Lego Robots
A range of robot related projects, based on applications, algorithms and programming, for rather primitive Lego robots.
To enhance the project, it is probably desirable to include
either some algorithmic intelligence to the problem
or some programming or control aids to the situation,
with some suggestions below.
Algorithms & Applications include developing simple efficient search & place algorithms for diverse applications of increasing difficutly ranging from isolated and static, to co-operative and dynamic, such as:-
Independent & Isolated.
- searching for static targets, with total freedom of movement
e.g. mineral prospecting, clearing minefields (or a kids battleship game),
- searching static paths, maze searching, following a trail from another bot - Ant algorithms;
Interactive - can be co-operative or competitive...
- dynamic interactive 2-robot game e.g. hide and seek;
- static fetch & place as in manufacturing,
- dynamic fetch and place as in football (co-operative on same team, competitive otherwise! )
Programming - development of API's etc.
At a basic level, it may involve development of a convenient library for the most common requirements e.g. basic robot movements.
At an intermediate level it could involve tools to develop a web-based interface for remote control with feedback. The control interface may be button, mouse, cursor or joystick based or use opensource speech-recognition engines for voice-based control. (May need a noise-cancelling mic for use and display in a lab environment!) Feedback may be textual state-based feedback (e.g. Goal X reached) or preferably an optional web-cam for visual feedback. Applications include remote or hostile environments: cybersurgery, space exploration, etc.
At a more advanced level, it could involve translation from a higher level language/library, to a more memory efficient primitive language suited to the robot, perhaps implementing some of the previous API levels.
Some links to existing program development sites include:
http://lejos.sourceforge.net/
and the mindstorms own site, which applies only to their newest NXT brick
http://mindstorms.lego.com/Overview/nxtreme.aspx
Older links exist...
Overall
So there are a range of robot projects with different applications & APIs with a substantial computing component either in terms of algorithms supporting applications or programming to provide the API's.
Some ideas may come from 'shooting the breeze' - and even the cliche evokes ideas of rockets, ballistics corrections or sailing; program a robot to sail - I'd suggest virtual sailing!
'Lego' - a therapy for brain injury... according to recent news reports, where the patient claimed Lego aided recovery from a brain-injury after a 300mph Jet car crash! Now there's an interesting self-referential logical conundrum!
Anyway, whether (or not) your brain has been injured from a crash course, or other intense cerebral intrusions, many options exist for Lego robot projects.
For other destructive applications of intelligence you may wish to consult:-
(note some of these pdfs are large!)
http://www.jointrobotics.com/webdocs/JRPBrochure.pdf
http://www.jointrobotics.com/activities_new/2005%20JRP%20Master%20Plan.pdf
Or for a look at the lighter side of things - a desert rally (but ironically, the prize still funded by the military), was shown on the 2006 halloween horizon program on BBC, a few weeks after these project suggestions, (The following weeks Horizon program was on flu pandemics!)
The Horizon site is...
www.bbc.co.uk/horizon
but no archive seems to exist for this episode.
Related sites include:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/tvradio/programmes/horizon/broadband/tx/robotrace/robots/
and the US Mil robot grand challenge.
http://www.darpa.mil/grandchallenge/index.asp