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Each year, Wintriss Technical Schools, which teaches Java to kids starting in 5th grade, sponsors iARoC, the International Autonomous Robot Competition in San Diego. The objective of the event, which took place last weekend at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park, is to build an autonomous robot that can find its way through a set of fixed obstacles, locate an Infra-Red and visible home station beacon, and activate a mechanical push-action switch at the home station.
For the event, most kids use Roomba Create as a robot platform. In the past, they have also used the Sun SPOT controller and developed an interface board, so that the SPOT can communicate with the Create. This year, they modified the interface board so that it will also accommodate an Android phone via a IOIO. The robot also has three MaxBotics sonar sensors, a large prototyping area and four modular connectors to add additional sensors.
They created a complete API for the Android phone to talk to a Roomba Create via the IOIO and the interface board they designed. Pretty cool stuff from some budding robotics enthusiasts! Check out the video to see it in action.
As a reminder, SparkFun is hosting a special Android Development for IOIO class this Saturday, June 30, at our headquarters. Space is limited, so don't miss your chance to sign up and learn how to integrate your Android-based device into your next embedded electronics project. In addition to the usual crew of SFE teachers, Ytai Ben-Tsvi will be in attendance as a guest instructor (but don't worry -- if you can't make it, we'll be teaching the class again on July 1)!
The purpose of the vertical members of the maze was support. The picture doesn't show the tops of the vertical members, but they are connected. It helped keep the maze from walking around as the bots ran into the walls. I was one of the judges at the event. It was a blast!
This makes me want to build a robot maze.
A 3D robot maze!
I suddenly have this image of robots and gerbils running around together in my mind. Or robotic gerbils.
-[20 years in the future]- "And that, kids, started the series of events that led to our subjugation by the Robotic Gerbil Overlords."
"I, for one, welcome our new Robotic Gerbil overlords" :)
All hail the furry glory of the R.G.O.! May they nibble on the flesh of their enemies for all eternity!
All Hail!! May the pleasant apathy of the R.G.O. shine upon, or in proximity to, you.
What's the purpose of the vertical members of the maze?
Shouldn't "Wintriss Techincal Schools" be spelled "Wintriss Technical Schools"?
Indeed it should, thanks for the catch!
I see the Android IOIO class on your education website, but still no mention of recorded course videos for those of us who can't make it to Colorado.
Any word on streaming and/or archiving class lectures for your remote students?