Important

[Salma]

hey hii all
Im new here ,, and Im new In robot too
in truth I study software engineering ,, in my last year
and as you know I have to make final project ,, so after thinking ,, I choise to make a robot  

but the problem I dont have any experience in it ..
So can you gave me any suggesting ??

about what can I choise the robot to do ?? and which languge can I use ( for example can I use VB.net or C# or something like that )
or cancel this Idea cuz its not good for me
please help me .. Im so confuse .....
reply me fast if you can

with all my love
Salma

[sonictj]

I am assuming since you are a software engineer, that you may not be very experienced with mechanical design.  So I would first suggest you start with a kit. 



1)  If you want to program in basic  or C# I would suggest going to http://www.parallax.com/tabid/128/List/0/CategoryID/3/Level/a/SortField/0/Default.aspx

Pros

full kit with everything you need (from what I can see).

Cons

Expensive



2) If you prefer C I would build the $50 robot in the $50 robot tutorial made by admin.

Pros
You will learn a lot more
Cheap.

Cons
You need to know how to solder pretty proficiently.



3)  If you are used to C++ I would buy an arduino diecimila.  The language is very similar to C and C++. 

Pros
There is also tons of example code and help at http://www.arduino.cc/.
Cheap

Cons
Your more on your own as far as building the mechanisms.  I would build a chase  similar to the $50 robot if I were you.



There are plenty of options out there, these are just a few that come to mind.
Good luck with your project.

[pomprocker]

Well since you are I presume a computer science major, and computer science degrees focus on C++, and Java (OOP) I would find a microcontroller that can be programmed in those languages and develop Object Class Libraries for robotics since thats not really done.

I would maybe invest in the Parallax Javelin Stamp and the book about java robots:

http://www.parallax.com/tabid/255/Default.aspx

[Salma]

first of all .. thanks for your help
but ,, you didnt tell me ?? is it a good project for me ?? or not cuz Im software engineering ??

and yes I know this web site  I always there sleep and eat and Im still perusal this web site hehehe

Im really confuse and scare ?? cuz this is the first one I make something like this

the second part is .. I dont understand which product is better for me ?? or can I buy a full robot like the link
http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/5342-Kondo-KHR-2HV-Starter-Kit.aspx
and then I make hem do what I want hem to do ??

and what exactly can I make hem do ( extra ) not just what the company make it to do ??
is it hard or its simple and I can do it in few months ??

really I have many qoustions ?? really I need your help
Please suggest for me ??
and dont worry I'll invite to my Party if I get full mark 

waiting for your reply

[pomprocker]

for your project theyll want to see you focus mostly on programming the algorithms of the robot. So I would go for a kit so you can get right down to programming it.

[Salma]

mmm the kit that you told me about it ??
you think that I dont need to buy full robot like that I post it by the link ??

[benji]

to do a robot you should have some electronics skills,, any?
can you program microcontrollers?

[JesseWelling]

If you want to do something related to robotics but don't have the time to actually build up the robot you might try Player/Stage if you like Linux and C,C++,Ruby,Java,Python or Microsoft Robotics Studio if you want to stick with C#, VB and all that...

[Salma]

 program microcontrollers ?? no no this is my first time
im still a student ,, I was just programing a software that work in the computer .. like website ,, System for company ,,, Program like Microsoft office

but its the first time that im talking about robot .. I like this Idea ,, but ....

Yeah I hope to programing the robot in Vb.net .. can I ?? and if I programing a robot ,, it most do something good not only work or avoidance of obstacles .. cuz the doctor want Something hard in software

first of all I dont have any Idea in technical built and I dont know any one that know anything about that
so If I buy just a controller ,, I dont know how to make it work as robot ?
so that why I think to buy full body of robot ,, then I add some special motion into it

like the link ,, and use it by vb.net cuz its most language that I know every thing about it
can I or not ??

is it hard or possible
and what is the suggesting for I make robot to do ??
can I make hem to do some security and safty job ,, or its too difficult to me

can you be more clear with me .. cuz really I dont have any information about that ?? and plus as you see my english language its not good 

thanks for your help
and waiting for your reply

Salma

[benji]

i dont understand how u are going to make an advanced robot when you dont know electronics,,
there are many things you should learn
to controll a dc motor (this is the easiest for implementing motion)
or to control servos,,,or steppers
as lng as the robot will move then it needs some kind of motor and you should be able to control it using some circuit
maybe the best chance for you is to read the tutorials in this website
programing is the biggest part of making a robot but it wont do it alone,,

[Salma]

uhaa
mmm
u didnt tell me can I buy full robot like the one that is in the link
http://www.trossenrobotics.com/store/p/5342-Kondo-KHR-2HV-Starter-Kit.aspx

So my job is just Programming the controller ?? is it possible