-build-notes.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/02/more-piwars-bot-build-notes.html Mon, 02 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT Today I got the kids involved making - and we had some fun getting the motor cables the right way. However, the stall outs, or lock ups troubled me. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/01/piwars-bot-build-notes.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/04/01/piwars-bot-build-notes.html Sun, 01 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT I wanted to look at some of my older Lego robotics projects and work again, and perhaps render or interact with them in a different way. I’ve been using OpenSCAD for a while, and I wanted to see if I could convert some of my LDraw files to OpenSCAD. This was also related to adding Lego assemblies to non-Lego robots for some modular robot designs. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/03/02/ldraw-to-scad.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/03/02/ldraw-to-scad.html Fri, 02 Mar 2018 00:00:00 GMT PiWars 2018 Robot Status https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/26/piwars-robot-status.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/26/piwars-robot-status.html Mon, 26 Feb 2018 00:00:00 GMT Intro https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/16/things_we_want_to_3dprint.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/16/things_we_want_to_3dprint.html Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:01:55 GMT Helena Learning To Solder https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/16/helena-learned-to-solder.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/16/helena-learned-to-solder.html Fri, 16 Feb 2018 12:01:55 GMT Soldering and CNC Fixing https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/10/website-fixes-and-live-solder-video.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/02/10/website-fixes-and-live-solder-video.html Sat, 10 Feb 2018 15:27:26 GMT Orionrobots has undergone a bumper year in 2017 - it’s only looking back at the whole year that I start to think about what we did, and what to expect in 2018. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/01/01/wrap-up-of-the-year.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2018/01/01/wrap-up-of-the-year.html Mon, 01 Jan 2018 21:45:09 GMT A Printed Circuit Board is the normal system for holding components together in a circuit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pcb.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pcb.html Fri, 29 Dec 2017 00:00:00 GMT There are crazy sales this weekend at some of my favourite places to buy stuff to play with. Pimoroni, The PiHut and Cool Components are all having fun. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/11/24/decoding-robot-messages.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/11/24/decoding-robot-messages.html Fri, 24 Nov 2017 00:00:00 GMT Skittlebot based on the Initio chassis may actually be a little slow to be a piwars bot, but it’s certainly a great platform to get the basics down. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/10/13/turning-skittlebot-into-piwars-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/10/13/turning-skittlebot-into-piwars-robot.html Fri, 13 Oct 2017 00:00:00 GMT This week, I’ve started building an esp8266 based hexapod, which I’ve nicknamed “SpiderBot”. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/08/09/building-esp8266-hexapod-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/08/09/building-esp8266-hexapod-robot.html Wed, 09 Aug 2017 00:00:00 GMT The ESP8266 is one of my favourite devices. I wanted, for various projects, to attach a Joystick to it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/05/28/joystick-attached-to-esp8266.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/05/28/joystick-attached-to-esp8266.html Sun, 28 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT I now have my Raspberry Pi based computer vision demonstration robot working! This is a big step forwards, as I can start looking at more interesting projects and competitions with it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/05/14/skittlebot-working.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/05/14/skittlebot-working.html Sun, 14 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT Skittlebot is designed using the 4Tronix initio robot base. It is built around a Raspberry Pi for remote control, and for experiments with computer vision. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/05/07/skittlebot-build-journal.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/05/07/skittlebot-build-journal.html Sun, 07 May 2017 00:00:00 GMT In March 2017, I attended the Raspberry Pi Birthday party in Cambridge. While there, all attendees got a goodie bag each day. In my goodie bag was the rather awesome Pimoroni Scroll PHat - a Raspberry Pi Zero sized hat which uses an I2C chip to control a grid of LED’s, allowing you to scroll messages or graphical stuff across them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/04/25/pi-bakery-and-scroll-phat.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/04/25/pi-bakery-and-scroll-phat.html Tue, 25 Apr 2017 00:00:00 GMT In my previous post, I mentioned getting the Kitronic V2 motor board for https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/01/03/helena-microbit-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2017/01/03/helena-microbit-robot.html Tue, 03 Jan 2017 00:00:00 GMT First I have some goodies for the lab - for Helena, the Explorer Hat Pro Parts Kit and a Kitronic Motor Board for her to use with her microbit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/12/23/christmas-outtakes.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/12/23/christmas-outtakes.html Fri, 23 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT I found today, on Christmas jumper day, I was caught short and couldn’t find a good jumper. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/12/16/microbit-christmas.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/12/16/microbit-christmas.html Fri, 16 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT I’ve published a video where my son and Lab Helper Jon and I use the tool https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/12/12/programming-unotron-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/12/12/programming-unotron-robot.html Mon, 12 Dec 2016 00:00:00 GMT The 4tronix Unotron robot is an unusual but fun design for a robot chassis. It uses a DC motor for one wheel at the back, and has https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/11/24/building-the-unotron.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/11/24/building-the-unotron.html Thu, 24 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT It probably will not come as a shock, but some Lego on ebay is fake. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/11/19/fake-ebay-lego.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/11/19/fake-ebay-lego.html Sat, 19 Nov 2016 00:00:00 GMT A crimping tool is an essential part of an electronics hobbyists toolkit. While https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/04/26/lab-gear-crimping-tool.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/04/26/lab-gear-crimping-tool.html Tue, 26 Apr 2016 00:00:00 GMT Bounce is a visual programming language based on Block.ly for the esp8266. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/02/04/nodemcu-bounce-esp8266.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2016/02/04/nodemcu-bounce-esp8266.html Thu, 04 Feb 2016 00:00:00 GMT This week I built a simple robot base using a NodeMCU V3 dev board - an ESP8266 based board broken out for use with a breadboard, https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/12/07/esp-nodemcu-simple-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/12/07/esp-nodemcu-simple-robot.html Mon, 07 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT The ESp8266 is currently my favourite toy right now. I’ve mostly been using NodeMCU, but also experimented with Micropython. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/12/03/esp-micropython-vagrant-image.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/12/03/esp-micropython-vagrant-image.html Thu, 03 Dec 2015 00:00:00 GMT A table showing the operation of a Boolean logic gate, or combination of them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/truth_table.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/truth_table.html Fri, 02 Oct 2015 00:00:00 GMT Abbreviation for Analog to Digital Converter. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/adc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/adc.html Thu, 03 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT Overview https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/adapting_lego_connectors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/adapting_lego_connectors.html Thu, 03 Sep 2015 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been learning to do stuff with the esp8266 in the past month or so, and I’ve finally got all the video from it uploaded. In the video series for this, I take the 8266 on the esp-01 board, and get it flashed with Lua/NodeMCU firmware, and then use this to serve a web page that controls an LED - a web connected lamp. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/06/10/esp-8266-wifi-led.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/06/10/esp-8266-wifi-led.html Wed, 10 Jun 2015 00:00:00 GMT If you are working with small devices, you will need power supplies for them. 5v is generally easily supplied by a USB port (be careful here - get it wrong, and you may damage your laptop). 3.3v needs a few tweaks. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/04/29/powering-the-esp8266.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/04/29/powering-the-esp8266.html Wed, 29 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT I started this by wanting to test all my servo motors, to see that they worked, and if any in my robot cupboard had been modified for continuous rotation. None had. However, I had a 6v, 4xAA power supply that I intended for use in building a robot with the esp8266. After demonstrating the motors, my little one asked “why does it need to be connected to the laptop if it already has batteries?” https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/04/04/powering-arduino-uno-from-4xaa-batteries.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/04/04/powering-arduino-uno-from-4xaa-batteries.html Sat, 04 Apr 2015 00:00:00 GMT Lego is probably the best known brand of Construction Toy. Lego has had the largest fanbase, including the well known Lugnet site. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego.html Mon, 09 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT This week I built a Lego Technic bike after one of my children asked me how a bicycle worked. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/03/01/making-a-lego-technic-bike.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/03/01/making-a-lego-technic-bike.html Sun, 01 Mar 2015 00:00:00 GMT Today I had time with my eldest child, 5 at the time of writing. She has been learning python, and experimenting with Turtle with me for a while, but I always typed in the turn numbers as angles are a bit difficult for a young child. To clarify - this is the Python turtle module. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/01/15/teaching-angles-with-turtle.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2015/01/15/teaching-angles-with-turtle.html Thu, 15 Jan 2015 00:00:00 GMT So first some great news. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/12/06/1-github-stl-view.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/12/06/1-github-stl-view.html Sat, 06 Dec 2014 00:00:00 GMT The HC-SR04 is a simple but capable distance sensor. It is able to sense a 30 degree range, using 2 IO pins on your microcontroller. They are sensitive from 4cm’s to around 3 meters, with sub-centimeter measuring accuracy. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hc-sr04-distance-sensor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hc-sr04-distance-sensor.html Thu, 06 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT My first attempt at an enclosure was wrong in a number of ways. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/11/02/designing-second-enclosure-for-cnc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/11/02/designing-second-enclosure-for-cnc.html Sun, 02 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT After Pycon UK, I continued work on armbot. Armbot needed reassembling, as being so big, it has to have the wheels and arm unbolted for transporting. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/09/24/armbot-followup.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/09/24/armbot-followup.html Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:00:00 GMT This information is for reference and information only. Orionrobots has no association with the Tekno Robot puppy - we do not sell or manufacture them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tekno_robot_dog.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tekno_robot_dog.html Mon, 01 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/products/red-led-matrix-8x8-fully-assembled.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/products/red-led-matrix-8x8-fully-assembled.html Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Leonardo is an electronics module that allows you to easily build gadgets with some control and circuitry. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/arduino-leonardo-board.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/arduino-leonardo-board.html Mon, 07 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been toying with different ways to make adding the sensor to the robots easier. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/06/11/directional-distance-sensor-board.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/06/11/directional-distance-sensor-board.html Wed, 11 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT Stores to find robot kits, electronic boards, motors and supplies for making or building your own gadgets used to be hard to find. I’ve collected a list of those I have found useful or plain fun here. https://orionrobots.co.uk/pages/robot-stores.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/pages/robot-stores.html Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/pages/about_the_arduino.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/pages/about_the_arduino.html Tue, 27 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT After playing with a few different types of CAM software, I settled on Heeks CNC. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/05/16/using-heeks-cnc-to-mill-an-stl-file.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/05/16/using-heeks-cnc-to-mill-an-stl-file.html Fri, 16 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT I will fill in more details about the last few weeks, and about me getting some of my first cuts from my CNC Milling machine, building a dust cover, and publishing videos. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/05/09/cam-programs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/05/09/cam-programs.html Fri, 09 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/05/07/understanding-the-power-board.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/05/07/understanding-the-power-board.html Wed, 07 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT Note: The Orion Explorer 1 Kit is no longer for sale https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/more-about-the-orion-explorer-1-chassis.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/more-about-the-orion-explorer-1-chassis.html Wed, 23 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT After some investigation, it turned out that more than the FET was blown and the 7812 voltage regulator was gone, along with the fuses. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/04/13/diagnosing-the-cause.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/04/13/diagnosing-the-cause.html Sun, 13 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/04/09/the-reality-of-repair.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/04/09/the-reality-of-repair.html Wed, 09 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT The most interesting robots for me are those involved in exploration, fabrication and repair. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/03/27/why-3d-printing-fab-robots-wont-take-over-the-world.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/03/27/why-3d-printing-fab-robots-wont-take-over-the-world.html Thu, 27 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/09/disaster-close-up.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/09/disaster-close-up.html Sun, 09 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Recap https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/07/real-test-new-plan-disaster.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/07/real-test-new-plan-disaster.html Fri, 07 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target5.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target5.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target4.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target4.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target3.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target3.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target2.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target2.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target1.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target1.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target0.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/target0.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT CNC Mill Router (6 images) https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/unboxing_pictures/ Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT The Machine Moves https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/06/it-moves.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/06/it-moves.html Thu, 06 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target9.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target9.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target8.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target8.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target7.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target7.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target6.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target6.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target5.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target5.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target4.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target4.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target3.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target3.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target2.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target2.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target10.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target10.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target1.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target1.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target0.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/target0.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Inside CNC mill control box (11 images) https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/inside__control_box/ Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Teardown https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/05/teardown.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/05/teardown.html Wed, 05 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT Unboxing - what was in it https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/03/unboxing-and-setup.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/02/03/unboxing-and-setup.html Mon, 03 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT My Plan https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/01/30/my_plan.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/01/30/my_plan.html Thu, 30 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/getting_started.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/getting_started.html Tue, 14 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Putting an Explorer 1 under Arrow Key Control https://orionrobots.co.uk/explorer_arrow_control.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/explorer_arrow_control.html Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT Building the Orion Explorer 1 https://orionrobots.co.uk/construction_guide.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/construction_guide.html Mon, 13 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/01/12/new-voice-control-modules.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2014/01/12/new-voice-control-modules.html Sun, 12 Jan 2014 00:00:00 GMT I bought a robot kit with pan servo sensor mechanism - I built it, and started playing with it in my lab to see what I make of it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/28/single-sonar-and-servo.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/28/single-sonar-and-servo.html Sat, 28 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Orionrobots has always been about self learning and building your own stuff. Our robot kits are designed for you to build which has the knock on effect that you already know how some repairs can be made. Too many products have “no user serviceable parts inside” - something which makes you feel like this device is not really yours and you just have it on loan until it breaks - where you may be able to pay someone to fix it, or worse still, have to dispose of it and get a new one. This is both wasteful and disempowering. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/23/all-our-robots-are-user-serviceable.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/23/all-our-robots-are-user-serviceable.html Mon, 23 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT A customer recently asked if the robot would be able to drive over obstacles - like door plinths, and if it could cross gaps. The only good way to answer this was to try it out - so I did. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/13/how-does-the-explorer1-deal-with-obstacles.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/13/how-does-the-explorer1-deal-with-obstacles.html Fri, 13 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT For those wanting to give a robot as a gift - Tuesday the 17th will be the last day we will be able to take Uk mainland orders that can be delivered for Christmas. The Orion Explorer 1 Ultrasonic Bluetooth Deluxe Robot Kit is selling fast though - you may need to get that order in soon! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/08/last-orders-for-christmas-2013.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/08/last-orders-for-christmas-2013.html Sun, 08 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT Google may be joining its Robotic Car efforts with other robot building, announcing that it has now acquired 7 robotics companies. It is looking a humanoid robots, robot arms, holonomic wheels, 3d computer vision among other areas in robotics. This is definitely exciting times to be building robots! This is in the same week that we got to know about Amazon testing delivery drones. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/04/google-to-start-making-robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/12/04/google-to-start-making-robots.html Wed, 04 Dec 2013 00:00:00 GMT How do you combine an Arduino robot with a Bluetooth module? We’ve built a kit based on this, and played with it in the Orionrobots lab. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/11/30/bluetooth-with-the-orionrobots-explorer1-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/11/30/bluetooth-with-the-orionrobots-explorer1-robot.html Sat, 30 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT I’ve been buying other robot kits to experiment with - one with car-like steerable front using a servo and single drive motor, another with solid plastic wheels and a grid system for prototyping on. Both are also based on Arduino, and both being considered for upgrades or alternatives with the Explorer 1 kit system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/11/28/interesting-new-robots-to-play-with.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/11/28/interesting-new-robots-to-play-with.html Thu, 28 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT 2020: This kit is no longer available. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/11/14/explorer-wall-avoider-kit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/11/14/explorer-wall-avoider-kit.html Thu, 14 Nov 2013 12:00:00 GMT Some of the current trends in robot locomotion and movement are astounding.This video captures the last decade in robotics in half an hour with lots of different cool stuff from labs all over. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/09/29/youtube-find-evolution-of-robotics-movement.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/09/29/youtube-find-evolution-of-robotics-movement.html Sun, 29 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT The Explorer 1 can be extended fairly simply. Here is how to build a bump sensor that looks a little like insect antenna for the robot. It uses 2 IO pins on the Arduino, and needs 1 power pin. This can be done with parts from the kit, a bit of piano wire, a screwdriver and some pliers! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/05/23/building-a-bump-sensor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/05/23/building-a-bump-sensor.html Thu, 23 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT An Automaton is a kind of robotic or animated toy. They tend to exhibit fairly complex and anthropomorphic (human or animal like) behaviour. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/automaton.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/automaton.html Sat, 18 May 2013 17:02:35 GMT This group is behind the roomba and My Real Baby and was founded, among others, by Rodney Brooks of MIT. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/irobot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/irobot.html Sat, 18 May 2013 15:44:54 GMT This week I had a rather nice mailbag of cool robotic and electronic parts. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/05/18/mailbag-pi-camera-pi-expansions.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/05/18/mailbag-pi-camera-pi-expansions.html Sat, 18 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT As a Renaissance artist, inventor and scientist, Leonardo Da Vinci lived a hundred or more years ahead of his time. He was born on April 15, 1452 in Vinci, Italy. Hence “Da Vinci” - translates of “Of Vinci” - a town just outside Florence. His full name was, in fact, “Leonardo di ser Piero da Vinci” - Leonardo - Son of Piero of Vinci. His father was a wealthy and renowned man in the area. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vinci.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vinci.html Sat, 11 May 2013 17:22:44 GMT Maplin Electronics had taken the place in the UK of Tandy and Radio Shack. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/maplin.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/maplin.html Thu, 02 May 2013 20:49:29 GMT A solderless breadboard is a great way to throw together prototypes rapidly. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/breadboard.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/breadboard.html Thu, 02 May 2013 20:38:56 GMT Robot Building Safety https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/electronics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/electronics.html Thu, 02 May 2013 20:35:48 GMT Safety https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/building_tips.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/building_tips.html Thu, 02 May 2013 20:34:32 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robosapien.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robosapien.html Thu, 02 May 2013 20:23:04 GMT Modding is a term abbreviating modification. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/modding_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/modding_robots.html Thu, 02 May 2013 14:17:40 GMT A good way to learn new skills in robot building and related subject is to use a tutorial, following it (or skipping it) until you have what you need to continue a project then modding away and making up your own. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tutorial_projects.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tutorial_projects.html Thu, 02 May 2013 14:16:27 GMT If you are starting out in robotics, or you have been building robots and want to get past the basics quickly, robot kits are an excellent way to start, and to keep going. Taking a kit, building it, understanding it and then modifying it is the best way to give any robot project a head start. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_kits.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_kits.html Thu, 02 May 2013 14:04:54 GMT The Association For The Advancement of Artificial Intelligence was founded in 1979 and is involved in actively debating and organising events and conferences related to this diverse field. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/aaai.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/aaai.html Sun, 14 Apr 2013 14:23:41 GMT I’ve now got some footage of the Explorer 1 using a pair of sonar distance modules (HC-SR04’s) to avoid walls and drive around the floor. This is just experimentation, so they are mounted with sticky tac, and wired in with some odd bit of breadboard I had, but it was working brilliantly here. The robot has an Arduino and uses AA batteries. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/04/02/the-orion-explorer-1-with-distance-sensors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/04/02/the-orion-explorer-1-with-distance-sensors.html Tue, 02 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT A question that I have been asked a few times now is why the Orion Explorer 1 Robot kit uses an AA battery box and not some customised battery solution. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/03/28/why-are-we-using-aa-batteries.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/03/28/why-are-we-using-aa-batteries.html Thu, 28 Mar 2013 22:36:28 GMT Today I’ve seen some truly amazing ideas for robotics and space exploration. The basic idea was to send up a 3D printing system, and use the in-situ materials to construct a moon base. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/03/17/3d-printers-in-space.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/03/17/3d-printers-in-space.html Sun, 17 Mar 2013 05:08:00 GMT The sonar distance sensor modules are now on order, and I will be testing them out to interface with the Arduino on the Explorer Robot 1 kit. Once I am happy with them, they will be going on the store, along with links and info on getting them going. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/03/10/the-sonar-rangers-are-coming.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/03/10/the-sonar-rangers-are-coming.html Sun, 10 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT NOTE: The shop is now closed - this is historic information. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/02/28/coming-products.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/02/28/coming-products.html Thu, 28 Feb 2013 04:02:00 GMT Robot Wars was brilliant. While it was preaching to the converted with me, it has inspired many people into building robots. SyFy’s new addition, “Robot Combat League”, is what we now have a decade later. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/02/27/robot-combat-league-oh-wow.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/02/27/robot-combat-league-oh-wow.html Wed, 27 Feb 2013 03:57:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/great_ball_contraption.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/great_ball_contraption.html Wed, 06 Feb 2013 08:14:09 GMT Electronic machines have played a part in music for around half a century now, although this has mostly been in the form of synthesizers, electronic effects modules and the like. Some have been completely electronic instruments - like the awesome Eigenharp, the sci-fi classic soundtrack of a theremin and the slightly embarrassing Stylophone. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/01/05/the-era-of-the-robot-music-band-is-upon-us.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/01/05/the-era-of-the-robot-music-band-is-upon-us.html Sat, 05 Jan 2013 03:30:00 GMT Lego is probably the best toy company in the world. For making robots, houses or just playing about. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/01/01/why-in-2013-lego-is-still-the-best-toy-company.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2013/01/01/why-in-2013-lego-is-still-the-best-toy-company.html Tue, 01 Jan 2013 03:43:00 GMT Craig Charles hosted Robot Wars as well as playing David Lister in the British sci-fi comedy Red Dwarf. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/craig_charles.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/craig_charles.html Fri, 28 Dec 2012 19:14:54 GMT Definition of terms https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/terms_and_conditions.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/terms_and_conditions.html Sat, 14 Jul 2012 10:34:01 GMT This kit comes with a number of press out cardboard bits, a small two direction remote chassis and a small book. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dk_robot_warrior_kit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dk_robot_warrior_kit.html Sat, 14 Jul 2012 10:13:13 GMT I’ve been spending far more time with Arduino based robots, and far less time with Lego, but I have been wondering about interfacing the Arduino, with it’s many interfacing capabilities, with Lego. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2012/05/22/arduino-lego-enclosure.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2012/05/22/arduino-lego-enclosure.html Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2012/03/26/amazing-walking-robot-on-instructables.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2012/03/26/amazing-walking-robot-on-instructables.html Mon, 26 Mar 2012 03:26:00 GMT I love this video - it brings together two of my favourite things - homebrew hacked robots and music/rhythm experimentation. It uses the Picaxe controller board, caterpillar tracks, and a sonar distance sensor. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/03/21/cute-picaxe-robots-that-finds-beats.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/03/21/cute-picaxe-robots-that-finds-beats.html Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT These were designed for children to learn about STEM and robotics with Lego, in the disguise of secret agent games. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/spybotics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/spybotics.html Sat, 12 Mar 2011 17:41:48 GMT A Lego maker has built a Lego walker based only on pneumatics. This build contains no electronics or programmable bricks at all. Granted, there is likely a non-Lego air compressor for the build. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/03/12/awesome-lego-walker-pneumatic-based.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/03/12/awesome-lego-walker-pneumatic-based.html Sat, 12 Mar 2011 11:11:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/03/12/robot-kits-for-kids-2011.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/03/12/robot-kits-for-kids-2011.html Sat, 12 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT The Loginway PIC-01 board is a handy board for developing microcontroller projects. By it’s name, it’s clearly intended for a microchip PIC. It has LEDs, buttons, a serial port, potentiometer, LCD screen (hitachi type interface) and a big chunk of breadboard. Great for just trying out bits of code and learning microcontroller stuff with. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/01/22/arduino-tinkering.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2011/01/22/arduino-tinkering.html Sat, 22 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT The arrival of Lego Mindstorms kicked off a wave of Lego innovation, but not all of that used official Lego Mindstorms kits. Some creations were just motors strapped onto curious contraptions, the most interesting being the Rube Goldberg devices, kinetic sculptures, rolling ball machines and similar. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/11/15/more-amazing-lego-innovation.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/11/15/more-amazing-lego-innovation.html Mon, 15 Nov 2010 16:25:00 GMT Computer memory was once built by hand. Building your own like this memory will help to understand the principles of the system, and experiment with it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/11/14/building-ram-memory-cells-yourself.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/11/14/building-ram-memory-cells-yourself.html Sun, 14 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_rcx.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_rcx.html Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:36:53 GMT The NXT is the current generation of Mindstorms Lego robotics kit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nxt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nxt.html Thu, 11 Nov 2010 21:21:16 GMT I’ve been considering building my own pick and place machine, CNC or similar manufacturing gear for some time.I had considered Lego as a material for fun. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/11/11/factories-from-lego.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/11/11/factories-from-lego.html Thu, 11 Nov 2010 00:52:00 GMT A flying vehicle using a vertically(as opposed to horizontally) orientated Helical Blade - or propeller. That is - it acts in a vertical plane to maintain the height of the vehicle. It is this that allows helicopters to move in a very different way from a jet based plane. A jet, or forward based prop plane is not usually able to hover, or affect a vertical take of and landing (VTOL), with a few notable exceptions. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/helicopter.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/helicopter.html Tue, 26 Oct 2010 21:02:33 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/26/robots-with-real-uses-around-people.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/26/robots-with-real-uses-around-people.html Tue, 26 Oct 2010 00:34:00 GMT Why not be inspired to make a halloween costume based on your favourites - either from Sci fi or even reality. Here are 2 ways to build a chicken walker - one as a robot, one as a costume. Enjoy! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/23/chicken-walker-robot-halloween-costumes.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/23/chicken-walker-robot-halloween-costumes.html Sat, 23 Oct 2010 05:24:00 GMT One of the things occurring in modern robotics is that they are increasingly being used to wage in wars by the richest nations. This benefits them in not having to sacrifice men on the front line, as well as being able to send robots for painstaking sweeping/searching missions where the robot will spot things a person may not be able to see. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/20/robots-in-unmanned-warfare.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/20/robots-in-unmanned-warfare.html Wed, 20 Oct 2010 13:08:00 GMT The IEEE Spectrum has an article this month on 3d printers, and how they are still not quite the vision of desktop manufacture myself, and others would like them to become: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/04/3d-printers-proliferate.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/04/3d-printers-proliferate.html Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:47:00 GMT Those who have followed me for some time may know that one of my bugbears for robotics, electronics and lego was finding an effective way to store many small components, not waste space, but have them easily retrievable. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/03/absolutely-brilliant-storage-concept.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/10/03/absolutely-brilliant-storage-concept.html Sun, 03 Oct 2010 14:07:00 GMT Since I have written plenty on the Lego RCX, I have decided to distil the many different articles into one article in one place. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/01/19/the-lego-rcx-inside-and-out.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2010/01/19/the-lego-rcx-inside-and-out.html Tue, 19 Jan 2010 06:44:06 GMT NQC - Not Quite C - A programming language for the Lego RCX https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nqc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nqc.html Sun, 17 Jan 2010 09:32:12 GMT The ASUS Eee PC is a small netbook laptop, which seemed about the right size to balance on a medium robot. The Aurorans, a London based gathering of robot builders, suggested that the participants start building a robot. I thought this was a great opportunity to try this out in practice. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2009/12/24/eeepc-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2009/12/24/eeepc-robot.html Thu, 24 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT These robots were built as learning platform by the late William Grey Walter in the 1940s. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/machina_speculatrix.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/machina_speculatrix.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 07:51:15 GMT The Lego Bionicle 8539 Manas set contained two IR remote controlled Crab like battle bots. The remote control units at the centre of the set each take three AA batteries, and have two fixed motors. The remote control units each also take 3 AA batteries. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_manas.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_manas.html Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:29:52 GMT The RCX requires a 9v power source capable of delivering a current of around 30mA. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/using_external_power_sources_with_the_rcx.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/using_external_power_sources_with_the_rcx.html Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:02:52 GMT Mindstorms is the Lego companies system of robotic construction sets, which are great for kids and adults, and serve to entertain as well as educate. Sets/devices included are: https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mindstorms.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mindstorms.html Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:55:12 GMT Famous Sci Fi robots, Replicants and Cyborgs https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sci_fi_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sci_fi_robots.html Tue, 27 Jan 2009 12:33:47 GMT A Happy New Year to all my readers. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2009/01/02/happy-new-year.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2009/01/02/happy-new-year.html Fri, 02 Jan 2009 06:32:23 GMT The East Finchley Robotics Club ran from 2004-05. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/east_finchley_robotics_club.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/east_finchley_robotics_club.html Thu, 18 Dec 2008 23:20:17 GMT I have still been at work on my Lego Lathe. This is the first in a series of automatic construction/fabrication/workshop robots that I want to build. It has been photographed during it’s construction, and I will be putting those, along with it’s plans, onto OrionRobots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/12/03/more-lathe-info.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/12/03/more-lathe-info.html Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:35:00 GMT It seems that a lot of people are trying to customise the idea of clocks recently. I’ve recently seen a screen scraping train clock, an incredible motorised moving clock and you only need to look around to see many people are building variants on clocks. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/11/28/clocks-clocks.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/11/28/clocks-clocks.html Fri, 28 Nov 2008 14:36:00 GMT Just to prove anything can be possible with some Lego, possibly a little modification and a lot of creative spirit, a chap over at Found Photography actually built a working real Pinhole camera, with film winder and everything using Lego. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/11/28/lego-pinhole-cameras-alarm-clocks-and-moving-walls.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/11/28/lego-pinhole-cameras-alarm-clocks-and-moving-walls.html Fri, 28 Nov 2008 12:55:00 GMT This is theoretically possible although I have not seen it or done it yet. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/11/16/communications-between-cybot-and-rcx.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/11/16/communications-between-cybot-and-rcx.html Sun, 16 Nov 2008 08:25:00 GMT When a signal is converted from Analog to Digital, it will no longer be identical to the original signal. The signal will be approximated to the nearest digital step in time, and in value. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/quantisation.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/quantisation.html Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:21:26 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/oscilloscope.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/oscilloscope.html Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:13:38 GMT Halloween presents a great time to build and exhibit some scary animatronic creatures. In fact, some of the robotics kit that is now taken for granted was developed for movies using animatronic techniques. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/10/26/halloween-animatronics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/10/26/halloween-animatronics.html Sun, 26 Oct 2008 13:19:44 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/forums/lego_discussion/mindstorms_stormrunner_game/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/forums/lego_discussion/mindstorms_stormrunner_game/ Sat, 13 Sep 2008 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/07/14/chloe-and-shannon-hall.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/07/14/chloe-and-shannon-hall.html Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:24:03 GMT A big problem with building stuff like robots is that the builders may end up with many parts and components. This is true if scratch building, using Construction Toys like Lego, or building from junk. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/storage_systems.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/storage_systems.html Mon, 07 Jul 2008 19:02:05 GMT I recently attended the Micromouse 2008 event at Millennium Point in Birmingham, so I could watch superb robots try their luck in the maze, and meet a number of other seasoned and not so seasoned robot builders. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/07/06/uk-micromouse-2008.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/07/06/uk-micromouse-2008.html Sun, 06 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-25-micromouse-2008/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-25-micromouse-2008/ Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Just a quick note to let users now that Steve Hassenplug has uploaded a set of videos of a Great Ball Contraption running. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/05/25/new-great-ball-contraption-videos.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/05/25/new-great-ball-contraption-videos.html Sun, 25 May 2008 09:40:00 GMT Some time ago, my wife and mother conspired to accidentally damage my Cybot. First my mother managed to damage the tabs on the front panels holding the IR dome, and then may wife managed to snap the Castor. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/05/04/broken-cybot-repairs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/05/04/broken-cybot-repairs.html Sun, 04 May 2008 16:24:00 GMT Using the correct glue https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/choosing_a_glue.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/choosing_a_glue.html Tue, 18 Mar 2008 20:56:36 GMT SolidWorks is among the leaders of engineering oriented 3D CAD systems. It allows users to model in full solid 3D, and deal with designs on the basis of parts and assemblies. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/solidworks.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/solidworks.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 14:52:20 GMT Botmag are currently hosting a contest to design and later build innovative robots using the VEXplorer kit. The builders need to get a description of a unique or creative use for the VEXplorer kit entered into the contest before the 24th march 2008. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/03/09/get-your-hands-on-a-vexplorer-kit-with-robot-design-and-building-contest.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/03/09/get-your-hands-on-a-vexplorer-kit-with-robot-design-and-building-contest.html Sun, 09 Mar 2008 08:04:00 GMT Now, there are few robot people who are not at least a little familiar with the RoboSapien https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/02/24/the-mcrobot-is-coming.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/02/24/the-mcrobot-is-coming.html Sun, 24 Feb 2008 05:49:00 GMT Nanobots are microscopic robots which are far smaller than the eye can see, and are generally expected to work in a Swarm or Clustered Group. Much like insects, specifically ants, they become useful in larger numbers. This allows for redundancy, and massive generalisation. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nano_bots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nano_bots.html Wed, 06 Feb 2008 16:07:12 GMT Among the things mentioned occasionally on OrionRobots are Swarm Bots, Nano Bots and cluster Bots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/02/06/magneticly-linking-robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/02/06/magneticly-linking-robots.html Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:10:01 GMT EVs (Electric Vehicles) as sold by manufacturers are either unsightly, branded as deathtraps, or pretty wasteful in terms of manufacturing standards. However, one bright young chap in Michigan, US has been busy building or converting some of his own EVs. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/02/03/homebuild-electric-vehicles.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/02/03/homebuild-electric-vehicles.html Sun, 03 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT This is a biennial conference held since 1969 exploring the diverse realm of Artificial Intelligence, and the subjects surrounding it. It is frequented by names such as Rodney Brooks. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ijcai.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ijcai.html Sat, 02 Feb 2008 14:37:01 GMT Lego, the company who produce some of the greatest robot and toy kit in the world are celebrating the 50th year of the Lego Brick - the classic 2x4 brick that is the most easily associated with their brand. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/28/happy-birthday-lego.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/28/happy-birthday-lego.html Mon, 28 Jan 2008 14:58:42 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/27/robot-made-with-chumby-and-tape.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/27/robot-made-with-chumby-and-tape.html Sun, 27 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Here is a pretty cool video showing an NXT robot that sorts coloured gumballs into different compartments in a tray. It uses only two motors and one light sensor to sort five different colours of gum balls, and was created by youTube user bubkas22. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/13/nxt-gumball-sorter.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/13/nxt-gumball-sorter.html Sun, 13 Jan 2008 06:25:14 GMT Rack and Pinion steering is the system commonly used in most street vehicles. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rack_and_pinion.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rack_and_pinion.html Fri, 04 Jan 2008 21:16:51 GMT I hope all the OrionRobots readers have had a great holiday and wish you all a Happy 2008. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/04/a-happy-new-year-to-all-readers.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2008/01/04/a-happy-new-year-to-all-readers.html Fri, 04 Jan 2008 14:22:00 GMT Contents https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_building_safety.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_building_safety.html Sun, 30 Dec 2007 23:01:42 GMT The concept is meant to be Free as in speech, not free as in beer - although most projects account for both. This means that you have the right to modify and redistribute packages with certain license obligations(such as keeping the open source license when redistributing). https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/open_source.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/open_source.html Sat, 29 Dec 2007 23:47:17 GMT The Landwalker https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/30/walking-bots-and-investment-in-power.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/30/walking-bots-and-investment-in-power.html Fri, 30 Nov 2007 17:01:39 GMT I have now modified the simulation to support IE. The currently deployed one does, and I will be posting the revised source code later today. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/26/ga-simulation-now-supports-ie.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/26/ga-simulation-now-supports-ie.html Mon, 26 Nov 2007 00:52:34 GMT Background https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/25/genetic-algorithm-simulation.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/25/genetic-algorithm-simulation.html Sun, 25 Nov 2007 15:20:00 GMT While I have been busy with another project (which readers will hear about very soon), some interesting things have been happening in the world of robotics. This years DARPA Urban Challenge is perhaps the most interesting of them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/20/darpa-urban-challenge.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/11/20/darpa-urban-challenge.html Tue, 20 Nov 2007 17:00:12 GMT Developed by Japan Science and Technology Corp. (JST), Pino is an android project, which has commercial, educational and research value. The engineering behind the PINO was later released under an open source license while the stylised plastic shell is not. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pino.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pino.html Sun, 14 Oct 2007 12:17:23 GMT I was shown a story today about a really rather fantastic robot arm - one that is large enough (between 7 and 8 meters!), and powerful enough to crush cars. Robohand is built entirely from scrap for the Robodock 2007 festival in Amsterdam last month. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/10/09/amazing-giant-robot-arm-to-be-scrapped.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/10/09/amazing-giant-robot-arm-to-be-scrapped.html Tue, 09 Oct 2007 00:24:11 GMT Engadget have been playing with an underwater ROV kit created by Carl Hayden High School for use in the National Underwater Robotics Challenge. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/09/08/engadget-build-underwater-rov.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/09/08/engadget-build-underwater-rov.html Sat, 08 Sep 2007 00:00:00 GMT A robot built by engineers at the Canadian firm Inuktun Services Ltd and equipped with surveillance and inspection technology by Pipe-Eye International was deployed on Saturday the 25th August to search for six miners buried in a mine shaft in Utah. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/08/26/robot-searches-for-trapped-miners.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/08/26/robot-searches-for-trapped-miners.html Sun, 26 Aug 2007 09:08:19 GMT I have just found a rather cool machine on youtube that uses two motors to choose between operating 12 (which could be more or fewer) outputs. Only one output can run at one time. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/07/21/lego-mechanical-gear-multiplexer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/07/21/lego-mechanical-gear-multiplexer.html Sat, 21 Jul 2007 09:37:57 GMT This is somehow really silly, but I have to admire them for the ingenuity. Some person has actually programmed an NXT to behave like an Etch-A-Sketch. Not sure how the shaking to clear works, but an etch-a-sketch is certainly an interesting use for Lego. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/07/21/the-nxt-a-sketch.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/07/21/the-nxt-a-sketch.html Sat, 21 Jul 2007 09:03:13 GMT Locomotion is an important aspect of any mobile robot. It is the robots ability to move. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_locomotion.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_locomotion.html Sat, 14 Apr 2007 19:32:19 GMT The animals around us are clearly, much like us, and the robots we aspire to build, some collection of complex sensors, actuators and behaviours. These form the inspiration for our building, and sometimes certain recent science reveals surprising things that may help in building robots with such behaviours. As such, I am always interested in these behaviours, as well as animals with extra-ordinary senses or limbs. One of the great things about robotics is that you get to be multi-disciplinary like that. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/04/09/interesting-rodent-behaviour.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/04/09/interesting-rodent-behaviour.html Mon, 09 Apr 2007 12:12:37 GMT I have continued my exploration of the NXT kit, and the instructions within. This part gets interesting with a robot arm. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/04/08/nxt-building-the-arm.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/04/08/nxt-building-the-arm.html Sun, 08 Apr 2007 15:48:14 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-20-lego-nxt/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-20-lego-nxt/ Sun, 08 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT The UK Ministry Of Defence (MoD) have decided to take a leaf from the DARPA book, and created their own grand challenge. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/03/21/a-darpa-grand-challenge-comes-to-the-uk.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/03/21/a-darpa-grand-challenge-comes-to-the-uk.html Wed, 21 Mar 2007 00:00:00 GMT A byte describes 8 bits of binary data. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/byte.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/byte.html Sat, 17 Mar 2007 20:15:49 GMT This term describes, for any robot limb, joint or base, how many directions it can move in, and places at which it can move. It is commonly abbreviated as DOF. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/degrees_of_freedom.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/degrees_of_freedom.html Sat, 17 Mar 2007 20:11:26 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/03/09/small-robots-to-be-used-for-medical-procedures.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/03/09/small-robots-to-be-used-for-medical-procedures.html Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:28:30 GMT The Big Idea https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tri_star_wheels.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tri_star_wheels.html Sat, 03 Mar 2007 15:29:32 GMT If the current interest shown by the US Military in flying UAV fighters is fruitful, then the manned fighters and bombers may become a thing of the past. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/02/20/are-manned-air-fighters-soon-to-be-obsolete.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/02/20/are-manned-air-fighters-soon-to-be-obsolete.html Tue, 20 Feb 2007 11:02:30 GMT Respect https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_tools.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_tools.html Sun, 04 Feb 2007 01:23:38 GMT This is a basic spinning motor. It might be referred to as a “Fixed Magnet DC Motor” as there are other motors which run on DC - this is just what is commonly meant when people simply say a motor or DC motor, although they may also be referring to gear motors, where the spindle speed has been reduced by a gear chain. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dc_motor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dc_motor.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 22:03:50 GMT The Lego Cybermaster is a great Lego Robot microcontroller. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cybermaster.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cybermaster.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:47:25 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cog.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cog.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:31:52 GMT Bleex is an Exoskeleton suit being developed at the Berkeley Robotics Lab and funded by DARPA. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bleex.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bleex.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:14:59 GMT The Asimo is Honda’s infamous walking robot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/asimo.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/asimo.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:04:05 GMT When using perfboard, stripboard or PCBs as well as freeforming, soldering is the normal method of connection. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/soldering.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/soldering.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 20:01:52 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mark_tilden.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mark_tilden.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 19:35:46 GMT Looking around your home, or a garage sale may yield some excellent places to find robot building materials. The advantages are that first - you may find components that are otherwise hard to get hold of, you are helping recycle (always a good thing), and best of all - it is free. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/salvage_tips.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/salvage_tips.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 17:51:36 GMT If you are building robots, and salvaging, you will need some background on what kind of electronic components you are going to use and or require. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/identifying_electronic_components.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/identifying_electronic_components.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 17:44:30 GMT An electronic Valve, also known as a Vacuum Tube is the same technology as the TV - all are known as Cathode Ray Tubes. However - in recent parlance, when people say CRT, they normally mean the TV. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/electronic_valves.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/electronic_valves.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:35:55 GMT A Relay is an Electromagnetically Controlled Switch with moving mechanical contacts. It consists of a coil around a metal core acting as an electromagnet, which when engaged, pulls a switch bar over (much like a Solenoid ). https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/electronic_relay.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/electronic_relay.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:33:27 GMT A stepper motor is designed to move in defined repeatable steps, useful in situations where accurate positioning is needed. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/stepper_motors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/stepper_motors.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:24:57 GMT Otherwise known as USB, this has become a very simple and well developed https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/universal_serial_bus.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/universal_serial_bus.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 16:14:59 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/smt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/smt.html Sun, 28 Jan 2007 12:28:06 GMT The Register is an internet publication I regularly read which discusses technology and other areas of interest from an editorial point of view. It is not always the most accurate and impartial place to read things, but it is often quite fun and interesting. I have been on a reading spree and come across a number of articles that I think are somewhat relevant in robotics. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/27/interesting-register-article-will-robots-ever-be-like-humans.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/27/interesting-register-article-will-robots-ever-be-like-humans.html Sat, 27 Jan 2007 08:18:51 GMT Overview of the Condition https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/prosopagnosia.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/prosopagnosia.html Fri, 26 Jan 2007 20:11:22 GMT I am now well underway with my work on the NXT. I have built and programmed the grabber bot, and have it driving to and picking up a ball on command via hand claps. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/23/nxt-the-ultrasonic-sensor-tutorial.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/23/nxt-the-ultrasonic-sensor-tutorial.html Tue, 23 Jan 2007 15:42:27 GMT Basic Grabber https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/18/nxt-the-grabber.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/18/nxt-the-grabber.html Thu, 18 Jan 2007 15:06:34 GMT Starting Up https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/13/getting-stuck-into-the-nxt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/13/getting-stuck-into-the-nxt.html Sat, 13 Jan 2007 08:37:28 GMT Ruby, if you have never come across it, is an interpreted language which is object oriented, very easy to write and understand, and has some very good roots, such as Perl, and Smalltalk, with some aspects that are similar to the best of Java and Python. It is a very forgiving language to program in, and the kind where 5 lines of Ruby can do what may take 500 lines of Java or C code. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/10/osx-nxt-bluetooth-and-ruby-a-match-made-in-byte-heaven.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/10/osx-nxt-bluetooth-and-ruby-a-match-made-in-byte-heaven.html Wed, 10 Jan 2007 15:19:38 GMT A long wait https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/10/orionrobots-gets-our-first-nxt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/10/orionrobots-gets-our-first-nxt.html Wed, 10 Jan 2007 14:30:42 GMT Another Lego robotics smashing YouTube find today - Mindstorms Autofabrik https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/07/lego-assembly-line-machine.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/07/lego-assembly-line-machine.html Sun, 07 Jan 2007 12:55:57 GMT Happy New Year https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/04/welcome-to-2007.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2007/01/04/welcome-to-2007.html Thu, 04 Jan 2007 14:49:00 GMT The FIRST organisation are a group which believe in investing in and encouraging the uptake, learning and development of technology and science, mostly through challenges and events aimed to inspire and get young people involved. They are a credit to the maker crowd, and certainly OrionRobots commend them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/first.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/first.html Wed, 03 Jan 2007 20:42:51 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-19-four-jaw-chuck/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-19-four-jaw-chuck/ Wed, 03 Jan 2007 00:00:00 GMT This University is a private research and education institute established in 1900. Part of it’s name comes from John Carnegie. It has been previously known as Carnegie Technical Schools and Carnegie Institute of Technology. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/carnegie_mellon_university.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/carnegie_mellon_university.html Mon, 01 Jan 2007 18:31:06 GMT This is an Object Oriented and Dynamically Typed computer Programming Language. It has been used for AI, but is not common in robotics. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/smalltalk.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/smalltalk.html Mon, 01 Jan 2007 15:49:59 GMT C is a foundational Programming Languages, and is almost considered a lowest common denominator. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/c_language.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/c_language.html Mon, 01 Jan 2007 15:49:24 GMT The Roomba is a disk shaped robotic vacuum cleaner or “Robotic Floorvac”, designed by iRobot and released in 2002. It has also become a robot development platform for some. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/roomba.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/roomba.html Sat, 30 Dec 2006 23:23:57 GMT I recently came across a Lego Machines group on YouTube, which has a number of excellent creations with moving parts and all kinds of functions. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/15/lego-machines-group-on-youtube.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/15/lego-machines-group-on-youtube.html Fri, 15 Dec 2006 06:21:08 GMT I have stumbled upon more Rubiks cube solving robot footage on YouTube, and thought it work sharing. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/12/more-rubiks-cube.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/12/more-rubiks-cube.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 15:53:49 GMT This is the series of wonderful and imaginative cute robot dog devices created by the now defunct “Sony Dream Robotics” a division of the Sony corporation, which specialised in designing and building recreational robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/aibo.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/aibo.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:36:41 GMT The infamous British robot battling show, once hosted by Craig Charles where robots smash each other in a ring. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_wars.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robot_wars.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:23:30 GMT Infrared light is a frequency of light in a range not visible to humans, and when a large amount of energy is put behind it, it will be felt as heat. Its name comes from the fact that when laid out on the Electromagnetic Spectrum it is just below the wavelength of visible red. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/infra_red.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/infra_red.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 11:15:05 GMT Sonar is a system that uses audible “pings” to bounce sounds off of objects and detect their presence, distance or indeed their density. It is, like many technical terms, an acronym - SOund Navigation And Ranging. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sonar.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sonar.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:17:03 GMT Background https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ldraw_system.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ldraw_system.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:08:49 GMT Please share any general Lego tips. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/general_lego_tips.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/general_lego_tips.html Tue, 12 Dec 2006 00:07:51 GMT Check out Rubot II - The Rubik’s Cube Solving Robot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/10/rubot-ii.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/10/rubot-ii.html Sun, 10 Dec 2006 15:45:50 GMT I have recently found a page on servicing the Lego RCX 1.0 supplied with the Lego Mindstorms RIS kit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/03/servicing-lego-rcx.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/12/03/servicing-lego-rcx.html Sun, 03 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT The budget robotics site (now gone) had cheap kits for complete bots, servos, wheels and all. They are pictured with an ooPIC R, although the site does not sell the ooPIC itself (or if it did I couldn’t find it). The robot kits generally under $100 (or under £50), but would need to be shipped from US. Not that its a big problem here in the Uk. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/09/15/budget-robotics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/09/15/budget-robotics.html Fri, 15 Sep 2006 16:35:45 GMT Lego enjoys a grand reign over the whole construction toy with its winning formulae. It is simple to use, doesn’t have annoying little nuts that slowly unscrew while the model is moving, comes in many colours, including fetching primary colours, and has a large selection of pieces. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_clone_brand.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_clone_brand.html Tue, 12 Sep 2006 16:32:44 GMT What Is OrionRobots https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/orionrobots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/orionrobots.html Tue, 05 Sep 2006 21:22:03 GMT The company Airfix, who many of our readers would probably remember from childhood, and may even use their kits for modding purposes, have gone into administration after a very difficult period. The company are similar to Revell and specialise in model aircraft, some tanks, and ships. I personally remember painstakingly putting together one of the huge aircraft carrier models that had. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/09/01/airfix-model-company-in-troubled-waters.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/09/01/airfix-model-company-in-troubled-waters.html Fri, 01 Sep 2006 01:39:45 GMT The same minds that created the Lego Mindstorms range, have now come up with an electronic device and kit designed for creative and interactive electronic art. Exactly the kind of project that might appeal to the makers and hardware hackers. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/08/31/the-pico-cricket.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/08/31/the-pico-cricket.html Thu, 31 Aug 2006 00:00:00 GMT Peeron allow Lego users to catalogue all their sets and parts in an online database. You can type in a set number , and you can retrieve a parts list, images, Lugnet links, availability and pricing at various outlets. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/peeron.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/peeron.html Thu, 24 Aug 2006 08:57:54 GMT Bricklink is a site designed for trading Lego parts, instructions and sets. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bricklink.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bricklink.html Thu, 24 Aug 2006 08:50:46 GMT Lugnet is an acronym for the Lego Users Group Network https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lugnet.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lugnet.html Thu, 24 Aug 2006 08:46:34 GMT RS232 is a protocol based upon a Serial Data Stream. It is the standard that was once used to connect modems with computers, and is also used for other peripherals. It is the standard that the DB-25 and DB-9 serial port interface (or COM port on Windows) is based on, and is used to connect with and program some MicroControllers. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rs232.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rs232.html Wed, 23 Aug 2006 09:08:38 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/08/23/pda-suitable-for-use-with-phidgets.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/08/23/pda-suitable-for-use-with-phidgets.html Wed, 23 Aug 2006 02:13:46 GMT In many computer languages, the programs come in a form known as “Source Code”. This code is (mostly) human readable, but not directly usable by the computer. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/compile.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/compile.html Tue, 22 Aug 2006 09:17:48 GMT John Hansen, an avid Lugnet and Lego user has created a whole raft of top utilities for converting audio files to formats that can be used on the NXT. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/08/17/sounds-great-on-the-nxt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/08/17/sounds-great-on-the-nxt.html Thu, 17 Aug 2006 00:32:49 GMT IDE https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/idetool.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/idetool.html Wed, 16 Aug 2006 21:44:44 GMT For those who don’t read Make magazine, it is all about building stuff like robots, or custom cars, or modifying your speak and spell to become a strange synthesiser. These people build all kinds of stuff, and I strongly recommend you go out and read at least one. It is published by O’Reilly, who are also known for some pretty good computer books, like the Nutshell series. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/30/vex-based-aerial-photographs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/30/vex-based-aerial-photographs.html Sun, 30 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Update: You can buy a simple demo fuel cell car kit at the Science Museum in London for £70 - I’ve been playing with one. The cell isn’t very powerful, but it is nonetheless an interesting demonstration to play with. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/25/fuel-cell-car-kit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/25/fuel-cell-car-kit.html Tue, 25 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/23/the-nxt-has-been-opened-up.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/23/the-nxt-has-been-opened-up.html Sun, 23 Jul 2006 14:55:38 GMT Firmware is a term which applies to software that you will generally write onto a chip in a computer system once, and may even be supplied on a ROM. It is often these days based upon Flash Memory, and is commonly seen in the form of a PC BIOS chip. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/firmware.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/firmware.html Sat, 22 Jul 2006 10:09:17 GMT This is the processor, otherwise known as a CPU. Some people crudely refer to it as the “Brain” or “Heart” of a computer or robot. There is a grain of truth there, in that it is the main computing element of any system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/microprocessor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/microprocessor.html Sat, 22 Jul 2006 10:02:44 GMT MRAM - Magnetic RAM has now started to be commercially produced by FreeScale. It is a non volatile memory, which is fast, has relatively low power consumption, and may become the replacement for Hard Disks. It has been the holy grail of a group of memory chip designers throughout the 1990s and 2000s. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/22/mram-now-viable.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/22/mram-now-viable.html Sat, 22 Jul 2006 03:15:08 GMT Using an LED with the Lego RCX, or the CyberMaster is actually not as difficult as it sounds. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/12/interfacing_an_led_to_an_rcx_port.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/12/interfacing_an_led_to_an_rcx_port.html Wed, 12 Jul 2006 12:35:01 GMT For a practical guide on using encoders for odometry in a robot, and to control motion, try out Learn Robotics Programming. This shows not only how to use encoder to drive in a straight line, but how to use them to make a turn and measure distances. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/odometry.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/odometry.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 12:38:08 GMT Intro https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/building_a_battle_robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/building_a_battle_robot.html Mon, 10 Jul 2006 09:42:34 GMT In some situations it is a much easier or better system than electronic motors or solenoids. A good example is when used in a situation with flammable substances or requiring very large forces. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pneumatic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pneumatic.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 23:11:11 GMT This is a Construction Toy used mostly in Education and Industry as a tool for modelling and demonstration. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fischertechnik.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fischertechnik.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 18:56:17 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/pneumatic-engine-repost.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/pneumatic-engine-repost.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 16:04:29 GMT Telepresence is a recurring concept in SciFi, and is increasingly becoming a reality. It is the idea of being able to attend a place, or a meeting, without actually being there. One method is to have a robot that can attend in your place, being remotely driven. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/telepresence.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/telepresence.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 13:27:09 GMT For fans of the Lego NXT, they will be pleased to hear that a newsgroup has been created specifically for it on Lugnet, which means it can be read on the web, as a mailing list, or with a normal newsgroup client. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/lugnet-nxt-newsgroup-established.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/lugnet-nxt-newsgroup-established.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 11:37:13 GMT In a recent story in London’s newspaper “The Metro”, and also on New Scientist, a number of somewhat odd, and slightly painful experiments were conducted using Saharan desert ants to see if they used odometry - step counting or distance travelled measurement - to navigate. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/ants-found-to-use-odometry.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/ants-found-to-use-odometry.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 11:21:20 GMT Even though I have used the RCX for many years, there are still new things I am learning about it. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/rcx-switches-can-be-used-as-analogue-actuators.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/09/rcx-switches-can-be-used-as-analogue-actuators.html Sun, 09 Jul 2006 04:15:05 GMT A recent story in the news talked of a homeless Chinese farmer, Wu Yulu, who created robots, and when his house burnt down, he was riddled with debts, and the fantastic machines needed to be sold off. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/08/would-you-sell-your-creations-if-there-was-no-choice.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/07/08/would-you-sell-your-creations-if-there-was-no-choice.html Sat, 08 Jul 2006 00:00:00 GMT Learning to write speech controlled systems https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/speech_processing.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/speech_processing.html Mon, 03 Jul 2006 11:29:19 GMT You have a design for your awesome robot, but you know there a couple of separate activities you want it to perform or handle at the same time. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/30/multitasking-in-robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/30/multitasking-in-robots.html Fri, 30 Jun 2006 07:48:54 GMT The Lego Mindstorms NXT kit started shipping last week and have now started arriving. However, there may be a fair backlog as all the pre-orders go out. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/30/nxts-have-started-shipping-and-arriving.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/30/nxts-have-started-shipping-and-arriving.html Fri, 30 Jun 2006 00:27:53 GMT OCR is software or hardware that has the ability to extract text from printed or handwritten material. It is used for pulling in printed records into computers, and also recently to develop interesting aids for the blind. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ocr.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ocr.html Wed, 28 Jun 2006 22:24:31 GMT A CCD is the optical element of a digital scanner or camera. You will find them in every camera phone or web cam. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ccd.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ccd.html Wed, 28 Jun 2006 22:20:54 GMT With a combination of miniaturisation, CCD, visual processing and speech synthesis technology, a device has been created that grants the blind access to printed material as they have never had before. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/28/text-reading-for-the-blind.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/28/text-reading-for-the-blind.html Wed, 28 Jun 2006 15:24:45 GMT In Billund, Denmark, from the 6th to the 8th of October 2006 there will be a competition, hailing some of the best Lego Mindstorms creations. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/28/2nd-international-lego-mindstorms-competition.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/28/2nd-international-lego-mindstorms-competition.html Wed, 28 Jun 2006 00:00:00 GMT There has been a fair amount of noise this week about Microsoft’s Robotics Studio, announced as a common robotics development platform. Now this seems fairly cool, as the general idea is to be able to use .net - C# or VB(please use C#!) to program robots. Unfortunately, this is let down by the fact that (and I quote) “The other thing to clarify is that we have no intention of running our bits on MCSs in general.” - that is, that the robot will have to be controlled remotely (via whatever protocol it already has) from a Windows machine. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/23/microsoft-robotics-studio-cool-but-not-quite-there-yet.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/23/microsoft-robotics-studio-cool-but-not-quite-there-yet.html Fri, 23 Jun 2006 13:56:11 GMT On Friday the 15th, Dick Swan announced on the lugnet robotics board that new firmware and software has been created to provide a C based solution for programming the Lego NXT. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/18/beta-c-programming-solution-for-nxt-announced.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/18/beta-c-programming-solution-for-nxt-announced.html Sun, 18 Jun 2006 05:19:40 GMT Mecha is a term that could be used to generally describe any machinery, or robot, and is used in the general robot sense in the film AI. However, it is more commonly used to describe walking machines, quite often battlesuits. These are normally manned, and generally bigger than a human, sometimes just slightly larger, and some as big as houses. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mecha.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mecha.html Sat, 17 Jun 2006 13:10:24 GMT MegaBloks are a great deal cheaper than Lego, and have some slightly different ranges, having a license to produce kits based upon The Transformers as well as being a lot more creative with their parts. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/megabloks.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/megabloks.html Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:38:19 GMT These are toys aimed at children yet have great value in creating robots, learning mechanical systems and engineering in general. In https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/construction_toy.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/construction_toy.html Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:31:57 GMT Brickfest is due to take place this year from Friday, August the 25th. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/13/brickfest-2006-just-around-the-corner.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/06/13/brickfest-2006-just-around-the-corner.html Tue, 13 Jun 2006 13:18:41 GMT An API is an interface that a program, utility or library allows a programmer to use to interact with it and its functions. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/api.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/api.html Tue, 30 May 2006 23:42:09 GMT LeJOS is a replacement OS designed for programming the Lego RCX, NXT and EV3 controllers in a Java environment. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lejos.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lejos.html Tue, 30 May 2006 23:41:41 GMT BrickOS was a small OS for the Lego RCX. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/brickos.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/brickos.html Tue, 30 May 2006 23:19:21 GMT OLEDS are now moving forward as the future in optics and display. With the printable OLED’s some universities are talking about, and the flexible OLEDs than can be produced on just about any surface, the potential uses for these are abundant in number. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/28/engadget-on-current-oled-advances.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/28/engadget-on-current-oled-advances.html Sun, 28 May 2006 05:14:12 GMT DorkBotLondon have now announced a location, and dates for their event which was covered here earlier. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/27/dorkbotlondon-camping-event-dates-and-venue-announced.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/27/dorkbotlondon-camping-event-dates-and-venue-announced.html Sat, 27 May 2006 12:50:18 GMT A problem with Skid Steering is that that two motors of the same model, from the same company, and even in the same batch, may still not be identical. This makes robots veer off course. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/adder_subtractor_drive.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/adder_subtractor_drive.html Fri, 26 May 2006 00:00:00 GMT Phillipe Hurbaine, aka Philo, another regular Lugnet robotics user has put together a replacement battery box plate which adds the capability of using an external power supply with the retail (non education) version of the NXT. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/21/building-an-external-power-supply-for-the-nxt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/21/building-an-external-power-supply-for-the-nxt.html Sun, 21 May 2006 14:06:18 GMT BrickShelf accompanies Lugnet as the primary place on the internet for showing off Lego creations, also known as MOC’s. Every user gets their own gallery space, and can put models up, subject to review and moderation. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/brickshelf.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/brickshelf.html Thu, 11 May 2006 23:19:01 GMT Along with much of the Lego Robotics community, I’ve taken note of the crazy efforts last year which resulted in the Great Ball Contraption (GBC), where participants build modules to accept balls (Lego footballs/basketballs) at one receptacle, and deposit them at the other on a standard footprint. The fun part is that what they do in the middle is up to them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/11/a-new-great-ball-contraption-website.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/11/a-new-great-ball-contraption-website.html Thu, 11 May 2006 16:00:14 GMT Some more news on the Vex. It appears that the RadioShack sale on Vex kits was due to the Vex Robotics Design System IP being acquired from RadioShack by Innovation First, who are the original creators of the system. This includes the brand name, as well as the platform. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/11/vex-to-be-acquired-by-original-creator.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/11/vex-to-be-acquired-by-original-creator.html Thu, 11 May 2006 15:23:01 GMT Lego is going eCommerce on bricks properly at last! Although you have been able to order Lego sets online for some time, as well as early Lego Factory, it was still not quite ready for you to design a set and have the parts delivered. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/10/lego-factory.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/10/lego-factory.html Wed, 10 May 2006 16:45:53 GMT If you have not heard of DorkBot yet, they are a group of people who do “strange things with electricity”. These strange things can be Robotic or mechatronic devices, art pieces with LED’s in them, flash movies, light controlled sound synthesizers, simply programs for various operating systems or anything just about geeky enough to interest the attendees. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/10/dorkbot-london-summer-camp-aka-dorkcamp-proposed.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/05/10/dorkbot-london-summer-camp-aka-dorkcamp-proposed.html Wed, 10 May 2006 10:32:42 GMT George Boole FRS (1815 - 1864) was best known for his discussion on reducing logic into simple algebra, thus including the principles of it in mathematics. It had before been the realm of Aristotle’s philosophy, and Boole’s work to simplify and distil this into equations was probably one of the major contributors to computing as we know it. Indeed Digital computing with binary would probably not be where it is today without his work. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/george_boole.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/george_boole.html Sun, 23 Apr 2006 12:38:32 GMT The Boolean NOT operation is a negation of its input. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/not.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/not.html Sun, 23 Apr 2006 12:07:22 GMT XOR means eXclusive Or. It is a Boolean operation which takes binary inputs and combines them for a single digital output. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/xor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/xor.html Sun, 23 Apr 2006 00:36:19 GMT The NAND gate or logic element is a boolean Logic gate. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nand.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/nand.html Sun, 23 Apr 2006 00:36:19 GMT OR is a Boolean operation which will be true when any of its inputs are 1. That is (on a two input gate) when one input, OR another, OR both are true - the output is true. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/or.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/or.html Sun, 23 Apr 2006 00:35:43 GMT The basic computer method of storing information in a series of encoded zeros and ones, as bits. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/binary.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/binary.html Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:08:27 GMT Potentially two very important aspects of a robotic or computing system. These terms are used to describe any input and output data. This includes sensors, device to device communication buses, keyboards, buttons, motors, LCD display etc. Basically any route to get data into or out of a processing unit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/io.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/io.html Wed, 19 Apr 2006 16:05:31 GMT When working with binary information, these gates allow a number of simple, yet powerful operations to be carried out. They operate on digital information at the BIT level using boolean logic. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/logic_gate.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/logic_gate.html Tue, 11 Apr 2006 13:37:07 GMT Among the robots I have seen, few have been the crowd pleaser that this little creature known as “Layered-X” developed by Asurada and shown off to a wave of applause at the Robo-One competition in Tokyo in March of this year. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/04/08/amazing-robot-video.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/04/08/amazing-robot-video.html Sat, 08 Apr 2006 07:17:45 GMT It is clear that there will be differences in the kits Lego are supplying for the new NXT controller. But what will they be? https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/31/comparing-the-nxt-educational-with-the-nxt-retail-packs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/31/comparing-the-nxt-educational-with-the-nxt-retail-packs.html Fri, 31 Mar 2006 08:15:12 GMT Currently, the rather top quality make blog from O’Reilly is carrying a story about a computer controlled water cutter, using pressurised (20,000 to 60,000 PSI!) jet of water enhance with abrasive material to make cuts on Polycarbonate, a material that generally ends up melted and with dulled/burred edges when cutting with stock jigsaw/bandsaws, or cut with a laser. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/25/make-blog-cutting-a-phone-holder-with-a-water-jet.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/25/make-blog-cutting-a-phone-holder-with-a-water-jet.html Sat, 25 Mar 2006 02:42:45 GMT I have recently been informed that the rather fantastic (but expensive) Radio Shack VEX may about to be discontinued, and as a result, is actually being sold at half price discounts on the Radio Shack website. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/24/vexed-with-the-radio-shack-vex-kits.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/24/vexed-with-the-radio-shack-vex-kits.html Fri, 24 Mar 2006 09:36:40 GMT A device which is normally a stripped down, low power MicroProcessor. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/microcontroller.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/microcontroller.html Tue, 21 Mar 2006 18:10:58 GMT The MEGAbitty really is an itty bitty thing. It actually is roughly the size of a two pound coin - a 23mm square. Weighing in at around 2 grams, it is also light enough for antweight competitions. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/megabitty.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/megabitty.html Tue, 21 Mar 2006 16:08:03 GMT At APEC 2006, The Applied Power Electronics Conference and Exposition, a Micromouse robot contest will be held today (20th March 2006) at 20:30 CST (that’s UTC -600 for us Europeans, So about 1 in the morning tomorrow I think). https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/20/micromouse-contest-at-apec-2006.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/20/micromouse-contest-at-apec-2006.html Mon, 20 Mar 2006 06:35:41 GMT I have come across another interesting NXT blog at http://thenxtstep.blogspot.com/. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/16/more-nxt-obsession.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/16/more-nxt-obsession.html Thu, 16 Mar 2006 10:18:34 GMT This is a group of 100 Lego enthusiasts brought together to develop for, beta test, and suggest new features/functionality for the Lego Mindstorms NXT in early 2006. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mdp.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mdp.html Tue, 14 Mar 2006 16:58:39 GMT Animatronic devices are props made for special effects, using electronics and motors to animate them and bring them to life. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/animatronic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/animatronic.html Mon, 06 Mar 2006 13:55:18 GMT The Phillips I2C bus is a Serial transfer system that is supported by most MicroControllers. It is otherwise known is the Inter-Integrated-Circuit bus. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/i2c.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/i2c.html Mon, 06 Mar 2006 11:42:53 GMT An animatronic head prop used in the Steven King miniseries “Rose Red”, has been placed on ebay. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/06/steven-king-animatronics-prop-on-ebay.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/06/steven-king-animatronics-prop-on-ebay.html Mon, 06 Mar 2006 06:51:11 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- The simple mechanism - as it could still jam a little - a clutch gear stops this damaging the mechanism https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target7.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target7.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- With the balls out - the stirrer arms can be seen. Note the slope bricks to keep balls from being stuck on the back wall https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target6.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target6.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- Full of balls - with a motor attached to the input gear https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target5.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target5.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- The balls are jammed in this - a stirrer would help https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target4.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target4.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- A simple ball hopper - no door, no stirrer https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target3.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target3.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- Side view with the input gear - driver this gear to start the stirring arms. https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target2.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target2.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- When a machine pushes down the door - balls can leave the hopper https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target1.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target1.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT Lego Great Ball Contraption Stirrer Basket -- Front view of the stirrer - the wheels are counterweights keeping up a door https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target0.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/target0.html Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT (8 images) https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/lego-great-ball-contraption-stirrer-basket/ Sat, 04 Mar 2006 00:00:00 GMT The First Lego League is a competition which is part of the First Robotics Group. It is aimed at using Lego Mindstorms kits like the RCX and later the NXT to teach kids science, technology and engineering skills. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fll.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fll.html Fri, 03 Mar 2006 14:10:10 GMT Lego have now issued a press release today, stating that they have now finished the https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/03/lego-announces-mpd-selection-process-complete.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/03/lego-announces-mpd-selection-process-complete.html Fri, 03 Mar 2006 08:13:15 GMT LME -Lego Mindstorms Education - presumably son of DACTA have used the Lego Education Blog to announce the prices of NXT components. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/03/lego-announce-us-educational-prices-for-range-of-nxt-products.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/03/03/lego-announce-us-educational-prices-for-range-of-nxt-products.html Fri, 03 Mar 2006 07:10:29 GMT The RIS kit from lego was the one that contained the RCX along with the IR tower, a number of elements to build with, a neat construction guide and multimedia CD. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ris.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ris.html Fri, 24 Feb 2006 11:22:53 GMT You may want to pick up a copy of January’s Wired magazine. Despite being a good read anyway (which I rarely miss), the round-up they have of the 50 best robots ever is an amusing and interesting read. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/19/wired-50-best-robots-every-january-2006.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/19/wired-50-best-robots-every-january-2006.html Sun, 19 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Klaus-Peter Zauner from University of Southampton, along with colleagues from the Kobe University of Japan, has created a photophobic (light avoiding) robot which is based upon some Slime mould which is light sensitive. This is some simple biotech. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/17/who-would-have-thought-you-could-use-mould-in-a-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/17/who-would-have-thought-you-could-use-mould-in-a-robot.html Fri, 17 Feb 2006 06:37:17 GMT I must sadly announce that Sony will no longer be developing robots like the AIBO and the QRIO . https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/16/wave-goodbye-to-the-sony-robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/16/wave-goodbye-to-the-sony-robots.html Thu, 16 Feb 2006 07:03:03 GMT A real transforming robot has been revealed in Japan. Designed and built by Nakamura-san at Himeji Soft Works, it transforms to and from a car using a bunch of servo motors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/13/wr07-a-real-transformer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/13/wr07-a-real-transformer.html Mon, 13 Feb 2006 00:00:00 GMT Well I hope all of you have enjoyed the holiday season, and have a happy new year. I celebrated in style, in Westminster, London, watching the amazing firework show put on framed by the London Eye. Well done London! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/11/happy-new-year.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/02/11/happy-new-year.html Sat, 11 Feb 2006 09:56:48 GMT OpenGL is a system designed to provide a simple, open standards based 3D Graphics layer for CAD applications. This may also be useful in simulation, though tools like Pagoda or systems like Godot and Unity might be more appropriate. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/opengl.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/opengl.html Fri, 10 Feb 2006 11:32:10 GMT LeoCad is an Open Source Lego CAD system created by Leonardo Zide and hosted at www.leocad.org. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leocad.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leocad.html Fri, 10 Feb 2006 10:49:28 GMT Well first - I would like to say Gung Hei Fat Choi, that is, Happy Chinese New Year. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/01/30/gung-hei-fat-choi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/01/30/gung-hei-fat-choi.html Mon, 30 Jan 2006 09:00:00 GMT BEAM is an acronym for Biology Electronics Aesthetics and Mechanics. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/beam_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/beam_robots.html Mon, 16 Jan 2006 13:01:20 GMT In Japan, there is held a robot football competition every year, where robots compete in 5 a side, 1 a side ,and other match configurations. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robo_cup.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robo_cup.html Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:43:54 GMT An exoskeleton (also known as an exosuit) describes a robotic machine that is worn almost like a suit of clothing. It also may simply describe carapace (that is sliding plate) armour. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/exoskeleton.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/exoskeleton.html Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:32:01 GMT A cyborg is defined as a creation (machine or animal) that was part organic and part mechanical. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cyborg.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cyborg.html Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:26:18 GMT Leonardo Da Vinci made sketches of a humanoid robot using metal linkages and a lot of mechanical gears. It was possibly capable of sitting up, waving its arms, flexing its neck, moving its neck, and moving an anatomically correct jaw and was powered by falling weights. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vincis_robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vincis_robot.html Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:22:15 GMT These are a great example of Deferred Design. Chips based upon this technology actually consist of large arrays of logic gate, but which kind they behave as is determined by a program that is loaded as they start up. This means that by flashing the firmware of the device, these logic gate can be reconfigured to provide different behaviour. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pld.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pld.html Sun, 15 Jan 2006 10:11:59 GMT I have just come across a Lego Mindstorms FAQ which details a great more information about the NXT and what it will be able to do, including burning questions about using it as a USB host - which Lego say not. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/01/11/more-nxt-information.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/01/11/more-nxt-information.html Wed, 11 Jan 2006 10:30:58 GMT This is a community adopted term for those who have found that in there adulthood, they are still interesting in building with Lego. With the Lego Mindstorms project, this community has grown massively, and the NXT will increase this further. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/afol.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/afol.html Fri, 06 Jan 2006 12:47:28 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/01/06/lego-unveils-next-generation-mindstorms-system.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2006/01/06/lego-unveils-next-generation-mindstorms-system.html Fri, 06 Jan 2006 10:30:58 GMT OOPic is a mid-2000’s brand of PIC or Microcontroller from Savage Innovations. It is basically a PIC, with some specific firmware and a high level programming system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/oopic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/oopic.html Wed, 04 Jan 2006 23:51:15 GMT The Charmed Labs XPort 2 can be combined with a Gameboy Advance, to use it as a MicroController. Since it uses an FPGA, and has flashrom for programming the ARM cpu, it gives you a versatile system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/xport.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/xport.html Sun, 01 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT I am Danny Staple, otherwise known as Orion. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/userpageorion.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/userpageorion.html Mon, 19 Dec 2005 23:50:48 GMT Artificial Intelligence is a very broad description. It applies to anything from simple bots with some autonomy, to fully learning growing systems. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/artificial_intelligence.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/artificial_intelligence.html Sat, 10 Dec 2005 14:29:54 GMT Facial Recognition and Prosopagnosia https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/12/10/interesting-discoveries.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/12/10/interesting-discoveries.html Sat, 10 Dec 2005 08:20:00 GMT A supercap is essentially a large, and powerful capacitor. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/12/08/supercap-used-as-9v-battery.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/12/08/supercap-used-as-9v-battery.html Thu, 08 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT Background https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/12/03/tokyo-international-robot-exhibition-2005.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/12/03/tokyo-international-robot-exhibition-2005.html Sat, 03 Dec 2005 00:00:00 GMT A diode is an electronic component that allows current to only flow in only one direction. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/diode.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/diode.html Fri, 02 Dec 2005 21:33:44 GMT Introduction https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/horse_and_rider.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/horse_and_rider.html Thu, 01 Dec 2005 00:31:51 GMT A headbot is basically a study of sensors. In the BEAM Robots definition, they consist of a Servo controlled head, which scans until it can find equilibrium on a given sensor condition - typically light, but it could be used with a sonar distance sensor to find which direction yields the nearest wall or similar. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/headbots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/headbots.html Wed, 30 Nov 2005 19:38:01 GMT An impeller is more efficient at moving and pressurising fluid than a propeller. It consists of the same propeller blades, possible longer along its axis and with a smaller radius, enclosed in a fairly tight fitting enclosure. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/impellor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/impellor.html Wed, 12 Oct 2005 00:06:37 GMT It had a height of around 40cm. It was also known as the Pino-DX. It is not as advanced as the RoboSapien, but is fairly enchanting. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pino_toy.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pino_toy.html Tue, 11 Oct 2005 23:57:49 GMT There are many advantages to be had by using modular design and building techniques with robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/modular_robot_design.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/modular_robot_design.html Tue, 11 Oct 2005 23:39:35 GMT Leonardo Zide is the creator of the open Source Leocad Lego CAD system hosted at http://gerf.org . https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_zide.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_zide.html Tue, 11 Oct 2005 23:20:32 GMT A system very similar to pneumatic systems. Instead of using compressed air, it uses a liquid - often an oil. This is clearly in the use of the prefix hydro (meaning water) in the name. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hydraulic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hydraulic.html Tue, 11 Oct 2005 22:03:32 GMT The double acting cylinder is used in either pneumatic or hydraulic systems. It is a good advance on the simpler Single Acting Cylinder. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/double_acting_cylinder.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/double_acting_cylinder.html Sun, 09 Oct 2005 19:41:52 GMT A single acting cylinder is an actuator for a fluidic system like a Pneumatic or Hydraulic system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/single_acting_cylinder.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/single_acting_cylinder.html Sun, 09 Oct 2005 17:12:52 GMT This is a challenge by DARPA for races of AGV’s across stretches of the US. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/darpa_grand_challenge.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/darpa_grand_challenge.html Sat, 08 Oct 2005 22:33:05 GMT At dawn on Saturday, the 8th October, as the sun rose, the 23 contenders knew that anything could happen. After events at the NQE where they prepared, and qualified for the event, and last years Grand Challenge, the teams had to be sure either robot was prepared for anything. This was it - the big moment where their robot was out in the world, and on its own! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/08/more-info-on-the-darpa-grand-challenge-result.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/08/more-info-on-the-darpa-grand-challenge-result.html Sat, 08 Oct 2005 16:39:26 GMT Stanford University have won the Darpa grand Challenge! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/08/and-its-all-over.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/08/and-its-all-over.html Sat, 08 Oct 2005 15:08:57 GMT Genetics is a term applied to the system of evolution where changes in the data(mutations), can be selected for pure survivability over others. These leads to Darwinian Evolution. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/genetic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/genetic.html Sat, 08 Oct 2005 10:36:29 GMT After a number of qualifying events, robotic racing vehicles prepare for this years DARPA Grand Challenge. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/08/and-they're-all-set.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/08/and-they're-all-set.html Sat, 08 Oct 2005 04:16:19 GMT First appearing in the First heat of the Sixth Season of Robot Wars, this formidable house robot packs a punch. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mr_psycho.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mr_psycho.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 22:56:58 GMT This is another signature cute robot product from Sony. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/qrio.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/qrio.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 18:09:24 GMT Otherwise known as Field Programmable Gate Arrays - this takes the concept of Deferred Design much further than a MicroController. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fpga.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fpga.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 18:08:32 GMT Deferred design refers to a system with the ability to be modified or tweaked later. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/deferred_design.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/deferred_design.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 18:08:00 GMT An End Effector is the part of a robot intended as a tool or attachment. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/end_effectors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/end_effectors.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:53:35 GMT Robots will only be enhanced by the gradual roll out of Electric https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ev.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ev.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:51:07 GMT When you are going to build a robot, regardless of how small or large, simple or complex you think it might be, you always start with a seed of an idea. How you grow this seed before you build will be your design. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/design.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/design.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:46:19 GMT They are perhaps best known for having piloted the internet and technologies around it in collaboration with University of California at Berkeley (who they often collaborate with). https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/darpa.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/darpa.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:45:15 GMT Robolab was a less commonly used method to program the Lego RCX. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robolab.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robolab.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:43:22 GMT Lego DACTA is the School consortium branch of the Lego company. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dacta.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dacta.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:33:53 GMT An Android is defined as a robot which is built to represent a human or is human like. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/android.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/android.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 14:04:31 GMT Clusterbots are a robots working in a group to achieve the same goal. They may be all identical, or some may have specialised jobs. They are also known as swarm bots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cluster_bots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cluster_bots.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 00:06:05 GMT I have been brushing up my salvage skills with a bunch of circuit boards and old bits I recovered from Freecycle. I found a technique using a shaving mirror - if I clamp a board vertically, and place it so the solder side is facing me, and the component side is facing the mirror - then it is fairly easy to see what I am doing and pull out components with a good set of narrow pliers while desoldering connections. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/06/knee-deep-in-electronics-and-building.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/10/06/knee-deep-in-electronics-and-building.html Thu, 06 Oct 2005 00:00:00 GMT A capacitor is an electronic component, which is in affect an electronic equivalent of a water tank with two inlets and a movable diaphragm in the middle. It can be charged until it is all in one direction, or charged the other way - but once charged, there is no more water flow, and so it must be discharged… https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/capacitor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/capacitor.html Wed, 05 Oct 2005 22:25:05 GMT Alternating Current - commonly known as AC is the term given to a current which goes back and forth - that is, it alternates. This kind of transmission has slightly different characteristics from DC. It is suited for use with Electrical transformers, which do not respond at all to a direct current. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/alternating_current.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/alternating_current.html Wed, 05 Oct 2005 22:17:44 GMT This was a very famous early attempt on the Turing Test. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/eliza.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/eliza.html Wed, 05 Oct 2005 19:41:34 GMT The Anode is the positive (+) connection to a polarised device like a diode, Electrolytic/Tantalum Capacitor or LED. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/anode.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/anode.html Wed, 05 Oct 2005 18:45:55 GMT Sony have a department specialising in creating robots such as the Aibo and the Qrio. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sony.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sony.html Wed, 05 Oct 2005 18:06:47 GMT Introduction https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/using_the_rcx_with_stepper_motors.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/using_the_rcx_with_stepper_motors.html Mon, 03 Oct 2005 15:44:31 GMT CPU and Microcontroller cores often need to manipulate data very rapidly and internally. In terms of core computing, transactions with external RAM and ROM devices, even caches, can be slow and expensive when compared with using a storage location on the same piece of silicon. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/registers.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/registers.html Mon, 03 Oct 2005 14:39:50 GMT When constructing a robot always bear in mind that with few exceptions you will probably want to maintain or reuse parts in the robot. So try to think of lightweight construction materials, which while sturdy and well joined, can also be easily disassembled and possibly reused. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/part_reuse.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/part_reuse.html Thu, 15 Sep 2005 17:51:39 GMT Sumpthing was a monstrosity of a Robot Wars competitor which was built almost entirely out of scavenged automobile scrap. It has come from the darkest depths of Team Tetanus and The Lo-Tek Alliance. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sumpthing.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sumpthing.html Sun, 11 Sep 2005 22:53:01 GMT This is one of Orions favourite game shows, hosted by Robert Llewelyn and Lisa Rodgers. It is very inspirational and embodies a lot of the principles underlying OrionRobots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/scrapheap_challenge.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/scrapheap_challenge.html Sun, 11 Sep 2005 20:22:29 GMT Resistor are designed to Resist current. That is they limit flow. They are one of the most common electronic components you will come across. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/resistor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/resistor.html Sat, 10 Sep 2005 15:10:32 GMT An LED is a special version of a diode which emits light. Although nearly every PN Junction emits, and is sensitive to light, these junctions are specially mastered to emit more. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/led.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/led.html Sat, 10 Sep 2005 14:21:41 GMT Overview https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/diode_bridge.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/diode_bridge.html Sat, 10 Sep 2005 13:18:24 GMT This is a Boolean operation, which gives a result of true only when its first input “AND” second input are true (in the case of a two input AND). It is used both as an electronic element and in programming. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/and.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/and.html Fri, 09 Sep 2005 14:28:43 GMT A semiconductor is a material which only conducts electricity under certain conditions. They are a number of these materials in common usage, the most ubiquitous being silicon and germanium. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/semiconductor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/semiconductor.html Thu, 01 Sep 2005 21:26:34 GMT A Transistor is simply a block of Semiconductor material which drove the silicon revolution. Each single transistor effectively an electronic switch. When you supply current to its base, a current is allowed to flow from the Collector to the Emitter. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/transistor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/transistor.html Thu, 01 Sep 2005 21:24:41 GMT When you wish to accurately control and respond to something, you normally expect feedback. One such feedback is the visible mouse pointer movement on the screen in response to you moving the mouse. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/feedback.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/feedback.html Wed, 31 Aug 2005 23:21:39 GMT Cybernetics is actually a derivation of the word “Kybernetic” - which was “steersmanship” in the nautical sense. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cybernetics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cybernetics.html Wed, 31 Aug 2005 23:09:59 GMT It’s true. Lego really have a Solar Panel. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_solar_panel.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_solar_panel.html Sun, 28 Aug 2005 10:02:50 GMT These were Personal Data Assistants with a rather nice Operating System and a slightly different way of thinking. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/palm_computer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/palm_computer.html Sun, 28 Aug 2005 09:43:21 GMT Pocket PC’s were a Personal Data Assistant group which used Windows CE operating system. These were a precursor to SmartPhones that are common now. Orionrobots would sooner recommend using a Raspberry Pi or Smartphone than using one of these obsolete devices. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pocket_pc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pocket_pc.html Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:59:32 GMT This is Mikes Lego CAD. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mlcad.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mlcad.html Sun, 28 Aug 2005 00:44:55 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/scifi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/scifi.html Sat, 27 Aug 2005 13:54:27 GMT Please click on the items on the board for a close up of the major components of the RCX mainboard. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rcx_mainboard.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rcx_mainboard.html Sat, 27 Aug 2005 09:41:11 GMT Bluetooth is a secure Wireless serial transmission protocol. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bluetooth.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bluetooth.html Thu, 25 Aug 2005 22:54:26 GMT James Jessiman was the much hailed creator of the LDraw System Lego CAD file format, and a number of parts in the library. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/james_jessiman.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/james_jessiman.html Thu, 25 Aug 2005 22:20:18 GMT Chaos 2 was one of the most infamous, and formidable flipper bots from the original UK Robot Wars. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/chaos2.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/chaos2.html Thu, 25 Aug 2005 22:17:44 GMT Pulse Width Modulation is a method of controlling powered devices like motors by using pulses of power. By varying the ratio of length of On pulses to Off Pulses, a more efficient method of controlling motors can be achieved. The other big benefit of this is that it is often easier for a digital machine to switch things on and off than control a continuously varying (analogue) signal. If simply flipping one bit over a time base is used, control becomes fairly easy electronically, and more advanced circuits like a H-Bridge could be used. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pwm.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pwm.html Thu, 25 Aug 2005 21:50:17 GMT Introduction https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/25/building-a-game-scoreboard.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/25/building-a-game-scoreboard.html Thu, 25 Aug 2005 21:17:20 GMT If you are building a robot at home, you’ll be poking at the electronic guts of many robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/multimeter.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/multimeter.html Tue, 23 Aug 2005 23:01:52 GMT There can be nothing more confounding than having to put a screw or bolt in a hard to reach hole, except when you try to do so, and the screw drops deep into the gubbins of the machine. You can see it (if you are lucky), but you don’t have the reach, or the gaps is far to tight for you to grab it. what can you do? https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/retreiving_dropped_screws.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/retreiving_dropped_screws.html Mon, 22 Aug 2005 10:31:04 GMT If you come across a very damaged screw-head - or a very stubborn screw, first start with the WD40, putting a spray of it around the screw and under the head. Make sure to let it work for a few minutes, then wipe away as much as you can - so your tool can get good purchase. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/20/damaged-screw-head.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/20/damaged-screw-head.html Sat, 20 Aug 2005 12:44:46 GMT The Lady Ada, Countess of Lovelace(1815-1852) was the renowned daughter of The Lord Byron. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/the_lady_ada.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/the_lady_ada.html Thu, 18 Aug 2005 22:56:24 GMT Charles Babbage(1791-1871) was an early 18th-19th century mathematician and engineer. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/charles_babbage.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/charles_babbage.html Thu, 18 Aug 2005 20:48:51 GMT This term is used to refer to the process, practice and tools for using computer to design and engineer systems. It goes hand-in-hand with CAM. Using CAD is a valuable skill for a robot builder to learn. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cad.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cad.html Thu, 11 Aug 2005 13:27:17 GMT OrionRobots is compiling a list of robot projects, who are behind them, what they are designed for, how they are available and how hackable they are. This list is not exhaustive, and the data is still being added. If you have any contributions, please log in and leave a comment. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/corporate_robot_projects.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/corporate_robot_projects.html Fri, 05 Aug 2005 22:23:23 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/forums/announcements/one_million_views/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/forums/announcements/one_million_views/ Fri, 05 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Things we feel it is important that you know about https://orionrobots.co.uk/forums/announcements/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/forums/announcements/ Fri, 05 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT When you build robots, you will often need precision control. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/servo_motor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/servo_motor.html Wed, 03 Aug 2005 23:16:58 GMT The term piston generally refers to a large reciprocating rod. It is often used to refer to pneumatic, or hydraulic cylinders - or at least the internal rod that is extended by the cylinder. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pistons.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pistons.html Wed, 03 Aug 2005 17:36:05 GMT I had an idea for building an ooPIC based line follower. I’d not had time to build it, but here are the concepts. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/03/oopic-lego-line-follower.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/03/oopic-lego-line-follower.html Wed, 03 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT Teddie Ruxpin was a big (if expensive) toy in the 1980’s. It’s mouth would move, and the eyes would blink and was a little animated, while narrating from special tapes. The special tapes were actually stereo tapes. The right channel was basically the story that the teddy would tell, and the left was control commands for animating the mouth and eyes. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/teddie_ruxpin.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/teddie_ruxpin.html Tue, 02 Aug 2005 22:26:31 GMT There are a number of easily available robot gadgets, kits and toys on the market. At OrionRobots we try to review them, examine them, hack them up and modify them if we can. Have a look at this list if you have a gadget and want to know what it does, or if you are considering your next one! https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/02/robotic-toys-and-gadgets.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/08/02/robotic-toys-and-gadgets.html Tue, 02 Aug 2005 00:00:00 GMT You will rarely, if ever find these in robotic applications outside of the Darpa Grand Challenge. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/internal_combustion_engine.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/internal_combustion_engine.html Fri, 29 Jul 2005 17:15:02 GMT This institute have a big part in robotics and AI. It is here where Professor Rodney Brooks and many other major figures in this field have either studied or lectured. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/mit.html Fri, 29 Jul 2005 17:04:22 GMT If you are planning to hold a Robot Battle event like Robot Wars at your school - hopefully you’ll find some tips here. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/holding_school_robot_battle_events.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/holding_school_robot_battle_events.html Fri, 29 Jul 2005 15:32:22 GMT This is a rather historic robot. It looks to the casual observer like a young Japanese woman, but in fact is a sophisticated robot with synthetic skin. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/29/repliee-q1-a-replicant-from-japan.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/29/repliee-q1-a-replicant-from-japan.html Fri, 29 Jul 2005 15:19:31 GMT The Cathode is the negative electrode on an electronic or electrical device - for example a diode,Capacitor, Valve Tube or LED https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cathode.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cathode.html Thu, 28 Jul 2005 22:01:18 GMT This ever-changing-image was the visual output of a joypad instrument. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/22/images-from-dorkbotlondon.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/22/images-from-dorkbotlondon.html Fri, 22 Jul 2005 10:10:19 GMT Moving, updates and Styles https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/22/dorkbotlondon-new-survey.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/22/dorkbotlondon-new-survey.html Fri, 22 Jul 2005 09:56:48 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-13-dorkbot-london/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-13-dorkbot-london/ Fri, 22 Jul 2005 00:00:00 GMT This is a common type of flat display, used often in Phones, Digital Cameras, Calculators, wristwatches and more recently desktop computer flat screens. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lcd.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lcd.html Thu, 14 Jul 2005 12:29:54 GMT Sometimes when connecting computer systems and peripherals, you need to create a particular kind of cable for Serial connections. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/null_modem.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/null_modem.html Thu, 14 Jul 2005 11:12:25 GMT Otherwise know as a PDA, these devices were small and handheld, a precursor to the smartphones that are now common. They were considered potential material to build robots, at least before the Raspberry Pi, Beaglebone were available. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/personal_data_assistant.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/personal_data_assistant.html Thu, 14 Jul 2005 11:09:04 GMT This is an acronym for “Single In Line” pin configurations. It is used in a number of chips, Resistor nets, and connectors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sil.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sil.html Wed, 06 Jul 2005 11:51:28 GMT One ongoing issue with robotics is reducing the size and weight of power https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/power_sources.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/power_sources.html Fri, 01 Jul 2005 19:41:54 GMT One problem with conventional batteries is that they are not rechargeable, and even the rechargeable ones eventually won hold power any longer. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/01/recycling-batteries.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/07/01/recycling-batteries.html Fri, 01 Jul 2005 19:41:38 GMT Lego is a very popular material for building robots, not least because it is flexible, and modular. Although it is not the cheapest material - its versatility is renown. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_robots.html Wed, 29 Jun 2005 23:26:32 GMT These are what have now evolved into our common Flash ROM. Used in most MicroController development, the Lego RCX, with phones and PDAs it has become much cheaper than it was. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/eeprom.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/eeprom.html Wed, 29 Jun 2005 23:21:31 GMT This type of ROM allows a programmer to populate it once, and once only. It can be used when developing an item on a small scale - now normally only after most of the initial development has done and testing has started. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/prom.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/prom.html Wed, 29 Jun 2005 23:11:24 GMT These are an improvement on PROM. They allow a developer to program them (sometimes referred to as “to Blow” or “to burn”) with information for use with a MicroController or FPGA - and are then simply a ROM. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/eprom.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/eprom.html Wed, 29 Jun 2005 23:07:58 GMT PC104 is a PC form factor, and bus specification for small stackable, scalable modules with varying processor technology - normally x86 compatible. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pc104.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pc104.html Wed, 29 Jun 2005 23:05:31 GMT Ultraviolet - the part of light spectrum that is beyond violet. It’s a light that humans cannot see, but does make some things glow. It can be use to cure plastics and resins, to erase certain types of computer memory, and is part of PCB making processes. These uses come up in robotics and robot building. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/uv.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/uv.html Wed, 29 Jun 2005 22:55:44 GMT When building machines and robots with Lego, dimension specifications for the standard bricks are handy. This will help designing models, and interfacing Technic Lego with other materials. This article contains paid links. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_specifications.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_specifications.html Fri, 24 Jun 2005 19:41:28 GMT Signal Generator build https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/06/06/more-on-the-signal-generator.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/06/06/more-on-the-signal-generator.html Mon, 06 Jun 2005 10:23:32 GMT I have been building a number of electronics items and projects recently - and once I have tested it thoroughly I will be post my instructions on freeforming a diode rectifier bridge. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/06/05/building-a-new-device.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/06/05/building-a-new-device.html Sun, 05 Jun 2005 18:22:13 GMT The resulting waveform: https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/05/30/freeforming-a-rectifier-bridge.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/05/30/freeforming-a-rectifier-bridge.html Mon, 30 May 2005 09:03:32 GMT A spinning blade propulsion system used in air and water travel. The blades are angled so they push the medium(that is the air or water - both referred to also as fluids in this context) in a direction continuously. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/propeller.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/propeller.html Sun, 29 May 2005 00:13:37 GMT The first Annual ROBOLympics took place in San Francisco, California, US. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robolympics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robolympics.html Sun, 29 May 2005 00:05:07 GMT A helix is a three dimensional spiral shape. Helical is the description given to something with this shape. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/helical.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/helical.html Sun, 29 May 2005 00:00:37 GMT There are a number of devices capable of analysing Infra Red communications. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/infra_red_analyser.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/infra_red_analyser.html Sat, 28 May 2005 23:56:58 GMT Firestorm was one the strongest early robots in Robot Wars, and with Firestorm 2, it had established a strong legacy. This one was one of the greatest early robots - and will always be met with respect and admiration. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/firestorm.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/firestorm.html Sat, 28 May 2005 23:52:18 GMT This has been used as an acronym for a Peripheral Interface Controller and Programmable Interrupt Controller. However, it is most often used for a common brand of microcontrollers by the Microchip corporation. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/pic.html Sat, 28 May 2005 23:47:41 GMT This is an abbreviation for an Integrated Circuit. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ic.html Sat, 28 May 2005 23:44:41 GMT DIL is an acronym for “Dual In Line” chips/packages including IC’s, connectors, and Resistor Nets. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dil.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dil.html Sat, 28 May 2005 23:41:45 GMT A LAN is the standard kind of network that you will see in a digital home or office. It consists of one small local sub network, and may have a local router/gateway connecting it to a broader network or the internet. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lan.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lan.html Sat, 28 May 2005 17:12:41 GMT This is a system used for short to medium range radio communications between local computer systems. It is actually an umbrella term, used for a number of ISO standards 802.11a,b and g. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/wifi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/wifi.html Sat, 28 May 2005 17:08:35 GMT This is a common term used to mean radio transmission. Although there are no wires in Infra Red, it is not what people generally mean when they say wireless. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/wireless.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/wireless.html Sat, 28 May 2005 17:00:38 GMT There are a number of ways to achieve this. First there is radio - aka wireless - which are what most people associate with this. Next there is Infra Red which every couch potato relies on! You can also refer to long 1 and 2 wire protocols as being remote control. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rc.html Sat, 28 May 2005 16:58:39 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rotundus.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rotundus.html Wed, 25 May 2005 19:20:43 GMT This is the language that is shipped with the Lego RCX. It is designed to be familiar feeling to new programmers who are more comfortable with the real physical Lego bricks - and so tries to emulate their simplicity in the code. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rcx_code.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rcx_code.html Wed, 25 May 2005 17:15:54 GMT After computers became more used, it was recognised that there was some common and basic functionality they would need to run. Engineers used to program every simple function in, including the most basic start up and hardware access, in machine code. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/os.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/os.html Wed, 25 May 2005 17:05:07 GMT The Variable Resistor is sometimes abbreviated VR - but beware as in robotics this is also used for Virtual Reality. It is also known as a Potentiometer and older kinds a Rheostat. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/variable_resistor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/variable_resistor.html Wed, 04 May 2005 10:39:46 GMT With an imminent move planned, a number of old Lego builds needed to be taken apart, so I took photos of them all. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/05/04/an-old-pneumatic-gripper.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/05/04/an-old-pneumatic-gripper.html Wed, 04 May 2005 00:00:00 GMT A couple of models by Homer(Dale) written up. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/05/02/some-robots-from-the-club.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/05/02/some-robots-from-the-club.html Mon, 02 May 2005 08:59:49 GMT This week I rediscovered the Mindstorms Storm Runner game. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/20/mindstorms-stormrunner.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/20/mindstorms-stormrunner.html Wed, 20 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT I have decided to post a number of Lego MOCs to my blog, so readers can see what I sometimes get up to. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/10/ball-contraption-stirrer-basket.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/10/ball-contraption-stirrer-basket.html Sun, 10 Apr 2005 15:49:27 GMT Hi, posting on behalf of Gabriel, one of the orionrobots club attendees. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/10/a-bionacle-cd-holder.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/10/a-bionacle-cd-holder.html Sun, 10 Apr 2005 00:00:00 GMT On Saturday, as it was the last day for the East Finchley Robotics Club, I decided to go back to basics, and do a challenge that was good fun for the kids. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/06/round-up-of-the-challenge-on-saturday-the-2nd-april-2005.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/06/round-up-of-the-challenge-on-saturday-the-2nd-april-2005.html Wed, 06 Apr 2005 16:11:55 GMT LSynth is an LDraw System Lego CAD tool. It allows generation of flexible items - like hoses, cables, rubber bands, tank treads and similar. It has (slightly buggy) object avoidance, and with positioning of parts using standard software like MLCad is quite easy to work with. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lsynth.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lsynth.html Fri, 01 Apr 2005 15:24:33 GMT A Genetic Algorithm is a method of design using a code, and an evolution system (survival of the fittest- gene/individual/population). https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/genetic_algorithm.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/genetic_algorithm.html Fri, 01 Apr 2005 15:16:11 GMT Legs may look fancy - but they are often only really practical for Anthropomorphic reasons - that is for how they look. They are often a very difficult, and somewhat impractical way to do things. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/legs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/legs.html Fri, 01 Apr 2005 13:43:00 GMT Sadly, it looks like we are coming up to our last meeting in East Finchley tomorrow. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/01/last-meeting-in-east-finchley.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/04/01/last-meeting-in-east-finchley.html Fri, 01 Apr 2005 05:54:54 GMT Meeting Log https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/21/east-finchley-robotics-club-meeting-log.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/21/east-finchley-robotics-club-meeting-log.html Mon, 21 Mar 2005 05:10:53 GMT Movie - Disney’s Robots https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/21/disneys-robots-movie.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/21/disneys-robots-movie.html Mon, 21 Mar 2005 05:10:53 GMT Dyson are a vacuum cleaner company sprung from an independent inventor. They are adventurous and take big leaps in their projects. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dyson.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dyson.html Fri, 18 Mar 2005 16:10:09 GMT Hitachi are probably best known for their consumer electronics division, although they do have a strong presence in Robotics. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hitachi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hitachi.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 15:29:16 GMT We are continuing the Great Ball Contraption Modules challenge. I will be announcing the final deadline for this on saturday. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/17/this-weeks-meeting.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/17/this-weeks-meeting.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 08:48:40 GMT Hitachi already have a number of Robotic vacuum cleaners not unlike Roomba on the market. They have now unveiled a humanoid robot, and are competing directly with the likes of the Honda Asimo, the Sony QRio and the Toyota Unnamed Trumpet Player. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/17/new-faster-wheeled-robot-from-hitachi.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/17/new-faster-wheeled-robot-from-hitachi.html Thu, 17 Mar 2005 07:05:36 GMT Most PCs come with this port, traditionally used for connecting printers, and sometimes hobbyist kits like our Simple Parallel port LED Board “How to attach and program an LED to the parallel port on a PC”). Some newer ones have however done away with this with the rise of the USB printers. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/parallel_port.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/parallel_port.html Wed, 16 Mar 2005 22:43:35 GMT AI is an abbreviation for Artificial Intelligence. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ai.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ai.html Wed, 16 Mar 2005 15:57:34 GMT Flash Memory, or Flash RAM is actually a form of ROM. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/flash_memory.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/flash_memory.html Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:46:42 GMT This is used to refer to memory in a computer or MicroController than can be written to, and read from in a random manner. Early memories used to be sequential only- that is - you could only read them out in the order they were written - kind of like a tape. Most memory these days can be classified as RAM. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ram.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ram.html Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:42:18 GMT A bit is a single piece of digital information in Boolean logic. It may be either On or Off (True or False/1 or 0). https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/bit.html Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:40:56 GMT This device was commonly used on the output lines of a MicroController. This is frequently approximated with PWM. PWM is perfectly suited to control the sped of motors, or the brightness of LED’s. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dac.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dac.html Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:37:17 GMT In theory, this form of memory can only be written to once, and is from that point on etched in stone - as it were. Realistically - very few forms of ROM are actually that fixed. It is more common these days to see EEPROM or Flash Memory in use. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rom.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rom.html Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:26:04 GMT These devices are extend the output abilities of microcontrollers so they can link with more Servos. Using a Serial Data Stream with a simple 2 wire protocol - you can usually control 6 additional Servos. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ssc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/ssc.html Sun, 13 Mar 2005 13:09:34 GMT This is a system generally used for distributing power to the wheels of a vesical. In a vesical with paired wheels, it can be demonstrated that when cornering, the wheels on the outside of the corner will travel further than those on the inside. Because of this, they need to turn faster. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/differential_gear.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/differential_gear.html Fri, 04 Mar 2005 17:03:04 GMT Dead Metal is one of the Robot Wars House Robots. At a relatively light 112 kg, his gripping claws are a menace to robots not fast enough to elude his grasp. Once he has you - his usual tactic is then to sink his 3000 Rpm Circular Cutter into you. Nice… I love to see the sparks fly when he chomps into some poor wandering contender - thus living up to his namesake and rendering them into dead metal. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dead_metal.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dead_metal.html Tue, 01 Mar 2005 16:09:42 GMT Matilda is a quirky House Robot on Robot Wars. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/matilda.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/matilda.html Tue, 01 Mar 2005 15:50:48 GMT This Capacitor is available as part of Lego’s eLab Dacta range. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_capacitor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_capacitor.html Tue, 01 Mar 2005 11:11:37 GMT Of all the Robot Wars House Robots - this one has always been the most impressive, with his glowing eyes, piercing drilling lance and fireman’s jaw he is a formidable robot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/01/sir-killalot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/03/01/sir-killalot.html Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 GMT Furby’s were cute toys that completely swamped the market just a few years ago - with an apparent “personality” and cute learned behaviour. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/furby.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/furby.html Fri, 25 Feb 2005 12:56:18 GMT This kit allows you to build a robot using a Palm Pilot or one of its compatible derivatives. It may not work with the newest Palm Computers and PDAs as the ports are different. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/25/pprk.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/25/pprk.html Fri, 25 Feb 2005 12:39:13 GMT A crazy pair from Middlebury College have created a Lego robot that actually fingers and strums out chords for reggae songs on a Ukulele (a Hawaiian instrument that resembles a small four stringed guitar). It can be remote controlled, or preprogrammed to strum out a particular song. Like many guitarists - it only plays three chords, C, F and G. However it has demonstrated being able to back popular Bob Marley songs like “Stir It Up” and “Trenchtown Rock”. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/25/mike-and-jarvis-ukelele-playing-robot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/25/mike-and-jarvis-ukelele-playing-robot.html Fri, 25 Feb 2005 04:23:34 GMT An adjective describing something which is Robot like, pertaining to robots or is a robot - eg a Robotic Dog, a Robotics Book, “His dancing looked robotic”. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robotic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robotic.html Thu, 24 Feb 2005 13:48:36 GMT A partwork series of magazines from which you build the Cybot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/real_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/real_robots.html Thu, 24 Feb 2005 12:39:47 GMT It seems that the growth of AI spam filters using learning techniques may lead us to finding a vaccine for AIDS. One problem with aids is that it changes very regularly, and finding common qualities between strains of the virus can be fairly elusive. These kind of things are exactly what spam filters are designed to do. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/23/robots-in-the-news-spam-filters-may-hold-the-key-to-aids.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/23/robots-in-the-news-spam-filters-may-hold-the-key-to-aids.html Wed, 23 Feb 2005 10:48:19 GMT First I will kick off with a little sad news. The current East Finchley Robotics Group will not be meeting for a while after the last weekend of April. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/23/east-finchley-group-stopping-plans-for-next-sessions-and-more-on-ball-contrapt.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/23/east-finchley-group-stopping-plans-for-next-sessions-and-more-on-ball-contrapt.html Wed, 23 Feb 2005 09:47:51 GMT Skid Steering, aka Differential Drive or simply tank style, is a system where each set of wheels, or tracks is independently powered. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/skid_steering.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/skid_steering.html Mon, 14 Feb 2005 15:09:50 GMT If you will excuse my …ahem… small pun, I thought it fitting to mention that pancake day and Chinese New Year are so close to each other. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/08/chinese-new-year-and-pancake-day-rolled-into-one.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/02/08/chinese-new-year-and-pancake-day-rolled-into-one.html Tue, 08 Feb 2005 12:21:59 GMT There are Tennis Robots that can catch balls, or fire balls at a training player to test and train them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tennis_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/tennis_robots.html Fri, 04 Feb 2005 13:34:50 GMT Robots in use appear to be popping up everywhere. Including sports. As well as things as extravagant as the Robo Cup, robots are also used for training players. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sports_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sports_robots.html Fri, 04 Feb 2005 11:28:06 GMT One application forseen (And already indeed in use) for robots is security. Security can be a fairly high risk job, and with some less savoury or more determined characters- you may be putting yourself directly in the firing line. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/security_robots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/security_robots.html Tue, 01 Feb 2005 12:23:30 GMT Leonardo Da Vinci once designed a fighting vehicle. Although never built, the design was ahead of its time. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vincis_tank.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vincis_tank.html Mon, 31 Jan 2005 23:24:15 GMT This is a rather nifty little kit for teaching children about the basics of robotics. Using cardboard and paper - yes you hear me, along with a couple of paperclips, some PVA glue and some lengths of foil - you can create four robots each of which have very different functions. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dk_ultimate_robot_kit.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/dk_ultimate_robot_kit.html Thu, 27 Jan 2005 14:18:47 GMT Using C# dot net https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/01/27/freeforming-ball-contraptions-and-cad-software.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/01/27/freeforming-ball-contraptions-and-cad-software.html Thu, 27 Jan 2005 13:46:31 GMT Professor Kevin Warwick of Reading University is well known for having been involved in building a group of robots known as The Seven Dwarfs. He has some responsibility behind Cybot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/professor_warwick.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/professor_warwick.html Wed, 26 Jan 2005 23:28:34 GMT Freeforming is a technique used to build circuits without using PCBs. Mark Tilden has used this technique, and it is used extensively in BEAM Robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/freeform.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/freeform.html Tue, 25 Jan 2005 23:06:49 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-8-signal-generator-diode-bridge/ https://orionrobots.co.uk/galleries/gallery-8-signal-generator-diode-bridge/ Tue, 25 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT If you are going to use Lego pneumatic parts in your design, it may be worth considering the technical specifications of some of the Lego Pneumatic parts. In most cases - this is not a worry but who knows when these figures may come in handy? https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_pneumatic_specifications.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_pneumatic_specifications.html Tue, 18 Jan 2005 16:03:33 GMT This is technology engineered to be smaller than visible to the human eye with the word Nano meaning Nanometre. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/01/17/nano-technology.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/01/17/nano-technology.html Mon, 17 Jan 2005 19:33:47 GMT P-Brick is an acronym for a Programmable Lego Brick. Lego do a number of these: https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/p_brick.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/p_brick.html Fri, 14 Jan 2005 14:00:45 GMT Well I certainly had a hectic Christmas, and its looking to be a busy new year. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/01/14/happy-new-year-all.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2005/01/14/happy-new-year-all.html Fri, 14 Jan 2005 00:00:00 GMT These are similar in function to AGV’s, but flying. They are designed generally for reconnaissance, but could and have been deployed offensively. They may also be used to take supplies over otherwise hostile terrain. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/uav.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/uav.html Wed, 12 Jan 2005 19:12:25 GMT Dr. Rodney A Brooks is a robot builder from MIT. He is the builder of some of the greatest robots with his Subsumption Architecture. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rodney_brooks.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rodney_brooks.html Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:30:42 GMT Kismet was a study by Dr. Rodney Brooks and his students of human interaction with robots at MIT. It mimics (or attempts to mimic) human facial expression, and uses a set of unstructured voice like sounds to sound like it is communicating. Because it has a mouth, nose, ears and eyes - people feel like it is a real presence in the room with them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/kismet.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/kismet.html Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:25:33 GMT Genghis is a very classy walker created by Rodney Brooks of iRobot. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/genghis.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/genghis.html Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:20:29 GMT William Grey Walter built one of the first robotic turtles in the 1940s. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/william_grey_walter.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/william_grey_walter.html Mon, 10 Jan 2005 14:19:14 GMT When designing robots for battle, you’ll need to choose if you are building a robot like Hypno-Disc, Razer, Chaos 2 or something completely different. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/battle_robot_weapons.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/battle_robot_weapons.html Mon, 03 Jan 2005 00:12:16 GMT This was in its first season an absolute shocker of a robot on Robot Wars. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hypnodisc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hypnodisc.html Sun, 02 Jan 2005 23:48:22 GMT RoboBrix were modular robot building components - with Wheel Bases, Grippers, Servos, MicroControllers, amd Sensors. In addition - they are mechanically compatible with the Lego system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robobrix.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robobrix.html Fri, 31 Dec 2004 19:57:53 GMT AC (alternating current) can be converted to DC (direct current) by using what is known as a rectifier. WARNING - do not ever attempt to convert mains power - buy a safe and suitable adaptor if this is needed!! https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/converting_ac_to_dc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/converting_ac_to_dc.html Mon, 20 Dec 2004 16:48:37 GMT Leonardo Da Vinci was known to have designed a SubMarine. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vincis_submarine.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/leonardo_da_vincis_submarine.html Fri, 17 Dec 2004 13:52:42 GMT These are robots with wheels that follow predetermined paths. They are not necessarily very intelligent, and often follow a magnetic, or optical strip on the floor. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/agv.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/agv.html Fri, 03 Dec 2004 11:27:05 GMT A solenoid is an ElectroMagnet with a moving core. When the magnet is energised, the movement of the coil is used for work. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/solenoid.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/solenoid.html Wed, 01 Dec 2004 20:40:55 GMT If you have an old PC lying around, or even a relatively new one, it is actually possible to hot swap a BIOS. It is possible to use this fact to program EPROMs. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/using_an_old_pc_to_flash_roms.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/using_an_old_pc_to_flash_roms.html Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:56:21 GMT This a drive, based on 4 omni-wheels, wheels that have 2 Degrees Of Freedom, allowing them to move in more directions than forward and back. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/holonomic_wheels.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/holonomic_wheels.html Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:50:03 GMT Honda have a history of developing walking robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/honda.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/honda.html Tue, 30 Nov 2004 23:43:55 GMT Introduction https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/30/building-an-experimenting-parallel-cable.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/30/building-an-experimenting-parallel-cable.html Tue, 30 Nov 2004 19:51:56 GMT This style is best used for short range communications. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/parallel_data_stream.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/parallel_data_stream.html Sat, 20 Nov 2004 01:47:19 GMT A communications protocol which is now the standard in most long-range computer communications systems. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/serial_data_stream.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/serial_data_stream.html Sat, 20 Nov 2004 01:38:12 GMT Python is a programming language which is great for programming robots with the Raspberry Pi computers. It is the language used as the basis of my robotics book Learn Robotics Programming, 2nd Edition https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/python.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/python.html Fri, 19 Nov 2004 23:30:33 GMT The process of making your own home-made sensors for the Lego RCX is not only possible, but a well-documented and well-walked path. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/16/creating-custom-sensors-for-the-rcx.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/16/creating-custom-sensors-for-the-rcx.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 21:01:45 GMT The Three Laws Of Robotics were envisioned by Isaac Asimov. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/the_three_laws_of_robotics.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/the_three_laws_of_robotics.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:17:54 GMT This challenge is to build a robot capable of taking a deck of cards, shuffling it, and then dealing cards off the top of the deck. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/16/cardbot-challenge-details.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/16/cardbot-challenge-details.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:10:56 GMT This was the standard parallel interface on most computers in the 1990’s. It was originally designed by the centronics group as a printer interface system. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/centronics_parallel.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/centronics_parallel.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 16:04:49 GMT Computer Aided Manufacturing https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cam.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cam.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 15:58:29 GMT Computerized numerical control https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cnc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cnc.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 15:57:36 GMT A fuel cell is an electro-chemical device that gets electrical power from oxidising hydrogen or hydrogen based compounds. It is a very efficient, if experimental power source. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fuel_cell.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/fuel_cell.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:59:58 GMT Direct Current is also commonly shortened to DC. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/direct_current.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/direct_current.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:57:19 GMT If you have a DC supply or power source, and wish to generate AC, you must first consider your needs. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/generating_ac_from_dc.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/generating_ac_from_dc.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:55:37 GMT It is, according to an amusing contribution to Lugnet the sound made when digging through Lego to find a particular piece. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/gruschtelling.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/gruschtelling.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:21:44 GMT Hot Plugging describes the ability to connect, or disconnect hardware while the host computer or device is active. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hot_pluggable.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/hot_pluggable.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:17:34 GMT It may be possible to use a digital video camera as an IR analyser, or a phototransistor with an oscilloscope, as if the frame rate is quick enough you can sometimes see IR bursts on them. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/the_cybot_infra_red_protocol.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/the_cybot_infra_red_protocol.html Tue, 16 Nov 2004 14:13:00 GMT Vision Command was an extension to the Lego MindStorms range of robotic education kits. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_vision_command.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_vision_command.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 15:04:41 GMT This range of Lego has been around from a very early stage in the companies expansion. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_technic.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/lego_technic.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 15:03:53 GMT These are relatively small electrical switches ideal for touch sensors/bump sensors on robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/microswitches.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/microswitches.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 14:41:58 GMT A robot designed to participate in destructive robot games like Robot Wars. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/battlebot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/battlebot.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 14:39:58 GMT A programming technique often mis-spelled as “Object Orientated” programming. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/object_oriented.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/object_oriented.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 14:36:04 GMT A CAD package from PTC which supports solid modelling, drawings and other items in a 3d WYSIWIG environment. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/proengineer.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/proengineer.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 14:09:25 GMT Robots already have, and will increasingly have an important part to play in the treatment of medical illnesses. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/medical_bots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/medical_bots.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 14:06:53 GMT Somebody really has created these devices. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robotic_traffic_cones.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/robotic_traffic_cones.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 14:06:15 GMT Perhaps one of the most useful use of Robots has to be repairing mechanisms. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/repair_bots.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/repair_bots.html Mon, 15 Nov 2004 13:51:24 GMT Any underwater vesical is said to be a submarine vesical. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/submarine.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/submarine.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 22:47:12 GMT ROV is an acronym for a Remotely Operated Vehicle. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rov.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/rov.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 22:43:39 GMT A description of something, which once set in motion, needs little or no further intervention. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/autonomous.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/autonomous.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 22:43:09 GMT An electric device which rotates(or in some way moves) when current is applied. This has clear applications in robotics, for wheels, limbs like arms and legs, pan and tilt systems, heads and other end effectors. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/motor.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/motor.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 22:32:54 GMT Solar Power is a broad term describing the harnessing of the suns energy to provide energy for our own purposes. A solar cell normally refers to a single unit generating DC electricity from this. Each cell is capable of producing voltage from the suns energy (or strong light sources). https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/solar_panel.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/solar_panel.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 22:11:22 GMT When you are rating motors or mechanical systems, you have two ratings to think about. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/torque.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/torque.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 21:58:46 GMT When designing geared mechanisms one very important factor is Torque. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/helical_gears.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/helical_gears.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 21:56:13 GMT Storage Systemsone of the most awkward areas of hobbyist robot building. Where to put everything… https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/component_storage.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/component_storage.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 21:34:47 GMT Boolean refers to the work of George Boole. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/boolean.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/boolean.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 21:02:41 GMT Cybot was a Robot built up step-by-step in the Real Robots magazine series. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cybot.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/cybot.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 20:46:28 GMT Toyota are currently developing an as-yet-unnamed robot that can play the trumpet. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/unnamed_trumpet_player.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/unnamed_trumpet_player.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:41:26 GMT Thomas Alva Edison was born in Milan, Ohio on February 11, 1847. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/thomas_edison.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/thomas_edison.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:41:24 GMT An event and tv show once featured on the BBC as a sister show to Robot Wars. A modern equivalent is Piwars. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/techno_games.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/techno_games.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:41:18 GMT One of the Robot Wars House Robots. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sgt_bash.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/sgt_bash.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:41:14 GMT A term commonly used in Robot Wars to describe robot building and competing teams. https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/roboteers.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/wiki/roboteers.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 14:41:11 GMT The WowWee MegaByte is a fairly simple robot toy. It can move its head side to side, its radar ears spin around, and has stationary legs with wheels at the feet which skid steer. It has LED’s for eyes. It is also quite well made for converting into a robot platform. https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/megabyte-robot-dog.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/megabyte-robot-dog.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/i-cybie-robot-dog.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/i-cybie-robot-dog.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT Intro https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/fixing-a-broken-wire.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/fixing-a-broken-wire.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/apache-monitor-with-python-and-led.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/14/apache-monitor-with-python-and-led.html Sun, 14 Nov 2004 00:00:00 GMT Intro https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/05/simple-parallel-port-led.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/11/05/simple-parallel-port-led.html Fri, 05 Nov 2004 12:00:00 GMT Design https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/09/25/september-challenge.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2004/09/25/september-challenge.html Sat, 25 Sep 2004 00:00:00 GMT https://orionrobots.co.uk/2002/08/04/lego-hexapod-designs.html https://orionrobots.co.uk/2002/08/04/lego-hexapod-designs.html Sun, 04 Aug 2002 12:00:00 GMT