Why Build a Robot?
Building a robot is different from any other project you can make with a microcontroller. A robot can move and respond to its environment and exhibit behaviors that mimic living creatures. Even though these behaviors may be simple, they convey a sense that your creation has a will and intent of its own. Building a machine that appears to have some spark of life has fascinated people throughout the ages. The robots built over 60 years ago by neurophysiologist W. Grey Walter explored ways that the rich connections between a small number of brain cells give rise to complex behaviors.
Choose Your Robot
Light and very maneuverable, this is a good choice if you want to experiment with tasks such as line-following that require dexterous movement. However, the caster that balances the robot requires a relatively smooth surface. BUILD INSTRUCTIONS
This robot’s four wheel drive makes this a good choice if you want it to roam over rougher surfaces. This platform has a large top plate that can be used to carry small objects. The robot is heavier and draws more current than the 2WD robot, so battery life is shorter.
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Kit Contents
2WD or 4WD Robot Platform Ping Sensor with Servo Mount Arduino Leonardo w/Headers Motorshield Reflectance Sensors Noise Suppressors IR Decoders Bus Sockets Additional Arduino Headers (for expansion) Hardware Stripboard Wires Resistors LEDs Transistors Make an Arduino Controlled Robot, by Michael Margolis’
