Society of Robots - Robot Forum
Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: methical on September 17, 2008, 06:23:29 AM
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Good afternoon guys, I have just registered on this forum so...hello ;D
I have no previous experience with robotics however id like to think myself a fairly decent Java, C# programmer (2 years exp).
I have read some forum posts along with all the tutorials on this site. Alot of it went over my head but some of the basics i grapsed well. I will be building the $50 robot soon. Waiting for my paycheck to clear so i may order the parts.
My goal is to build automated systems around my house. For example:
- Motors that close curtains when light level drops below a certain level
- Light dims when computer is playing a .avi file
And perhaps the ultimate goal...
- A machine my dog can interact with that is capeable of prjecting a ball across a small room when its placed in a tube. Then dispancies a treat when ball is returned.
- A grid of boxes each with food or toy in that is dispensed at certain times of the day
im not looking to be spoon fed this information, id like to figure most of it out on the way but my question to you experienced people is... am i barking up the wrong tree here ? Is what i mentioned above actually robotics or simply an embedded system ? Am i likely, with enough effort, to be able to learn how to make such things within a year or so ?
Thank you for your time.
admin edit: changed "Before i start..." to a useful subject header ;)
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Welcome to the group.
Even though you're not making little critters that run around the room, I think what you plan to do is very much "robotics".
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A very common question here at SoR ;D
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_faq.shtml#home_automation
Everything you mention you can do within the first year of making robots. Just pick the one you think is easiest, and go with it. After you finish, your new skills can help you tackle the next hardest one.
I say go with this one:
Motors that close curtains when light level drops below a certain level
You'll learn a lot of basics with that project :)