Society of Robots - Robot Forum

General Misc => Misc => Topic started by: Admin on June 09, 2005, 03:20:14 PM

Title: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on June 09, 2005, 03:20:14 PM
Anyone want a tutorial on something robot related? I can write one up if anyone thinks something is difficult to do/understand. Otherwise I am just guessing what tutorials are useful for you.

Post ideas for some here.

- admin
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: grated_geek 3000! on June 22, 2005, 04:48:03 PM
Yeah.  Please give us a good how-to on how to get grant money and the like.

I'm 13 and can't just poop out $1k.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on June 26, 2005, 06:49:53 PM
ok got u covered

how to raise money for robots:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotfunding.shtml
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Somchaya on January 10, 2006, 10:05:44 PM
Under the materials section, how about working with plastics? I think there are some that can be hand-sawed and filed relatively easily?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 14, 2006, 05:12:18 PM
Ok I made a tutorial on working with my favorite plastic, HDPE . . .

http://www.societyofrobots.com/materials_hdpe.shtml

Let me know if you think it is missing anything important . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Somchaya on January 15, 2006, 02:23:50 AM
I actually have a question about the robot you described in the page, or more specifically the camera you
used. What camera is it, and how is it interfaced by a microcontroller? Or was it hooked up to a computer?

On another note, another tutorial that I'd really like to see would be one on how to design bases for robots.
I have some servos, but I'm not really sure how to mount them onto a base, so a tutorial on that would be
extremely useful.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 15, 2006, 08:45:16 AM
The camera is the CMUcam, which is interfaced by a serial cable to the cerebellum microcontroller. I dont actually recommend using the CMUcam, as it caused me way too much frustration to get to work. And it still had unexplainable bugs that I could never fix.

As I was writing this plastics tutorial, it occured to me a tutorial on building robot bases could potentially be useful for people . . . and I also have a lot of 'in-construction' pics of my old robots that I could use too.

But the majority of the robots I have built aren't exactly normal robots. This page has a few of my favorite ones I made for example:
http://www.andrew.cmu.edu/user/jsp2/robotics

I also have a thing against books that have step by step instructions on building a particular robot as it takes out the imagination and fun of building a robot. They also seem to forget to only make a very basic design for a beginner to learn . . .

I guess what I can do is write a tutorial more specifically of attaching parts to a robot base, and the reader can decide which parts to actually use, and where to place these parts, on their own.

I was also thinking of a tutorial on how to build a 4 wheel omni-wheel robot . . . mostly cause I have one as a perfect example. Its really simple and its the only one I have ever seen so far.

Is this in line with what you were thinking? Let me know and I will probably have it written in a week or so.

O and as for attaching servos there are two ways. The first is you can buy what is called 'servo tape' and tape it between two flat plates. Servo tape is very strong and holds well, and it has a little flex to it which acts as a basic suspension system. I only recommend it for light weight robots though. The other way is to mount with screws. A servo has 2 holes on both sides designed for screws to go through, and servos come with 2 black rectangular things with holes in it for mounting with the screws. I used this method for that omni-wheel robot in my tutorial. Let me know if this helps.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Somchaya on January 15, 2006, 11:47:58 PM
I think it would be really useful to have building tips in general, for example tutorials on how to attach
motors securely/easily, the pros and cons of the different methods, kind of like what you did with materials
and actuators. Other stuff that would be nice would be tutorials on designing a base, and how to choose
the right motors and wheels.

While a tutorial on building an omni directional robot would be really cool, and something I would definitely like
to see, I too agree that step by step instructions in books aren't that great.. It's like you might want a robot
like that, but not exactly, but you wouldn't really know how to make changes. What I would suggest would be
to maybe have pages describing robots you've built and how you did it (like with the omni directional robot),
but also some other tutorials on general strategies that can be applied to a new project.

Regarding cameras, I've been searching online for a long time on how to use a camera on a robot without
needing a full fledged PC, and CMUCam is the only one I've found so far. I'm reluctant to use it too, but if I find
any other methods to get cameras working on robot microprocessors, I'll definitely post something here.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 17, 2006, 07:57:37 AM
Ok I see what you mean.
Ill think about it and probably have something written in a week or 2.

As for cameras, you do not need a full PC. I have seen it done with a old palm pilot and an el-cheapo webcam . . . But yea, I agree, I would perfer it done on a microprocessor too . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 25, 2006, 09:40:03 PM
Ok here is the completed rough draft of how to construct a robot chassis . . .

http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_chassisconstruction.shtml

I also have some images of mounting the CMUcam but Im too busy to write any more for now . . .

Is this what you were thinking?

Let me know what I should add or rewrite or whatever and I will put it on the site within a week.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Somchaya on January 26, 2006, 11:05:23 PM
The draft is great! I think it's almost exactly what I was thinking about =)

Maybe a little more detail here and there would help, but by and large I think it's pretty complete
and very helpful!

Just a side question, for mounting DC motors, you recommended aluminium mounted on the plastic,
is there a reason not to just use plastic for that too?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 27, 2006, 07:49:58 AM
Well, to get an L shaped bracket, you would need to bend the material 90 degrees. Although this is possible with thin sheets of plastic, aluminum is much stronger and more rigid.

You can however get a block of HDPE and cut it into an L shape. This robot I am working on now actually uses a U shaped peice of HDPE I am buying from mcmaster as my chassis and servo mounting bracket combined. If you search for HDPE on their site you can probably find it and see if its what you want.

I guess the main reason I perfer aluminum though is that this area of your robot will recieve higher forces, and if you arent confident it wont break, aluminum is the safer option.

While writing this last tutorial I got the idea of writing up another tutorial on calculating various forces, torque, velocity, and gearing of robots. Sound useful?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Somchaya on January 29, 2006, 01:45:30 AM
I think a tutorial on that topic would be really useful!

However, it might be a good idea to include all the math and all, but also provide a chart at the bottom or something,
that can be used as an easy reference. For example, if the robot is 10 lb, how much torque would be required (or
recommended) by the motors, stuff like that.. So that we can calculate the torque and gearing if we wanted, but there's
still a rough guideline that can be followed, and also to check that the calculations are right.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jonas on February 03, 2006, 05:28:25 PM
What about one on R/c control?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 05, 2006, 04:08:03 PM
Well I have tons of experience with R/C using Hitec handheld controllers and servos. Ive made like 5 different servo operated R/C 'robots' and have also operated a microcontroller with an R/C remote. But I have never made my own R/C device, done wireless through a computer, IR remote operation, or done any other type of remote control with robots. I wouldnt trust my advice on it.

The Hitec controller method is really easy . . .
But I am guessing you want the latter method?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jonas on February 06, 2006, 09:18:18 PM
I would like a tutorial on making an r/c control system.  But thats not what I was refering to, I know how difficult it would be to do that and onless you want to............

I was talking about just an r/c controller and programming the microcontroller to accept the commands and do what you want it do do. :) That would also help me a tad in my project.

Thank you for taking it into consideration,

jonas
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 07, 2006, 08:04:29 AM
Ok it will probably take me 2-3 weeks to write it cause I am writing a few other tutorials too at the moment.

But to get you thinking, and so you know what is involved, here is a quick run down on how to do it.

Get a R/C remote and reciever at any hobby shop.

Connect a servo wire from the reciever to a digital port on your microcontroller.

When your R/C remote sends a signal to the reciever, the reciever outputs a square wave (meant for a servo). The frequency of this square wave changes depending on your R/C remote command.

Your microcontroller can then determine the frequency and initiate your desired commmand.

A mod to this is use a resistor/capacitor circuit to turn the squarewave into an analog voltage, then have your microcontroller analog port just read the voltage to determine the course of action.

I recommend the 2nd option because it involves much less microcontroller processing . . . but I have to figure out what resistor/capacitor values to use and I am too lazy right now to do it =P

I also had a friend hack a servo to do this. Apparently there is some analog pin in the circuitry that when it recieves a reciever squarewave signal, the analog value changes. So theoretically just hook up a servo to your reciever, and solder a wire somewhere on the servo circuit board (use a multimeter and guessing to find the pin) and attach that wire to the analog pin of your microcontroller.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 18, 2006, 06:39:57 PM
somchaya:
ok i made a calculation tutorial for mechanical engineering your robot
http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_statics.shtml

let me know how i can modify it to make it more useful for people

it turns out there is just a lot to talk about and it got really long, so i didnt include gearing or dynamics (like velocity or acceleration)

i will write another tutorial for each of those soon.

I think a tutorial on that topic would be really useful!

However, it might be a good idea to include all the math and all, but also provide a chart at the bottom or something,
that can be used as an easy reference. For example, if the robot is 10 lb, how much torque would be required (or
recommended) by the motors, stuff like that.. So that we can calculate the torque and gearing if we wanted, but there's
still a rough guideline that can be followed, and also to check that the calculations are right.

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: sonial8 on February 20, 2006, 10:24:04 AM
Hello,

Do you have any recommendations for Basic Robotics tutorials which are on site i.e. actual classrooms?

Thanks,
Sonia
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 20, 2006, 10:49:00 AM
Well, highschools have something called 'First Robotics.' There are also a few universities that have robotics classes, but you would have to be a student there to go to them.

My recommendation is to find a robotics club in your area and join it. Just do a google search for 'your city robotics club.'
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 25, 2006, 07:03:04 PM
The finished tutorial is here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/remote_control_robot.shtml

What you need specifically is just the parts I wrote about teleoperation, both at the top and again 2/3rds down at the bottom.

I would like a tutorial on making an r/c control system.  But thats not what I was refering to, I know how difficult it would be to do that and onless you want to............

I was talking about just an r/c controller and programming the microcontroller to accept the commands and do what you want it do do. :) That would also help me a tad in my project.

Thank you for taking it into consideration,

jonas
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jonas on February 27, 2006, 12:38:28 AM
Thanks!  I'm reading it now.  I think its really great that your doing this for people. 
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: zamboniman60 on February 27, 2006, 06:53:16 PM
I know this is totally random, but parallax is sending me a basic 2p40 professional starter kit!
woohoo!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dplass1 on March 04, 2006, 09:14:02 PM
I'd love a tutorial on electronics.  I am unsure and scared when it comes to hooking up batteries the "right" direction, how to interface my MCU to motor controllers, and wiring in general (!).
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on March 04, 2006, 09:25:49 PM
what about this?

http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_basic_components_tutorial.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_basic_components_tutorial.shtml)
http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_advanced_components_tutorial.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_advanced_components_tutorial.shtml)

i will admit it is a little too much for a beginner, and a little watered down, but to teach you how to design your own circuits would require way more than a one page tutorial. i took several year long university courses to understand this stuff . . .

instead my electronics tutorial explains the very very basics, and i have a schematics/electronics page that should have all your circuits predesigned for you:

http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_tutorials.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_tutorials.shtml)

i would recommend just putting your circuit on to a breadboard and test your circuits as you make them.

if you think i am missing an important schematic i might design one up for you.


edit: fixed dead links
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dplass1 on March 04, 2006, 09:28:50 PM
It's more watered-down than I need. I know Ohm's law and the THEORY of resistors, capacitors, diodes and transistors, but the PRACTICAL application and use of them is what is beyond me.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on March 04, 2006, 09:38:36 PM
i think its just something that you have to learn over time. when i design a circuit, i have to imagine how the electrons flow, and how each component changes that flow. but most of the time i have built something similar already, or i read online how something works.

the schematics i have up explain how they work. you basically need to learn each schematic on your own. after you understand how they work, then you can start to modify them. just copy and reverse engineer them.

start with this circuit which allows you to control a motor with binary output from a microcontroller:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_h-bridgedes.shtml

it was actually my very first schematic for my very first robot, which i built after spending hours on studying why it works. my first attempt ended up in a meltdown and me burning myself, but my 2nd, and then 3rd, worked really nice.

i will admit that page is a little out dated on my current knowledge, but i think it would really help you learn capacitors and transistors - pratical application.

you can almost build every circuit on your robot without a single calculation, if you understand the basics and imitate other people's circuits.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: adiksh on March 06, 2006, 10:05:33 AM
hello,
I would like to know more about line tracers
in particular, what sensors would perform best?
i have used LED and LDR combination but its response is very slow.
I would like to know about cost effective sensors and some algorithms and sensor array types for line tracing
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on March 06, 2006, 10:11:55 AM
Have you read this yet?
http://www.societyofrobots.com/competitions_mobot.shtml

This tutorial is probably lacking a little on what you want, so just let me know if you have more questions, or ideas on what I can add to it, to help you.

What is LDR?

For speed and cost effective (and simplicity) you can use two IR emitter-detector pairs, one on either side of the white line, to follow it.

http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_infraredemitdet.shtml
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Somchaya on March 06, 2006, 09:17:58 PM
Hi! Sorry, I've been really busy recently so I haven't checked the forums much..

The statics page is really good! I think stuff on gearing and required torque on a motor would be useful
for a next step in that =)

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: adiksh on March 11, 2006, 08:38:12 AM
LDR is light dependent resistor.
I used them to sense the difference in reflectivity of light from white lines and dark background.

But the problem is that i am given a grid and not a single line, so i need to keep a track of how much distance i have covered by cunting number of intersections. How may i do that?

I have read the turorial on IR and noted use of the sensors.
But i need an algorithm and some fixed pattern in which i should mount the sensors.
I think just two on either side of the line are not enough in my case.
Thanks in advance
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on March 11, 2006, 10:16:53 AM
is it a black and white grid? it should be just like line following. instead now you need to store two values, one for x location and the other for y.

if you are going up on the grid, do a y++ every time your LDR detect crossing a black line. y-- if you are going down.

and obviously x++ if you are going right, etc.

then all you need is an electronic compass and/or encoders so that your robot knows which way it is pointing.

if you want to be more advanced, you could even store a map if you make an x, y matrix in your programming. the mapping algorithm is called 'wave front' or 'brush fire.'
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on April 02, 2006, 10:55:38 AM
How about a quick power usage tutorial as it relates to bateries, motors and MCU's?
For example : how long will this battery run with this motor, or how long will my board logic be able to run with this battery setup.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Afroman on April 02, 2006, 07:24:28 PM
Jesse brings up a very good point. Too many people don't know the difference between mA and mAh!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on April 29, 2006, 05:26:42 PM
Took me forever to write them, but the gears tutorial, and the mechanical engineering theory tutorials, are here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanicsbasics.shtml

All equations are shown in an easy to use format, with examples. Comments for improvement are highly encouraged.

I think a tutorial on that topic would be really useful!

However, it might be a good idea to include all the math and all, but also provide a chart at the bottom or something,
that can be used as an easy reference. For example, if the robot is 10 lb, how much torque would be required (or
recommended) by the motors, stuff like that.. So that we can calculate the torque and gearing if we wanted, but there's
still a rough guideline that can be followed, and also to check that the calculations are right.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: DeathDragon on May 16, 2006, 04:01:26 AM
OK I am quite new to this. i just started studying your first tutorial,
could you post a tutorial on
pneumatics and hydraulics
you know on how to make stuff go up and down?
i would really like that thanks
 ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on May 16, 2006, 06:58:11 AM
Unfortunately I have never done anything with pneumatics/hydraulics - so I cannot write a tutorial . . .  :-[

But here are a few things to help you on your way:
Pneumatics (using air) and hyrdraulics (using a liquid) are useful for very high force motions.
If you are building a medium or small size robot, only use pneumatics.

If you just need an up/down motion, consider using solonoids
http://www.societyofrobots.com/actuators_solenoids.shtml
(thats a rough draft tutorial, but should be useful to some extent)

I also found these tutorials online:
http://www.mech.uwa.edu.au/jpt/mecha/MD310/lectures/lecture-050817.html
http://www.mech.uwa.edu.au/jpt/mecha/MD310/lectures/lecture-050824.html
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: hassanjaved on May 16, 2006, 09:34:40 AM
Hi admin I have a problem which I am sure that most of the complete beginners are also facing that is most of the beginners dont know C or basic language and it would waste a lot of time learning these.

Please write a tutorial on how we can use visual basic or visual basic.net to write programmes in order to interface devices with pc's or controlle other stuff with it  OR  simply HOW CAN WE WRITE A PROGRAMME IN VISUAL BASIC OR VB.NET WHICH ACTIVATES THE SERIAL PORT PINS?

please mention any links also.


I'll be grateful,thankful and everything if you please help me. :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: DeathDragon on May 16, 2006, 10:13:11 AM
much thanks admin that helped alot ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on May 16, 2006, 11:03:08 AM
Here is everything you need to know to control your parallel port, with sample code in C:
http://electrosofts.com/parallel/index.html

Visual Basic to PIC interfacing:
http://www.jbgizmo.com/page29.htm

More useful links/programs for PC I/O control:
http://www.lvr.com/parport.htm

Unfortunately I never learned VB - something I always wanted to learn but never did due to lack of reason . . .  :-X

Personally, I highly recommend learning C. Its the most useful language needed to program robots today. Period.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Ben on May 25, 2006, 10:31:36 PM
You know, you might consider writing a tutorial on more advanced control algorithms like PID or fuzzy logic.  Most robotics books never delve into anything more complicated than bang-bang.   :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on May 30, 2006, 02:49:53 PM
what about a robot control theory page? basically feedback systems, which then would delve into fuzzy logic and PID control? you are right, fuzzy logic and PD is very important. usually way overcomplicated in the literature out there too.

any complaints about me just doing PD control? most robots dont need that integral term, especially the low mass bots running on microcontrollers that most people build.

thoughts?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JedOs86 on June 08, 2006, 01:44:45 PM
Hey, ever since I began wanting to build automated devices I have checked out your site for mechanics and electronics information. I wonderd upon it one day by looking for torque formulas on the google search engine. Well now I have all the information I need, except one thing, SPICE. I have been using SPICE sims for awhile, major brand sims like OrCad PSPICE and minor ones like a free SPICE Sim called LTSpice/Switcher CAD III  (my personal favorite), I don't want to plug a company here so you could easily search for it on google, but your probobly already know of it. Well anyway now I can get to my point to why I would like a Spice tutorial if I already know enough for my needs about it. One problem, I can never get MOSFETs  of any kind to work correctly on any sim, I have tried around 10 different programs. In my schems I am usually sending +3V DC to the Gate of a N-Enhanced MOSFET, which then allows a current of +5V DC 500mA to pass from the Drain to the Source (and youre right the names are absolutely contradictory). However I always get the same graph analysis (Transient Domain, DC Sweep) that shows that current is always flowing out of the Source at 5V, even when the Gate recieves 0V! Crazy... but maybe I am doing something wrong. You probobly don't have time to write a tutorial on this, but I would really appreaciate if anyone else could set me in the right direction.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Afroman on June 08, 2006, 04:26:52 PM
Dude, I am totally in the same boat you are in when it comes to spice, and I even studied this crap at CMU. There might be something we are missing here, but it seems like every time I try to simulate an advanced power circuit, things go wrong in retarded ways. I have found spice to be excellent in simulating RLC filters of almost any kind, and it usually does a good job with circuits involving up to 3 BJT transistors, but anything more than that and things just seem to not work. Basically I end up treating spice sims as a step up from using a calculator - good for avoiding some annoying equations, but nowhere near a replacement for real world experiments.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on June 08, 2006, 05:21:02 PM
There are already SPICE tutorials written, so I dont think it a good idea to write one, considering I have had very limited experience with it. The majority of the circuits I make, other than sensor interfaces, involves MOSFETs. I tried using them on SPICE once, couldnt figure it out, and quit without really trying.

I did find this however, which basically says there is a 'basic inadequacy in many of the Mosfet SPICE models,' and offers a solution:
http://www.edacafe.com/technical/papers/Mosfet_paper.php

You could just use a transistor (and possibly modify the settings in SPICE to get it to closely act like a mosfet), or just use some other circuit that acts like an on/off switch (ideas?). Depends on what you want to model.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JedOs86 on June 08, 2006, 06:08:01 PM
Thanks guys. Glad to hear it's just not me, LOL. I am about to go read that article
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: srsasuma on July 02, 2006, 09:15:27 PM
dude...really a cool site for beginners....btw....y not u give a step by step procedure for making a particular robot....just to know abt the ckts....when u tell us step by step procedure for example a biped robo....tht ll help us wrk on it and help us to achieve it....pls consider a tutorial on how to make each robo step by step....say start frm a ckt board...how to connect the wires.....how to join the wires with the motors....wat sort of chassis to choose...wat material to b chosen.....etc...
thank u....waiting for positive reply
srsasuma
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on July 04, 2006, 10:41:00 AM
I have been planning to rewrite my main tutorial (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_tutorial.shtml) to do just as you say. It was my first tutorial written for the site, but I dont like it much anymore. I also have plans to post my designs of robots online, down the the tiniest details, for others to copy. Been kinda busy, but its at the top 5 of things to do for the site. Will probably be another month before I get that done . . .

y not u give a step by step procedure for making a particular robot....just to know abt the ckts....when u tell us step by step procedure for example a biped robo....tht ll help us wrk on it and help us to achieve it....pls consider a tutorial on how to make each robo step by step....say start frm a ckt board...how to connect the wires.....how to join the wires with the motors....wat sort of chassis to choose...wat material to b chosen.....etc...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: srsasuma on July 04, 2006, 10:04:50 PM
how did u manage to learn abt ckts....u said u r a mech engg basically....????coz even i am intrested in ckts...and i am also a mech engg...i find it difficult....which wire to connect whr to get an output....very confusing.... ???
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on July 05, 2006, 07:37:28 AM
How did I learn? Experimentation, fried circuits, an explosion of pretty sparks once, an occasional burning of my skin, and an occasional working circuit . . . etc.  :P

I took 3 electrical engineering classes as electives. If you want to make robots, fill up all your electives with MechE, computer science, and electrical engineering classes. Take at least the first two intro classes for each major.

All you need to do is understand how each circuit component works, then you have enough knowledge to experiment on your own. I more or less just built up intuition on it over time.


how did u manage to learn abt ckts....u said u r a mech engg basically....????coz even i am intrested in ckts...and i am also a mech engg...i find it difficult....which wire to connect whr to get an output....very confusing.... ???
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on July 16, 2006, 08:31:54 PM
Took me forever to get free time to do this, but here we go:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/algorithms_PID.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/algorithms_fuzzy_logic.shtml

If anyone finds errors in either, let me know. Im no expert in control theory.

You know, you might consider writing a tutorial on more advanced control algorithms like PID or fuzzy logic.  Most robotics books never delve into anything more complicated than bang-bang.   :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Nyx on July 26, 2006, 08:47:57 PM
I'd like to see a tutorial on how to design and construct robotic limbs, like robotic arms, and possibly legs, using servos and/or actuators.... And also on the theory behind walking robots. Keeping the design as simple to assemble as possible would be a plus.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on July 27, 2006, 05:10:23 AM
I'd like to see a tutorial on how to design and construct robotic limbs, like robotic arms, and possibly legs, using servos and/or actuators.... And also on the theory behind walking robots. Keeping the design as simple to assemble as possible would be a plus.

About once a year I get inspired to build a walking robot . . . I try to design one, and I soon quit realizing its a huge amount of effort and will cost mucho dinero in actuators. So Im a noob at robot legs and cant help on that . . .

As for robot arms, I wont design one for you, but here are two posts that might help you:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=34.0
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=68.0

But a lot of people seem to ask . . . so I think I will write up something for robot arms. Will probably be a month or more before it gets posted though . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: nitdgp on September 04, 2006, 10:16:48 PM
Kindly guide me to buld a robot which follows a straight line path and counts the no. of black strips in its path. And it should detect the red color. I am thinking of using colour sensor circuits with LDRs and NOT n AND gates..Can u suggest more on this..or any better way..
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on September 05, 2006, 09:11:39 AM
I would recommend using a microcontroller.
http://www.societyofrobots.com/microcontroller_tutorial.shtml

Otherwise you can use flip flops or counters (IC's).

The sensor for black and white counting, you either want photoresistors
http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_photoresistor.shtml
or IR detectors
http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_infraredemitdet.shtml

For detecting the color red, you would need a color sensor. TAOS has some good ones:
http://www.taosinc.com/

Another interesting read would be the MOBOT competition, which requires line following:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/competitions_mobot.shtml
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: itln on September 23, 2006, 02:48:22 PM
If you still want to make another tutorial (seeing as the last replie was on march 6th) mabye anding certain sensors to your robot. Mabye temp, motion detectors, light sensors and rc for people who want a hands on control.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on September 23, 2006, 04:06:09 PM
light sensors:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_photoresistor.shtml

rc robots:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/remote_control_robot.shtml

The temp and motion detector sensors . . . I can do those. Will probably take me a month or two tho, Im workin on a few others to finish up first . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: itln on September 24, 2006, 11:04:29 AM
sounds good
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on September 29, 2006, 03:01:39 AM
Hey I'm back after a looong summer. I've been doing some research of my own into Non-holonomic robots (R/C car a base is what I'm working on) and I think it would be a good idea to have some mention of Holonomic vs Non-Holonomic movement. Also some mention of the difference between Sense-Plan-Act and Reactive methods of AI would probably help people with their first robot.

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on September 29, 2006, 07:00:07 AM
Good news bad news.

So good news is that my next tutorial will be how to build a holonomic robot. Its been in the works for awhile. Followed by building robot arms, which a few people have asked about, but I put off cause its a LOT of information. The tutorial request queue has gotten long and Ive fallen behind . . .

The bad news is that I will be tied up for a few months producing/directing an independent film series about Thailand, meaning less free time. Dont ask . . . So Ill probably just make 1 or 2 tutorials for SoR per month till that is done . . . will take awhile . . . sorry for delays everyone!

I should probably mention the sense-plan-act thing more clearly in my intro and PID tutorials . . .
I already have a slightly more advanced version of it in my PID page (top image):
http://www.societyofrobots.com/programming_PID.shtml

As for reactive methods . . . Name me a non-human controlled robot that isnt reactive  :P  No matter how advanced the control law is, there is always a control law, hence always a reaction. Right? Even the most advanced of AI is based on a set of action-reaction rules.

And a fun quiz for everyone, is this robot holonomic? Why?  8)
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_taurus2.shtml
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Gopher on October 03, 2006, 03:24:31 PM
I don't have any particular requests; I haven't even begun to scratch the surface of what's already available here myself!

I just wanted to comment, the highly modular nature of the tutorials here is what makes the site so useful. The same information could be presented in the form of a dozen different step-by-step whole-robot tutorials, but it would be far less accessible, and much harder to learn from or improvise around.

Also, I think you misunderstood what JesseWelling meant by "reactive vs. sense-plan-act"  In the literal sense, sense-plan-act robots are of course reactive. I think by reactive systems, he meant unmediated reaction, what I would call reflexive action. Hard-wiring a bot to back up when it detects a ledge with a tactile sensor, for example, rather than waiting for the program cycle to respond to the interrupt. Not certain that it's an important point for novices to understand, though; probably better for them to learn their way around a simple microcontroller first.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on October 14, 2006, 07:18:17 PM
Ok I wrote up a new tutorial that covers several requests that have been made:

Omni-wheel Robot Tutorial

Holonomic vs Non-Holonomic Tutorial

Step-by-Step Construction (Ill do this more from now on)

Enjoy!
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_omni_wheel.shtml
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Arislan on October 21, 2006, 06:21:49 AM
Okay here is my very specific tutorial request:

How to make a custom servo from a DC motor, step or otherwise. It would be a very helpful tutorial for us poor folks who live in totally destitute areas of the world. I for one  am living in Brazil, where nothing new can be bought and used technological stuff costs more than new technological stuff in America.

With a step-by-step tutorial it would be easy to convert found dc motors into usable servos. There is a very general document here: http://homepages.which.net/~paul.hills/Circuits/PowerServo/PowerServo.html
it talks about what it would take to build one, but isn't as specific as I'd need it to be.
So whaddaya think, sirs?

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on October 21, 2006, 07:34:44 AM
Hmmm I can see this as a useful tutorial actually.

But that link you sent me says just about everything you need to know . . .

It even has schematics and theory . . .

I dont do step-by-step tutorials though because it is going to be different with different motors, different components, different goals, etc. That means different voltage, current, speed, torque, total angle travel, etc differences . . . The microcontroller I would use, that I have in my room, you wouldnt even be able to obtain (no longer sold).

If I were to do it, I would use a microcontroller as the electronics. This way I can reprogram to tweak it, and then mass manufacture many circuits quickly for all the robot limbs of your biped.

Here is how:

1) Follow the mechanical schematic
2) PWM command through single D/O from main microcontroller (the vehicle controller)
3) 2ndary microcontroller near motor compares desired signal command to actual ADC read pot value (representing angle)
4) 2ndary microcontroller commands motor through programmed control law with a motor driver

And thats it!

You might be able to hack the electronics of a hobby servo too and use for a bigger motor, but that might be more trouble than its worth . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Arislan on October 28, 2006, 12:42:16 AM
That's it? That's the tutorial? lol...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on October 28, 2006, 03:33:04 PM
lol, well if you want the whole thing written in high detail, step by step, and all designed for you, buy a kit!  :P
that link says exactly how to do it, i really cant say anymore . . .

encoder kit by acroname:
http://www.acroname.com/robotics/parts/R239-WW01.html
its designed to fit onto a modified servo, but you can also put it on any dc motor

i think ill try and get a poll thing up in the next few days so people can vote for the next tutorial.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Arislan on October 28, 2006, 04:06:27 PM
You know, here is my little tutorial regarding funding.

Make a web page with detailed information about your project. Add photos etc...and add a "Donate" button that leads the visitors to give you money through Paypal. ;-)

Hopefully some people will donate a dollar here or there. I am thinking of trying just that...problem would be getting folks to see the site.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on October 28, 2006, 04:31:04 PM
I put a new poll up for people to vote for the next tutorial I will write.

Just scroll up to the top of this page, and select what you want.

I will probably delete all votes to a poll after ever 4 tutorials I write, so new tutorial ideas get a fair chance. Basically that means revote once every 2 months or so . . . Oh and votes can be changed whenever you want.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on November 07, 2006, 09:36:03 PM
The people have spoken.

Robot arms got the maximum votes, so that is what you get.

Robot Arm Tutorial (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_arm_tutorial.shtml)

A robot end effectors tutorial will be written in the future . . .

For those who voted for robot arm, you now have one new vote for the next tutorial.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: merronvigian on November 08, 2006, 07:27:26 AM
i would like you to record a video one how to do your first robot (same as the tutorial you have), as for guys like me, coecting the parts and also doing the programming work is quiet hard, as i am a totally beginner.

thank you very much
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Stoic0209 on November 13, 2006, 07:00:09 PM
I'd like to see a tutorial on CAD robotic designing, like certain issues that I need to be aware of when designing a robot.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on November 13, 2006, 08:23:10 PM
To Merronvigian:

Check out these:
http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/hdr.php?p=tutorials
While not specific to robots they can help you get a feel for the process of ideas->hardware->programing
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: vahed on November 20, 2006, 01:25:31 PM
A new tutorial on building a balancing robot like the segway that can transport a human would be really really helpful.  The power electronics and balancing are my major problems.  Also implementing the PID control loop.  I have built robots previously (Line Follower, Bluetooth controlled car)but none on this scale, any help will be much appreciated (I have seen Trevor Blackwells site) P.S Only hardware I have are two HUB motors 24V
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on November 20, 2006, 06:40:38 PM
New official decision. Whenever a tutorial is requested, I will add it to the vote list. (I just added your segway request, vahed)

This will unfortunately have the effect that it will take an undeterminable amount of time before you will see your requested tutorial, depending on popularity of your idea . . . Also, note that I shy away from writing about things I have never done before . . .

If you are worried about this, post your request, but also you can post more specific questions in the rest of the forum to help you get started with your project.

-admin
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on November 20, 2006, 07:46:14 PM
What about op-amps and other kinds of analog tricks that might make those 2.5 and 3v analog outs work better.
For example how about using an op-amp and a capacitor on a Sharp Analog IR to get better measurments (maybe the whole 10 bits). This seems like a really simple thing (although I don't know the specifics) to get better results from your robot. ;)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on November 20, 2006, 08:19:55 PM
Jesse,
ummmm, huh?

Thinking about your question for awhile, I think what you meant was a tutorial on how to scale a sensor output for the full ADC 0V to 5V reading?

I do have a voltage amplifier tutorial (http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_voltamp.shtml) that could help you . . .

As for adding the capacitor, I am assuming you meant for a buffered/averaged over time output? Its just a resistor/capacitor time constant circuit thingy . . . I was actually thinking earlier today to write up a tutorial on that - is that what you meant?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on November 20, 2006, 09:53:15 PM
yea they call those op-ams right? At least that's what all my EE friends say I need to get.  :-\
Didn't think to look at the schematics. Just looked in the beginner electronics section.
Thanks for the tip!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: onesandzeros on November 30, 2006, 03:23:41 AM
iam disapointed
only 2 people want a Segway Tutorial so far? >:(

iam pro Segway Tutorial
Please hook us up with a 2 wheel balancing bot tut, it would be nice to have all the info one place.
 ;)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dunk on November 30, 2006, 05:16:00 AM
now i get accused of being a little cynical from time to time but i'd imagine that most of the people who get their balancing bot project to balance are a little possessive about their source code.
most people fail.

seriously, getting a bot to balance using the same methods as a segway is a big undertaking.
if you need a tutorial then you should consider building an easier project.
if you are capable of writing a tutorial then you have probably allready considered ways to make money from it and so won't be posting it here.

search this forum for "balancing robot" or "segway" to read about some of the problems.

there are easier ways to get a bot to balance but they are not as versatile (or cool).
check this for an example:
http://www.teamhassenplug.org/robots/legway/

dunk.
(hoping he is wrong and someone will post a balancing bot tutorial.)
((and world peace. world peace would be good too.))
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: onesandzeros on November 30, 2006, 05:43:37 AM
http://www.wulabs.org/bbot.html

code and parts and instructions
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dunk on November 30, 2006, 06:01:31 AM
Quote
code and parts and instructions
sort of.
they are not building their own system though.
when it comes to what makes the bot balance they are using a product from this company:
http://www.rotomotion.com/

i was interpreting your request as a desire to be able to understand and build the bot from scratch.
if you want a pre made solution there are a few other pre built controller boards out there.
an example:
http://www.balbots.com/index.php?cPath=22_26

have fun!

dunk.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: merronvigian on December 08, 2006, 11:14:00 AM
as you can understand visual contact is no1 thing in a amateur to build a robot, so if you could it would be nice to record a video for "creating your first robot" tutorial, and so on

many of your tutorials are difficult to be understood by starters like me, and many errors are being occured, so let's do a video-tutorial

:)

thank you
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on December 08, 2006, 08:42:27 PM
Quote
many of your tutorials are difficult to be understood
Ok, I created a post to help improve my tutorials:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=338.0
Just let me know where you have trouble at and Ill work on it.

Quote
so let's do a video-tutorial
Ive actually seriously considered this. I spent 4 hours trying to write up a script for my intro page (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_tutorial.shtml), too. But after writing the script up, I realized it would be a HUGE undertaking and that it wouldnt do much more than repeat my written tutorials. In the end I gave up because I didnt have a good video recorder . . .

Back in college I had a prof that would start EVERY lecture with a video of a robot. It really made learning more fun, even if I didnt learn anything from the video  :P
So I want to do the same . . .

Last summer I started adding video to many of my new tutorials and am slowly getting better at it. I will keep up this trend of putting a supplementary video in most of my tutorials. If there is a particular tutorial that you think would be much more useful with a video, let me know!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on December 09, 2006, 03:15:08 AM
I think it's about time people got a little more general information on Real Time Operating Systems.
You wouldn't believe how usefull they are. I could help since I'm graduating soon and going to be
looking for a job (IE waiting for interview opportunities) Also if you know any one who's looking for
and embedded programer or linux programer let me know ;)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 07, 2007, 06:36:46 PM
updates!

1a) With twice the votes as any other tutorial recieved, I now bring you the Computer Vision Tutorial Series (http://www.societyofrobots.com/programming_computer_vision_tutorial.shtml). Its a four-parter that took me I believe two months to complete (and way more hours than I can count). For those who have read the first parts already posted, know that I updated part 2 with my source code, and part 3 with stereo vision - definitely worth looking at.

1b) If you voted for computer vision, you now how a new vote for the next tutorial to make. I also increased the total allowed votes per person to 4.

2) Ive been working hard on improving the look, interface, and organization of the entire site - and more will come.

3) Ive added an RSS feed (http://www.societyofrobots.com/rss_feed.shtml) for those who want to be notified of new tutorials.

4) For those with mobile phone internet, SoR is now fully accessible and compatible with mobile phones - including the forum and the rss feed. Now, when you are at Radioshack, Homedepot, or just dumpster diving, you have a reference for parts in your pocket  :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: 691175002 on January 08, 2007, 08:17:25 PM
I am very interested on the programming side of things, none of the categories really represent AI, obstacle avoidance, pathfinding etc.

Tutorials of any kind are great but whats so popular about color sensors?  All they seem to be is color to voltage or color to frequency, whats so complicated about that?

I can imagine tonnes of uses for a compass in terms of almost any kind of robot, if you want it to go straight it needs to know where its going.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 08, 2007, 08:51:09 PM
Ok I added pathfinding to the votes. Obstacle avoidance will be included with pathfinding - I have already done some of that with my other sensor tutorials.

But I wont cover AI, as its too speculative and still unsolved . . . check the robot books section (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_books.shtml) if you want more on AI info.

Quote
I can imagine tonnes of uses for a compass in terms of almost any kind of robot, if you want it to go straight it needs to know where its going.
I actually have a digital compass that Ive just never used (or needed). They dont work indoors or around any metallic objects very well, so thats why. If it wins the vote, Ill make a robot with the compass, and Ill write about it  :P

Quote
Tutorials of any kind are great but whats so popular about color sensors?
Im actually surprised that it got lotsa votes, too. I put that up because it seemed like something fun and easy to write about, and I dont think most people understand how they really work. But I dont just mean visible color like green or red - I would cover IR, sensor range, beam angle, light transparency and absorbancy of materials, methods of reducing noise (such as modulation), etc.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: nikhil on January 10, 2007, 08:29:22 AM
hi image processing tutorials are great help in understanding, thank you for that   :)

can you please give the understanding of how to formulate the motion  of mechanical parts into mathematical/mechanical equations, like for robotic arm, gate sequence of hexapod sort of system
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 10, 2007, 06:26:05 PM
robot arms here:  ;D
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_arm_tutorial.shtml

other mechanics stuff:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanicsbasics.shtml

Ive added gait programming to the votes . . . but might be best to wait till I finish my biped so Im not just makin stuff up :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cobraz on January 14, 2007, 12:27:09 AM
Hi
I just came across this site,and found it great-Excellent tutorials & informative discussions.I am a beginner in robotics and any Tutorial is of great help.
Thanks for the excellent work. :) :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: annoyin_kid on January 25, 2007, 04:39:50 PM
hey how bout finishing the robot for 50 bucks series of tutorials?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 25, 2007, 11:16:23 PM
im workin on it, dun worry. im gonna do some traveling starting early march and be gone for like over a month, so i gotta get it done by then . . . i bought half the electronics last night, but i got my day job, and no one is payin me to do this :P

im video documenting it too, so you will have visual examples! :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: annoyin_kid on January 26, 2007, 03:23:10 PM
alrite thanks  ;D ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jsbarone on January 27, 2007, 09:12:34 PM
I've got a suggestion.  How about some kind of a toy scrapping list? There are lots of super cheap toys and electronics out there with motors and things in 'em.  maybe we can compile a list of a few good ones.us
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on January 27, 2007, 09:49:09 PM
Scrapping toys is very much dependent on parts you need . . . but yea its an important skill.

I have a nice robot I built a few years ago, but havnt yet documented on SoR, that uses a hacked RC toy. I promise Ill write that one up at some point in the next few months. Its been on my things-to-do list for awhile . . .

There were two others I hacked back in the day, one was a failure, and the other I lost all documentation to it . . .
If you're curious, here's a pic of the failure (a line follower that couldnt handle steep hills):
http://www.societyofrobots.com/images/mechanics_chassisconstRC1.JPG

so when you say 'maybe we can compile a list of a few good ones', does that mean you are volunteering? :P

if so  . . .

announcement:
Ive finally released the member written tutorials section. Its still in beta testing, but now open to the public to sign up. Simply put, its free webspace to teach others about your robot. For more information, go here:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/12
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: gamefreak on January 30, 2007, 08:02:04 PM
A voice recognition one, crazy newbie me wants to make a robot that can see/hear and talk  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: levy on February 06, 2007, 08:19:53 PM
hey how bout finishing the robot for 50 bucks series of tutorials?

i agree. i am new to the scene and am eager to create something interesting for a change.
(most of what i make is easy, ie; amps, audio equipment, ect.) all of this microprocessor stuff goes right over my head. i've found the tutorials really helpful, but i need some hands on learning.

ps: keep up the good work mate.
LEVY.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: robot321 on February 08, 2007, 01:50:10 PM
How about a tutorial on making your own gearbox?  And how to calculate/create various ratios?  And maybe stress tolerances for plastic / steel gears b4 they strip or break.  And anything else related to it. :D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 08, 2007, 02:21:11 PM
Quote
How about a tutorial on making your own gearbox?
to be honest, I discourage people from making their own gearboxes. you wont save much money, and your rigged up design will be much less efficient than a purchased gearbox . . .

Quote
And how to calculate/create various ratios?
but i have written a really detailed tutorial for gears:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_gears.shtml
this should give enough theory so someone can design their own gearbox, but it does lack some hands-on knowledge . . . ill look into adding on to that tutorial with some gearing ive done in the past.

Quote
And maybe stress tolerances for plastic / steel gears b4 they strip or break.
calculating this accurately is actually very complicated . . . the best way to get that info is just to call up the company that sells the gears.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Hal9000 on February 15, 2007, 10:15:32 AM
I think it could be a good idea if:

ALL the tutorials had a thread in a separate part of the forum. This way, they wouldn't get repeated in the forum, and then there is a steady reference point from which the site can be expanded/corrected incremetally.

Stickys need to be used, perhaps, more often, since there are some trends in 'newbie' topics. I know this site is very friendly so people wouldn't probably mind repeating themselves if it's going to help someone out, but it's just my thought on the matter. At least then, the topic can be expanded and 'the solution' can be worked upon, rather than working on 4 or 5 different threads. Who knows what you could miss! It is, however, quite difficult to subcategorise in such a vast subject area.

Also, even though, yes, people like to be secretive, why not have a posting forum for competitions. Essentially, what is a competition if there is no risk? I would happily share information if I was competing with someone, mainly because it would encourage me to get better and is the way forward for encouraging others to find out the 'tricks of the trade' or whatever. For example, in the case of stampy the sumo bot.

There is also the big question of whether, as is said somewhere, not to 'reinvent the wheel'. Could information/tutorials be brought in and adapted from other sites (after asking them of course)? I do think, however, if this were to be done, the site could lose some of its homebrew appeal :(

As always, however, this is a fantastic site with a lot of potential :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 16, 2007, 07:00:52 PM
Quote
ALL the tutorials had a thread in a separate part of the forum.
Ive definitely considered this. Mostly I didnt do it cause I only recently thought of the idea like 6 months ago, and was/am too lazy to go and add forum links for 80 something tutorials. Ill slowly work on this when i get time (im crazy busy till this summer).

With the new member tutorials site, Im allowing people to make comments and ask questions right on the tutorial pages.

Quote
Stickys need to be used, perhaps, more often, since there are some trends in 'newbie' topics.
I guess I should make a 'newbies read this before posting' sticky post. Will probably cut down on the questions and repeated posts. Ill do this now . . .

Quote
Also, even though, yes, people like to be secretive, why not have a posting forum for competitions.
which competitions would you suggest? the problem with most competitions is that they are all local, and rules change every year. i think FIRST would be the best, but im really convinced people wont give out secrets . . . myself included . . .

Quote
There is also the big question of whether, as is said somewhere, not to 'reinvent the wheel'. Could information/tutorials be brought in and adapted from other sites (after asking them of course)? I do think, however, if this were to be done, the site could lose some of its homebrew appeal
What I have done in the past is look at other peoples tutorials, then rewrite them way better. Some of my tutorials were combinations of many sub-par tutorials combined and fixed up. I could of course copy/paste them, but Im very much for original content.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Hal9000 on February 17, 2007, 05:26:31 AM
I think general micromouse competition ones would be cool:
-Maze solving
-Wall following
-Drag race

and, maybe some sort of battlebot (robot wars) forum

a robot football one maybe?

and robo-ONE?

The forums wouldn't have to tie any particular rules down, surely. But, I think they could be general and useful.........for talking about algorithms etc etc.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Hal9000 on February 22, 2007, 08:21:20 AM
Yeah, just to say again, Dead reckoning would be a great tutorial
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dunk on February 22, 2007, 12:37:19 PM
so one of the things i like about this forum is it doesn't have loads of different categories.
a lot of forums out there have a different list for every small thing.
i think it discourages people from posting if they don't see a heading that suits their post.

the SOR forum on the other hand keeps things nice and simple.
it's easy to pick a relevent heading when you only have the choices: "Electronics", "Software", "Mechanics and Construction" and "Misc".

dunk.
(set in his ways and resisting the concept of change....)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on February 22, 2007, 12:48:47 PM
Quote
Yeah, just to say again, Dead reckoning would be a great tutorial
i beat you to it, and added it yesterday to the vote :P
i also recently increased number of allowed votes to 5

dunk, I 100% agree with you. I've seen many other forums, and they all have like 10-30+ categories - frustratingly large and confusing! Im resisting it for the same reason. If there are a large number of competition posts in the future, Ill add a category. But at the moment, the entire forum comprises I think of ~20 competition related posts. Same for advertising, and buying/selling of stuff. I am still considering adding a tutorials related category, but am just too busy to implement it for now.

Im definitely open to ideas and change (or at least I try to be), so dont be discouraged in the future for offering more ideas!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Brandon121233 on February 23, 2007, 03:33:35 PM
Hows the $50 robot tutorial comming? I cant wait for that one!Im sure other people have said it before, but thanks for all your tutorials and help you give us beginers, your help and others who post here  is invaulable to me, because I dont know anyone who really knows a whole lot about robots. Thanks agian.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on February 28, 2007, 06:20:13 AM
will the dead reckoning tutorials also include GPS and Kalman Filters?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Sam_Charette on March 03, 2007, 11:52:35 AM
Quote
many of your tutorials are difficult to be understood
Ok, I created a post to help improve my tutorials:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=338.0
Just let me know where you have trouble at and Ill work on it.

Quote
so let's do a video-tutorial
Ive actually seriously considered this. I spent 4 hours trying to write up a script for my intro page (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_tutorial.shtml), too. But after writing the script up, I realized it would be a HUGE undertaking and that it wouldnt do much more than repeat my written tutorials. In the end I gave up because I didnt have a good video recorder . . .

Back in college I had a prof that would start EVERY lecture with a video of a robot. It really made learning more fun, even if I didnt learn anything from the video  :P
So I want to do the same . . .

Last summer I started adding video to many of my new tutorials and am slowly getting better at it. I will keep up this trend of putting a supplementary video in most of my tutorials. If there is a particular tutorial that you think would be much more useful with a video, let me know!


I know that this post is rather old, but I thought I'd chime in for a second.  You don't need a good video recorder for all of a video tutorial.  There are programs out there (free ones like Wink) that let you take screenshots, movements of mouse and keyboard, etc, form them into a flash movie, with voice recording overtop.  If you have a relatively recent digital camera, you can easily take the pictures of the boards, move the mouse around when you talk to show exactly what you're doing, put up notes and stuff, and then when you want to show something working, the digital camera should be able to take short movies that you can import into the flash file.

It would be fairly easy to do, and would take far less space than if it were 100% video.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Eco19R on March 04, 2007, 01:13:45 AM
I haven't messed around with interfacing anytype of camera/vision system to a microcontroller - I have actually read the vision tutorial but I was wondering if you could add a little more "in-depth" look at interfacing the hardwear together.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on March 04, 2007, 06:03:50 AM
That's all rather camera dependent...
What camera were you going to use?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Eco19R on March 04, 2007, 12:59:36 PM
That's all rather camera dependent...
What camera were you going to use?

Well thats the problem - I am not really sure, I have never played with interfacing video to a microcontroller and to tell you the truth - I am a bit lost on where to begin - I got a general idea on how it might work but nothing in-depth to actually get it to function.

It would be great if you could talk about or direct me to a place that has more info on choosing a camera along with interfacing etc.

The microcontroller I hope to use will be one of the PIC 16F or 18F series - probably 16F877A



Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on March 04, 2007, 06:33:56 PM
For that you are going to want to offload alot of the processing on to another chip.
Look at the CMU cam
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Eco19R on March 05, 2007, 12:51:43 AM
For that you are going to want to offload allot of the processing on to another chip.
Look at the CMU cam

Hmmm ok, just out of curiosity how would you go about interfacing a webcam type vision device directly to a microcontroller - if possible?

If I used a separate PIC chip just for video processing would the camera feed out a string of RBG values for each pixel serially? would the microcontroller not have the processing power to be able to analyze it?
 

The CMU cam I will look into and I have a feeling you are right in directing me to it but I am also intrested in exploring a more "do it yourself" approach.


This may be a bit off topic but - I am also intrested in at one point adding some type of wireless interface to the microcontroller carrier board - through blue tooth or RF - I was wondering if you had any recommendations as to the best "low-cost" way of doing this - I have seen some "kits" that come with everything needed but the ones I have looked at are 300+ US dollars.


Thanks for the info.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dunk on March 05, 2007, 05:36:12 AM
Quote
how would you go about interfacing a webcam type vision device directly to a microcontroller - if possible?
so it's possible but not easy.
have a look here:
http://www.jrobot.net/Projects/AVRcam.html (http://www.jrobot.net/Projects/AVRcam.html)

Quote
I am also intrested in at one point adding some type of wireless interface to the microcontroller carrier board - through blue tooth or RF
this is far easier.
the first thing you want to do is get your microcontrolers UART working. you can use the UART to either communicate to other microcontrollers UARTs or (via a level shifter such as a MAX232) to a PC serial port.
once you have this step in place it's fairly easy to insert wireless radio modules (such as a pair of easyradio or zigbee modules) in place of the UART's RX and TX lines making the whole thing wireless.
search this forum for "UART" "wireless" "bluetooth" etc. as it's been discussed a few times before.

dunk.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Brandon121233 on March 05, 2007, 06:18:39 PM
For that you are going to want to offload allot of the processing on to another chip.
Look at the CMU cam
This may be a bit off topic but - I am also intrested in at one point adding some type of wireless interface to the microcontroller carrier board - through blue tooth or RF - I was wondering if you had any recommendations as to the best "low-cost" way of doing this

I'm not sure of what you meant by "doing this" but you can buy the Arduino bluetooth http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8255 (http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=8255)  wich is everything alredy put together and uses the ATmega168 wich is becoming very popular. Just something to look at.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: osnap on March 05, 2007, 08:10:09 PM
my vote is for more on batteries or line following :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Surrector on March 27, 2007, 01:25:03 PM
Yes,
i want a tutorial on a robot which can be controlled by a simple laptop or a computer
that can be able to receive voices from computer and play them via a speakar
and should also be able to listen to voices and play them inside the computer
And a camera that could display the output on laptop or computer.
Is it possible without a micro controller ???

Please make the tutorial soon, i want to take part in a school competition (June)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on March 27, 2007, 03:54:18 PM
And I want a robot pony..... :P

Robotics is about you bringing together different techniques and technologies....not some one telling you how to do it all.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dunk on March 27, 2007, 04:07:38 PM
http://ploum.frimouvy.org/images/cant-have-a-pony.png (http://ploum.frimouvy.org/images/cant-have-a-pony.png)

dunk.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: JesseWelling on March 27, 2007, 04:40:59 PM
Fine! I'll make one myself!  :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dcole07 on March 27, 2007, 05:13:32 PM
Do you clear the votes at the beginning of the month? If not, you should... It would give active users more of a say vs. every past users old vote.

I really would like Dead Reckoning or Color Sensors. There are a lot of votes for Line following and grippers, but I don't vote those 2 very high... I get the idea of how they work.

I'll have to put a star on this one since it will not be read by the admin for another 24 days.
 :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :( :(
 ;D READ THIS POST ADMIN  ;D
 :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Surrector on April 03, 2007, 06:58:15 AM
I dont know what motors to use for how much weight
I think a tutorial on motors would help everyone  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: nanob0t on April 12, 2007, 09:33:34 AM
You have to do something on rapid prototyping.   :D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: NOOBinDistress on April 13, 2007, 12:47:58 PM
Well if anyone may have a use for this it would be a neadt project. A robot can crusher. It could have A motion sensor that delays 5 seconds after it senses the can. Then really powerful motor or servo crushes can. Idk I just was wandering if you could show us how to make something like that. (crushing cans Is also a way to make money!!!)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: NOOBinDistress on April 13, 2007, 12:55:58 PM
Well if anyone may have a use for this it would be a neadt project. A robot can crusher. It could have A motion sensor that delays 5 seconds after it senses the can. Then really powerful motor or servo crushes can. Idk I just was wandering if you could show us how to make something like that. (crushing cans Is also a way to make money!!!)
Could anyone make something like this? Us poor people need our cans crushed
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: gamefreak on May 01, 2007, 02:09:05 PM
who says you need a robot? all you need is a high energy magnetic pulse to crush the can :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: PrinceOfFlame on May 03, 2007, 10:31:12 PM
How about a tutorial on how to implement tank treads on a robotic base. you could use modified servos attached to an rc receiver for a remote control tank, or motor/gear combinations, and make it autonomous. Anything helps, but the biggest issues i have are: a)finding the right treads or useable material for treads, and b) idler wheels/cogs.
Hmm...how hard would it be to use bicycle gears and bicycle chain to make a medium/large sized tank driven outdoor bot?
or maybe a small iindoor carpet rover, with small gears(not sure what pitch,probably with large teeth) as the main cogs, and grooved timing belt as the treads? the timing belt is cuttable and is easily glued back together, and the gears come in many different sizes, so it could be applied to any small scale platform. A  perfect design for the shape of the treads is here:http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot4.htm (http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot4.htm) and also on the srv-1 surveyor robot.(http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/8698/zoom (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/8698/zoom)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on May 05, 2007, 06:01:38 PM
Color sensors, with a total of 22 votes at 10% of the total, won the vote.

As such, enjoy!
http://www.societyofrobots.com/sensors_color.shtml

For those who voted for color sensors, you now get a new vote.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on May 27, 2007, 05:07:21 PM
The Line Following Robot Tutorial, with a total of 20 votes at 8.6%, won the vote.

Enjoy!
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robot_mobot_2007.shtml

For those who voted for line following robots, you now get a new vote.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: razvanc_roro on May 28, 2007, 12:18:31 AM
Hi there!

I would like to learn more about programming the microcontrollers (especially ATMEL), and with detailed example and explainings of controlling and functions.

Thank you!

PS: And by-the-way: Happy Birthday, SoR !!! and many years from now on!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Brandon121233 on May 28, 2007, 01:11:26 PM
what exactly is meant by path finding?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on May 28, 2007, 08:48:32 PM
Quote
what exactly is meant by path finding?
Algorithms for robots to go between waypoints with obstacles in the way.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: maverick monk on June 08, 2007, 03:00:22 PM
How about a tutorial on how to implement tank treads on a robotic base. you could use modified servos attached to an rc receiver for a remote control tank, or motor/gear combinations, and make it autonomous. Anything helps, but the biggest issues i have are: a)finding the right treads or useable material for treads, and b) idler wheels/cogs.
Hmm...how hard would it be to use bicycle gears and bicycle chain to make a medium/large sized tank driven outdoor bot?
or maybe a small iindoor carpet rover, with small gears(not sure what pitch,probably with large teeth) as the main cogs, and grooved timing belt as the treads? the timing belt is cuttable and is easily glued back together, and the gears come in many different sizes, so it could be applied to any small scale platform. A  perfect design for the shape of the treads is here:http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot4.htm (http://science.howstuffworks.com/military-robot4.htm) and also on the srv-1 surveyor robot.(http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/8698/zoom (http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/rc/8698/zoom)

if i can get mine done by AUG 10th you will have a tut for tank tracks, working on one with tamia tracks to give me a 6-10 inch long chassis

id like to see CAD ( with free programs more advanced than sketchup)
programing,
outdoor robots ( suspension, mounting 17mm  and 14mm hex wheels on 3mm shafts, programing robots to operate in a all terein environment)
pathfinding
grippers or tools,
getting a robot to go to specific points
sound interperitation
(the last two as in, "robot, get me a beer", and it goes to a special drive in fridge and gets one)

obviousely not all of them, but thats my list...

ps, ADMIN, you automaticly stary typing in the post inside the quote tags.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: S. Karim on June 25, 2007, 01:46:09 PM
I think we need a tutorial on implementing a tiny camera on a robot.

A camera offers a huge amount of information for your robot. It's a ton of sensors combined in one package.

A camera can:

1. detect a line
2. detect distance
3. detect color
4. detect light
5. track objects
6. with the correct algorith, track humans.
7. detect relative position of objects (left, right, above, below)
8. deliver video feedback
9. etc...

It's an array of sensors in 1 tiny package, it offers a lot of autonomy to a robot and I think we need a tutorial to implement it onto a board and examples on how to use it.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: megaman935 on June 25, 2007, 04:28:21 PM
A camera can:

1. detect a line
2. detect distance
3. detect color
4. detect light
5. track objects
6. with the correct algorith, track humans.
7. detect relative position of objects (left, right, above, below)
8. deliver video feedback
9. etc...

You think I could have it track my cat? ;D
If so, I completely agree!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on June 25, 2007, 05:30:49 PM
currently working on all that as we speak:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=1218.0

My first big goal for the ERP is to play fetch with me. I throw a ball, and it goes and gets it for me. Intelligence of a 10 year old . . . dog . . . in dog years . . . :P

About half of the tutorials currently up for vote will be done with my ERP.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jklv on June 30, 2007, 10:12:26 PM
A step by step how to build a R/C robot just like the $50 one
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: gamefreak on June 30, 2007, 10:42:14 PM
RC is easier then a robot, its basically plug and play, and there is instructions for it in the 50 $ robot tutorial
also http://www.societyofrobots.com/remote_control_robot.shtml
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jklv on July 01, 2007, 01:46:47 AM
RC is easier then a robot, its basically plug and play, and there is instructions for it in the 50 $ robot tutorial
also http://www.societyofrobots.com/remote_control_robot.shtml
yes i have seen that tutorial
But since im a noob i dont know how to connect things and all that.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: S. Karim on July 01, 2007, 06:30:34 PM
You think I could have it track my cat? ;D
If so, I completely agree!
errrr yeah, its called blob tracking. the camera doesnt know what a cat is, but you can program it to search for large blobs in the shape of a cat.

look into POB EYE, they make things like that. not to say a fake cat drawn on paper wont trick the camera, but it will follow patterns and shapes lol.

oh yeah, if you wanna track your cat, look into thermo/heat sensors, this was in robot mag. a rover was following a cat using its body heat.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: stratafly on July 02, 2007, 08:40:43 PM
Since I wouldn't like to waste batteries, and that it would be useful in the $50 robot code (that it is a photovore), can someone teach my hardware counterpart and I to (if possible) wire the 4-AA battery compartment to a solar panel, so it would recharge while it is running? ??? We're only 11 year-olds, but do not let this limit the information. ;)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: robotvisionary on July 08, 2007, 12:48:04 AM
I would like a tutorial on how to build the Jesus lizard the one that runs overwater.

And admin here and idea for the society of robots forum. You should put an forum part for people that want to sell robotic stuff at a low price, or give ideas on were to buy them. Because i do not know how to get the plastic base for the $50 dollar robot. and in my country Puerto Rico (Yes part of the USA but not a state) there aren't many places to buy things like that. And to get parts like servos, computer chips, and programmable stuff is not easy. and if you have read the reistor topic to get thing from digikey is  :oVVVVEEEERRRRYYYY :o costly.

P.S. Just a thought. ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: RobotBuilder on July 08, 2007, 02:39:49 PM
Voice Recognition
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Del on July 13, 2007, 10:37:15 AM

I guess my first choice would be "Serial & USB Programming".

Also, what is meant by "Sensor Modulation"?
Is this something like "Sensor Fusion"?

Thanks for all your efforts, Admin!  :)

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dnszero on July 16, 2007, 11:15:02 AM
Path Finding is way up there for me.

That and cat tracking...my cat really needs some exercise and a little servo powered robot would prolly provided the needed incentive ;-)

Thanks a bunch for all of the great tutorials. They've been extremely helpful and are very appreciated!

Keep up the good work!
---
Dave
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: beginner435 on July 19, 2007, 12:19:43 PM
 don't get how to read all the pins in an IC. I get all this stuff like A4 to A7 and a whole bunch of other pins and i don't no wat to do with them....it gets really confusing. Plus using other components with it is kinda hard too.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: h3ro on August 04, 2007, 12:15:04 PM
I would vote for a serial connection tutorial. Something simple to get people started
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Gertlex on August 12, 2007, 03:07:03 PM
Since I wouldn't like to waste batteries, and that it would be useful in the $50 robot code (that it is a photovore), can someone teach my hardware counterpart and I to (if possible) wire the 4-AA battery compartment to a solar panel, so it would recharge while it is running? ??? We're only 11 year-olds, but do not let this limit the information. ;)

Get rechargeable batteries first.  You could use solar cells with rechargeables (but NOT with alkaline), though I'm not an expert (despite being on a solar car team).  You would need the solar cells to be providing at least 6V (actually about 5.5V, since this would be rechargeables which peak at about 1.35V each), so as to "push" current into the batteries.  You would also need diodes to prevent current from flowing backwards into the solar cells.  Solar cells that glow red are a bad thing (but probably wouldn't happen with just 6V :D)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: nathan25 on August 30, 2007, 10:44:53 AM
I'd really like a Pathfinding Tutorial, i've got a HUGE school project to do and research on pathfinding is hard to come by... a good how to would be great...

Thnxs

Nate

I design robots to take ovr the universe
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on September 09, 2007, 02:14:20 PM
The winner with 45 votes, I finally finally wrote up a pathfinding tutorial . . .

Robot WaveFront Pathfinding Tutorial:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/programming_wavefront.shtml

I even wrote basic simulation software for everyone to try out. Dont forget to watch the video! Im in it! (that means its good :P)

There are about 5 more major pathfinding algorithms I could write about, so Ill leave pathfinding in the votes.

Enjoy!

Now Im off to write the next tutorial . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Brandon121233 on September 14, 2007, 09:26:57 PM
looks like someone killed two birds with one stone...nice instructable there
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on September 15, 2007, 06:10:45 PM
thanks! but i think i lost the contest, my bot just didnt have the flashiness of some of the others . . .
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jklv on September 18, 2007, 12:37:51 PM
Advanced Teleoperation ;)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: h3ro on October 03, 2007, 09:51:53 AM
What kind of tutorials are you working on now?
Cant wait to see :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on October 03, 2007, 10:58:13 AM
Segway! Segway! Segway! We want a ballancing robot tutorial!  ;D
or is it just me? ::)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: TrickyNekro on October 12, 2007, 04:09:34 PM
Programming in C/C++!!!
You keep telling us that C in important but no learning tutorial (you know learning about outputs, then inputs, then ADC e.t.c.!!!)
For either AVR or PIC!!

Maybe bascom is good (can include asm) but AVR studio is better!!!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dcole07 on October 25, 2007, 02:20:28 PM
How about adding in basic logic gates. I know how they work now because of College classes, but when I first got interested in Robots I couldn't begin to design a circuit board. You could go into a complete circuit loop, AND, NAND, OR, NOR gates. Then move on to Multiplexers, Demultiplexers, Comparators, flip-flops, latches, and other complex gates.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: garriwilson on October 26, 2007, 06:39:09 PM
How about a guide on basic tools and supplies needed for robot construction.
Like soldering iron, saw, power drill, etc. ?

Is machine shop tools what I'm talking about?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: gamefreak on October 30, 2007, 08:42:00 PM
This might be complicated and you might not be able to, but what about a physics tutorial on flying robots, flight dynamics, fun :D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: uaefame on November 09, 2007, 09:51:20 AM
I would like to have a tutorial about selecting the write motor, I know you wrote one. I just want to know how to calculate the troque needed for robotic arm base. I have a motor which is connected to a gear and this gear is connected to another gear. The 2nd gear has a shaft which is connected to a plate, this plate form the robotic arm base. If something is not clear inform me via [email protected]. thanks in advance.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Spoil9 on November 10, 2007, 07:42:30 PM
my .02
Tele-operation (along with camera intergration) and voice recognition.
Plz.
- Bill
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: airman00 on November 10, 2007, 09:34:02 PM
i'm writing a tutorial about that on my blog!


i'll add a little bit a day starting next month

http://erobots.blogspot.com (http://erobots.blogspot.com)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Admin on November 25, 2007, 05:40:55 PM
I know its been awhile since I've used this list to select tutorials to write . . .

but here we go:

With 55 votes, or 9.8%,
I now have up not one but TWO tutorials for serial on robots
http://www.societyofrobots.com/microcontroller_uart.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/microcontroller_uart_50_robot.shtml
I will definitely be writing a bootloading tutorial in the next 2 months probably, adding a 3rd tutorial to my UART tutorial series - especially since the vote is high for Microcontroller Programming.
Those who voted for Serial & USB Programming now get a new vote. I am adding Bootloading as the newest item to vote on.

For those who have been wanting a better battery tutorial (29 votes at 5.1%), I wrote up a new energy tutorial and two calculators to help you out:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_energy.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/battery_calculator.shtml
http://www.societyofrobots.com/energy_calculator.shtml
Since I still feel the battery tutorial (http://www.societyofrobots.com/batteries.shtml) can be better, Ill keep the vote up for now. You can always change your vote if you are now satisfied . . .

Unfortunately there is a bug in the forum code that won't let me have more than 19 items to vote on, but as I complete tutorials Ill add new ones that were suggested.

Speaking of which, stop suggesting tutorials already in the vote! :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cooldog on November 25, 2007, 05:52:22 PM
how about a toutorial to learn microcontroller programming

i know that there are many different kinds but the micro controller i am interested in is the atmega8 from the $50 robot

or the atmega168

from the $50 robot
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cak on December 11, 2007, 12:09:01 PM
Hey,

   Me too interested in programming of micro controllers. Got held up while doing the 50$ :(. So I thought I'll learn programming myself as the chips ATmega8 etc are hard to get around here and copy paste programming wont do in the future  :P.
 
  Here the onus is on PIC programming as nobody in my area of study knows anything besides that.

   So plz...Somebody out of experience tell me the best way to learn PIC..... I think people are using 16S84 or something like that over here....

  Thanx in advance... :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: paulstreats on December 11, 2007, 12:21:29 PM
the pic 16f84a i think thats what you mean is very limited in its use, it has a small programming space, no analogue converters, no uart, no i2c. Its just a basic digital i/0 style.

I think it would be best to start with pic18's since they are optimised for c code.

www.microchipc.com has some basic examples of how to program them
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cak on December 11, 2007, 12:30:30 PM
Oh....wow....thanx ;D

   I'll certainly check that out..... Eh...1 more doubt...If I want to learn from the very basics will that site help me out??.... Seriously i d'nt know just by looking....Help :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: robonoob on December 14, 2007, 03:49:51 PM
welll... first of all i would like to see a tutorial of writing a code for a microcontroller :) C would be nice :) i dont know if anybody has allready offered it but its the thing i would need mostly :)
next if there is a tutorial about digital and analog inputs and outputs and development boards of stuff like that. i mean like a tutorial that explains everithing about a development board:what is it and etc... if there is one then please tell me :) and if there isn't then anybody could make it :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ed1380 on December 14, 2007, 05:59:11 PM
welll... first of all i would like to see a tutorial of writing a code for a microcontroller :) C would be nice :) i dont know if anybody has allready offered it but its the thing i would need mostly :)
next if there is a tutorial about digital and analog inputs and outputs and development boards of stuff like that. i mean like a tutorial that explains everithing about a development board:what is it and etc... if there is one then please tell me :) and if there isn't then anybody could make it :)
(http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e398/RussianCommy/smilies/google.gif)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: vidam on January 08, 2008, 01:05:20 PM
I would like a special tutorial on "Laws of Scaling" for micro/mems robotics soon, please.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: hate_forever143 on February 06, 2008, 07:09:15 AM
can you write a step by step tutorial on building a remote controlled racing car that can even avoid obstacles. most of the contests involve racing. by your tutorial we will be able to understand the complete basics. ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jman571 on February 06, 2008, 08:21:38 AM
Just a bit more info on the necessary tools required would be nice. For example, the tutorial on soldering would be a nice addition.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Trumpkin on February 06, 2008, 09:29:51 AM
here is an excellent turorial on soldering. http://www.curiousinventor.com/guides/How_To_Solder
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jman571 on February 06, 2008, 08:30:34 PM
here is an excellent turorial on soldering. http://www.curiousinventor.com/guides/How_To_Solder

Thanks, I even watched it at school without sound, and it's good.  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: gamefreak on February 09, 2008, 04:39:24 PM
I have thought up the best tutorial ever!! Bum Bum Buummmm


!!!Safety!!!

 :P

seems obvious, but the isnt one lol
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: garriwilson on February 10, 2008, 03:34:03 PM
There should be a book - "Safety for Dummies"  ;D

EDIT: lol guess what there already is a book like that:

http://www.alibris.com/booksearch.detail?S=R&bid=1515261961&cm_mmc=shopcompare-_-base-_-isbn-_-na

not sure if it's for robotics though  :-\
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Trumpkin on February 10, 2008, 03:35:46 PM
I think i need that.  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: garriwilson on February 10, 2008, 03:37:24 PM
How about difference between AC and DC. Advantages disadvantages. I don't know just trying to suggest something  :-\
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: paulstreats on February 12, 2008, 06:14:31 PM
Another quickie suggestion would be intercommunication between several mcu's - ie. a system communication protocol.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: robonoob on February 13, 2008, 07:52:24 AM
How about difference between AC and DC. Advantages disadvantages. I don't know just trying to suggest something  :-\
lol, i dont even know what these things are :D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Trumpkin on February 13, 2008, 08:58:34 AM
AC is alternating current, DC is direct current. DC is usually just for batteries, AC is usually just for wall plugs n stuff. 
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Asellith on February 18, 2008, 12:54:22 PM
Can we get a PCB tutorial done by those with more experience then me :) I have been working on some design and even had a small one produced for work that should work. We are assembling them now and will put them in service soon. But that was a REALLY simple board. I just feel as if there are some things I am missing and when I tried to order one from another company other then Express PCB which I used for the first one. They asked a lot more questions like material type and CNC rout points that confused me. Also would like a good idea of what the industry standard for PCBs is like. The rules of thumb and stuff that most people in the business know but is all greek to people like me who are just starting out.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: javafiend on February 19, 2008, 10:25:14 AM
I would really like to see the something like the $50 robot tutorial adapted for DC motors.

I've looked at the How H-Bridges Work schematic (http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_h-bridgedes.shtml) but still don't understand how to implement it.  Seeing it in action on something I already have a bit of familiarization with would be great.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: robonoob on February 19, 2008, 03:00:13 PM
I would really like to see the something like the $50 robot tutorial adapted for DC motors.

I've looked at the How H-Bridges Work schematic (http://www.societyofrobots.com/schematics_h-bridgedes.shtml) but still don't understand how to implement it.  Seeing it in action on something I already have a bit of familiarization with would be great.
i've made some tests with my arduino and an h-bridge, i'll try to upload some pictures tomorrow if i have time...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Webbot on February 20, 2008, 12:14:15 AM
Another quickie suggestion would be intercommunication between several mcu's - ie. a system communication protocol.

Completely agree. Especially if the mcu's are on different bots plus the laptop to monitor whats going on! Having a horde of bots talking to each other would be cool and could open the opportunity for all sorts of simulations as per:-
http://www.red3d.com/cwr/steer/ (http://www.red3d.com/cwr/steer/)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: AndrewM on February 29, 2008, 02:08:08 PM
Another quickie suggestion would be intercommunication between several mcu's - ie. a system communication protocol.

Definitely agree on the need for this.  I posted an entry in my personal blog about the need for segregation of responsibilities to multiple mcus within robotics.  I think that if more people knew how to make mcus intercommunicate they might be inclined to start expanding into that direction with their own robots.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ScorpIon on March 03, 2008, 09:34:45 AM
Another quickie suggestion would be intercommunication between several mcu's - ie. a system communication protocol.
I would also like to see this. Being able to use more than 1 mcu means that you can do more advanced stuff, harder better faster stronger.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Noob Robot Builder on March 08, 2008, 10:25:39 PM
voice recongnition is even cooler that a automatic robot ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D :'( ;D ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: airman00 on March 08, 2008, 10:29:15 PM
voice recongnition is even cooler that a automatic robot ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D :'( ;D ;D
Look guys

as most of you know , I've used speech recognition on Chives, my butler bot, (check erobots.blogspot.com )

Now , do you guys want a tutorial on speech recognition on a PC bot or on a microcontroller bot?

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ScorpIon on March 09, 2008, 07:30:26 AM
Ya Airman, would be nice. I would rather see how you would do it on a microcontroller (smaller, you don't need to strap a PC on the robot) but then again that must be way harder...

I guess since we are on the subject of skin for robots . . . I have done such a thing before and have pics . . . is there a big demand for a tutorial? Its kind of expensive, like $50 per pound of skin . . .
I would like to see that, Admin.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cooldog on March 09, 2008, 08:36:46 AM
voice recongnition is even cooler that a automatic robot ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D >:( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D :D :D :D ;D ;D ;D :'( ;D ;D
Look guys

as most of you know , I've used speech recognition on Chives, my butler bot, (check erobots.blogspot.com )

Now , do you guys want a tutorial on speech recognition on a PC bot or on a microcontroller bot?



i vote PC
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: superchiku on March 09, 2008, 12:38:36 PM
 have got a specific request for admin sir if u plzz listen to this it can do us some good

1. plzz instead of spoon feeding with us with predefined functions and header files made by u i request u to give microcontroller based programming tutorials which can do us a lot of good

2.plzz include some tutorials on fuse bits and how to manupulate them

3.also some tutorials about image processing using different softwares like matlab(the practical approach)

sir it may take u some time but plzz do try to implemet and place these tutorials it can really help us
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: alessio136 on March 22, 2008, 02:20:02 AM
stepper motor for me  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Webbot on March 27, 2008, 03:39:36 PM
I want to replicate some stuff we did in analogue electronics about 20 years ago (!) that actually changes the bot from a repetitive box of bits into something that show learning. ie Why follow a line? Why follow a light? Why would you do that? Answer - coz I'm a maggot  ;D !!

So think of your sensors as 'basic instinct' and 'other'.  'Basic Instinct' tend to be binary ie 'I have or haven't hit a wall' and so should do something about it. Other sensors like light, sonar, infra-red are just subjective things about the present that may predict the future.

So 20 years ago we did stuff whereby when the robot actually made impact with something (primary instinct) then it made a response eg back up and rotate in a random direction. (Yes-it may hit something when doing that but lets keep it simple for now).

So now your bot can bump into stuff - turn around and head off in another direction.

So now you need to build some conditioning software between the other inputs (sonar, light, sound etc). So for example: if you shine a light on the bot and then within 5 seconds it hits a wall then it should start to learn that 'light' means 'wall' and start to take evasive action on receiving the light before it hits the wall. This is all like Pavlovs dogs! However: if it hits a wall without having a light shone on it then it should un-learn the conditioning.

Why is this good?

Well it means that you dont have to solder in some wire, or write some code, to imply that one thing means the other. So the bot should soon learn that a 'blip' on the sonar means that it is going to hit something so it can take avoiding action on the blip. If you clap your hands before the sonar blip in a consistent way then it should learn that noise = sonar blip = bang'your'head and so take action on the noise.

Sorry if this sounds a bit dull but IMHO it actually demonstrates how bots can learn and un-learn responses depending on their environment and makes for something that is still simple but demonstrates a more 'wow factor' of learning.

This leads on to neural networks and more interesting stuff but - oh no - we are back in the C++ object orientated debate to make that happen!

Webbot
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jman571 on April 22, 2008, 08:07:13 AM
I just realized the need for this...After reading through many of Admin's tutorials he makes many veiled references at needing to heatsink components, mainly electronics. But there's no good tutorial explaining how to do this.

So that's what I want, a heatsinking tutorial  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: izua on April 22, 2008, 02:49:37 PM
That's an interesting idea on learning, but how exactly are you going to make software 'learn' like a pavlov reflex? you know what they say about Pavlov anyway, after his dog died, he kept brining him food out of reflex XD
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Webbot on April 24, 2008, 05:26:25 AM
Quote
how exactly are you going to make software 'learn'

Assume that your sensors are binary (ie 'can the sonar see a wall - yes/no', 'can I see light - yes/no', 'can i hear a noise - yes/no' etc). Then you can set a variable against a sensor when it changes from 'no' to 'yes'. The variable is given a number and you decrement it each time around your main loop until it reaches zero. So the variable means 'have I been fired in the last xxx seconds' - where 'xxx' depends on the initial value that you give the variable.

Now lets assume the bot hits a wall and trips a micro-switch. You look at each of your sensors for a 'non zero' value. You then take this value and add it to another variable which represents the conditioning between that sensor and hitting a wall. Lets call it 'the conditioning variable'.  So if the robot always saw a light just before it hit a wall then this variable would increase at a faster rate than if it saw the light 5 seconds before it hit the wall. So it would learn quicker. Then in your main loop, when you check the microswitch' to see if you have hit a wall you also check each of the 'conditioning variables' from the other sensors. If any of those have reached a 'trigger value' then you also check that sensor and if it is 'on' then you assume that you have hit a wall. So if you keep shining a torch on the bot just before it hits a wall then it will learn that seeing a light means it is going to a hit a wall and will take evasive action.

This checking would be recursive. ie when you check to see if the light sensor is 'on' this would also test the 'conditioning variables' from the other sensors to the light sensor. So if you clap your hands before you shine the torch then it will learn that noise means light means hit the wall. And so on.

What about 'unlearning'?  Well first of all you could decrement each of the conditioning variables each time around the loop so that if there is no re-inforcement (ie you never shine the torch and it never hits a wall) then it will un-learn that 'light means wall' over time. More importantly if hits a wall without seeing a light then you subtract a larger value from the conditioning variable so that if it happens several times then the conditioning variable drops below the threshold so that light no longer means wall. Obviously if the conditioning value has dropped to just below the threshold value then it will soon re-learn if you start shining the torch again.

If you want the robot to remember the conditioning between power-ups then you can save them away to persistent memory.

Obviously: most sensors are analog. So I guess you would change the value of the initial sensor you are reading  (haven't got my head around it yet !!). So you assume that the microswitch is actually analog - lets assume it can give a value of 0 to 100. Initially, since its a switch, then it will either give 0 (open) or 100 (closed). Then assume that you have a sonar which gives a value of 0 (can't seeing anything) and 100 (there is something right in front of me). Initially the sonar will see the wall but the bot takes no action until it hits the wall. It will soon learn that sonar means wall. At this stage when you check the microswitch you see that the conditioning variable is over its trigger value so you get the sonar value and return that as the value for the microswitch so now it can be anywhere between 0 and 100. So now the bot can turn left/right if the microswitch returns a value between 10 and 90 (say), and if its over 90 then it reverses and turns. Since the microswitch will have a conditioning variable between it and all of the other sensors then you will need to sum them all together to get an average.

Sorry for the length reply - but hopefully it makes sense. Gotta go and feed the dog  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: gjgfuj on May 28, 2008, 12:14:17 AM
[you should make a tutorial on how to add a camera or non electronic things to a robot
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: paulstreats on May 28, 2008, 06:44:22 AM
like a "PIMP MY BOT" tutorial :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: photray94 on June 15, 2008, 03:02:55 AM
Hello admin,

I'd enjoy it if tutorials - pertaining to the usage of a computer - could be converted for use on a macintosh computer.  I understand this may not be easy, but at least put it into consideration!

Thanks :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: TheHuk on June 19, 2008, 06:31:17 PM
First of all, I just found this site and have to admit - it's simply brilliant! Really nice tutorials on a lot of subjects, thanks a lot!

Onto the new tutorials, something suggested by others also, the communication between multiple MCUs, especially using some really cheap RF transceiver (like this one for example http://www.sparkfun.com/commerce/product_info.php?products_id=690 or if it's not possible using this one, any other cheap one will do :)).
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Caduscus on June 23, 2008, 01:36:23 PM
Yeah.  Please give us a good how-to on how to get grant money and the like.

I'm 13 and can't just poop out $1k.

lol me too ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Judan on June 24, 2008, 04:58:57 AM
I was wondering if you could make a tutorial on like beatle and flea weight robots and how to make weapons for them etc...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Roberto on June 28, 2008, 03:44:28 PM
Micro controller voice recognition please.  ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: garriwilson on July 04, 2008, 08:29:45 PM
How about the relay tutorial. It has said "Relay tutorial coming soon" for as long as I can remember.

http://www.societyofrobots.com/electronics_advanced_components_tutorial.shtml#relay

all the way at the bottom
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: GhostCell on August 03, 2008, 08:05:26 AM
When your desinging a robot, what program do you use?


All the ones i have been trying dont work so well for me.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: airman00 on August 03, 2008, 08:24:25 AM
When your desinging a robot, what program do you use?


All the ones i have been trying dont work so well for me.

Google Sketchup

http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/70
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: MarkBrown on August 14, 2008, 01:55:12 PM
I am not sure if they have been asked for, as I haven't read through all 7 pages of this thread, but there are 3 tutorials I would love to read:


I am still very new to this so I ask forgiveness if these tutorials already exist or are too simple.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ert481 on August 17, 2008, 12:49:18 PM
this isn't really a robot but it has to do with electronic stuff.
maybe something that has an LCD screen and you play games on it.
sort of like gameboy or somthing. ::)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ankit_ipu_niec on September 14, 2008, 01:11:32 AM
I would like to see a detailed descriped tutorial on image processing using roborealm software /
matlab that is which type of camera to be used,how to connect it (wirelessly),how to communicate between
mcu and computer etc.


i would also like to see tutorial based on voice recognition using visual basic6  or something else
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: MaltiK on September 14, 2008, 05:21:44 PM
I want to see some Picaxe tutorials, as this microcontroller board is very popular!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Elias1001 on October 05, 2008, 07:41:13 PM
I'd like to see a tutorial for solar powered robots. Renewable energy!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Trumpkin on October 05, 2008, 07:43:52 PM
Elias, Google BEAM robots.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jobs.steve on October 21, 2008, 07:30:09 PM
Hai I am new to this site. This site very interesting to see very good color combination I liked it very much topic is also very hot topic about robots I like very much robots. Lower labor cost is the reason often cited for off-shoring manufacturing jobs. So why would it be cheaper to use robots in India than in the USA? It's because only a fifth of the cost of deploying the robot is the cost of the robot itself. The rest of the cost is programming the robot, developing the tools and developing the manufacturing processes.

========================================
Jobs.steve
Real Estate (http://www.fastrealestate.com.au)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Xone G0D on October 23, 2008, 10:47:49 PM
Hai I am new to this site. This site very interesting to see very good color combination I liked it very much topic is also very hot topic about robots I like very much robots. Lower labor cost is the reason often cited for off-shoring manufacturing jobs. So why would it be cheaper to use robots in India than in the USA? It's because only a fifth of the cost of deploying the robot is the cost of the robot itself. The rest of the cost is programming the robot, developing the tools and developing the manufacturing processes.

========================================
Jobs.steve
Real Estate (http://www.fastrealestate.com.au)

WHAT~!?!?!??  :o  Where is the tutorial request... Jobs.Steve ?  :-\


..X..
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: CrashOverron on October 30, 2008, 05:17:47 PM
i vote for a programming tutorial because ive been programming for quite some time but want to figure out how to implement all i know into robotics  :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: MaltiK on November 04, 2008, 06:38:54 PM
Actually a sensor tutorial would be useful, maybe a more detailed IR sensor?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Razor Concepts on November 05, 2008, 08:52:29 PM
I want to see some Picaxe tutorials, as this microcontroller board is very popular!

Me too, although AVRs are clearly superior the little PICs can be handy.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Rockyboy53 on November 14, 2008, 09:05:56 AM
Hey Admin, have you ever done voice recognition?  It looks incomprehensibly difficult.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Commanderbob on November 16, 2008, 03:29:54 PM
I would like an improved SMA tutorial. I want to build a very small robot with it.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Daniel Clarke on November 18, 2008, 09:38:50 PM
I think if someone goes to the effort of hi-jacking a component for robot use, they should submit it. I plan on using the encoder wheel from my usb mouse for micro mouse next year. I was going to use the laser but the encoder wheel looks like a better/easier idea. Also, are all the tutorials located in place? I was skimming through this post and looking at all the tutorials which don't seem to be accessible from the tutorial section on the home page.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: spykid99 on November 26, 2008, 03:48:03 PM
Hi

I want a tutorial on aesthetics and spray painting that would be good because I want to put camo markings on my spy robot

Spykid99
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: CENTURION247 on December 03, 2008, 09:25:57 PM
I would like to request a tutorial on how to build a BEAM robot from household electronics (I have almost anything in my house so the composition doesn't matter to me). Please  :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial
Post by: Arylic on December 11, 2008, 05:34:28 PM
I like robots a lot, i have been dreaming to make my on robots since like.....2nd grade. But i have zero skills at it. even the $50 robot seems complicated to me. So can you please make simple robot tutorials were there is no complicated circuits or any use of micro controllers and stuff. Just simple small robots which doesn't use expensive stuff. So i can work my self up.

Please it is a generous request. 
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cooldog on December 12, 2008, 08:44:53 PM
So can you please make simple robot tutorials were there is no complicated circuits or any use of micro controllers and stuff. 

a micro controller is what makes a robot a robot. what would this robot do
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Farmerboy08 on December 16, 2008, 06:10:49 PM
Hi i was wondering if you could make a tutorial on how to use a computer to control the robot?

Please and thank you
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Armouralis on January 09, 2009, 08:22:46 PM
i would a programming tutorail that explains how the $50 robot is programmed

like what is a header file?
what is a make file?
whats a source file?

i looked at the $50 code and it is very complicated for a beginner to understand

a tutorial that explains how to program would be very helpful


(edit)
now that i look at it, on the vote, microcontroler programming is the highest now at 11%, so i am not the only one who wants the tutorial
thx in advance
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: afsurge on February 02, 2009, 03:55:02 AM
hello
first of all i wud like to congratulate u on building such an excellent collection of text and tutorials on Robotics, bravo!

i want to build the $50 robot (doesnt matter if it costs more)
i saw the different functions u showed using the IR Rangefinder
i was wondering if it is possible if i wanted to build the same robot, but with multiple functions
suppose i want the robot to hav 2 modes of operation (using a switch or sth):
1. the object avoiding function &
2. the target following function

how do i do this?
do i need 2 different microcontrollers in this case, or can i just use a single 32bit one instead of the 16bit u used?
how do i write the program in this case for both functions?
plz lemme know soon...thanks

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cooldog on February 02, 2009, 06:16:08 AM
you could put them all in 1 microcontroller and do something like

start up> object avoiding code> if (insert action here)> use target following code
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Ro-Bot-X on February 02, 2009, 07:38:48 AM
Create functions for each program (ex. photovore, line following, etc.) and in your Main function just check some switches and depending on their configuration, run the specific function. This method requires at least 1 input pin from the microcontroller, if it's an analog pin, use resistors in series with the swithces and tie them all in paralel to the same analog pin. Depending on the resistor value, a different voltage will apear at the pin and you can use that to select your specific function.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: frodo on February 05, 2009, 03:29:31 PM
i think that a new tutorial for everything that was in the poll would be good to suit everyone even though it does take time  :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jellis359 on February 10, 2009, 07:45:35 PM
How about a tutorial on C for us beginners, or at least recommend a book. I tired of PBASIC. :-[
Title: Tutorial on DTMF/cell network robot control
Post by: ysaid on February 11, 2009, 02:25:34 PM
admin,

could you, or someone from members, please write a tutorial on cell phone robot control, because it would allow  vast robot mobility and relatively easy and cheap internet control - good for beginners.

there are a number of forum threads on using DTMF, but I believe many will appreciate a coherent tutorial. For example, there is little info available on how to send feedback from robot/sensors back to operator through cell network. Perhaps someone has experience with data transfer through cellphones and interaction with the robot?

Thanks a lot!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on February 24, 2009, 02:43:05 PM
How about a tutorial on C for us beginners, or at least recommend a book. I tired of PBASIC. :-[

i second that!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on March 04, 2009, 03:26:36 PM
Can you PLZ make a tutorial on soldering? :'(
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on March 04, 2009, 11:28:29 PM
Can you PLZ make a tutorial on soldering? :'(
there are already so many out there. google how to solder tutorial! plus tonnes of vids on youtube!!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on March 05, 2009, 07:06:41 AM
u got a point...
but I third the c tutorial thing...
(even though I know c++ pretty well)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: tralfam on March 16, 2009, 09:14:15 PM
How about a tutorial using two old cellphones for communication?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on March 18, 2009, 05:00:48 AM
well first you get the first cellphone and dial in the number for the second cellphone and press the green phone.... lol im joking, what sort of data to you intend for it to send? im pretty sure this question has been asked and answered in the forums before.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on March 18, 2009, 07:32:54 PM
on the programming thing, go to www.cplusplus.com (http://)
it has basic c++ stuff, which can easily be used to write in c after looking at a few of admins codes.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: klims on March 19, 2009, 04:40:03 AM
I would LOVE to see a tutorial on programming gait sequences.

I have been working on my humanoid biped for quite some time now but I just cant get it stable.
From what I have read Inverse Kinematics is the way to go. Being an Engineering/Comp Science student I understand the theorey behind it but I'm struggling with its implementation.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Bangarang on March 23, 2009, 10:57:21 PM
Hi

I want a tutorial on aesthetics and spray painting that would be good because I want to put camo markings on my spy robot

Spykid99

I was wondering how to paint camo on the bahx bot.  I'm glad you brought this up.  Is there a template and instructions out there somewhere?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: bionic-man on April 04, 2009, 11:39:25 PM
i would like to see a tutorial for programming in c for complete noobs. all i have seen on the market for free is computer programming in c. are they the same?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: noobinator on April 05, 2009, 12:33:27 AM
i would like to see a tutorial for programming in c for complete noobs. all i have seen on the market for free is computer programming in c. are they the same?
yes they are fairly similar, they may each have a few differences but learn one and the other will pretty much be in your head.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Squintz on April 14, 2009, 11:38:06 AM
I love all your existing tutorials. I have been lurking on this site for about a week now and can't stop reading your tutorials. They are very easy to follow. So here are my request:

Google Sketchup + Sketchy Physics tutorial - I can't find any good video tutorials for what seems to be an excellent free tool. I have only found one text tutorial and it's pretty lame. It would be nice if someone created either a text or video tutorial (with verbal instructions instead of fuzzy text in the video and background music). Take into account that not everyone has used sketchup on a daily basis and could use step by step help learning the basic sketchup lessons while also learning sketchy physics lessons.

How do wet vacuums work? - There is plenty of information about how vacuum cleaners work but I can't seem to find anything about how to suck up a liquid. This could be used for building subs and also bots like scuba roomba. I want to make a bot that cleans the grout lines in my kitchen floor so my wife does not have to get on her knees with a toothbrush.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on April 21, 2009, 12:28:24 AM
some sucker vacuums work by having a motor axle with a tri-wing blade attached in an enclosed areawith input on one side and output on the other and it pushes the water from one side to the other.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on April 27, 2009, 02:44:41 PM
admin is there any way that you could make it so you can search profiles, like type dellagd in the search box and it show a link to my profile?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on April 27, 2009, 04:34:51 PM
cant you just go advanced search, type dellagd into the name field then go into the post and click your name?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on April 27, 2009, 04:59:18 PM
whoops  :P my bad you can  :P
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: fork on May 05, 2009, 11:21:39 AM
Gripper tutorial world bevery usefull
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: xCyclone on June 01, 2009, 04:39:54 PM
I believe that you should also make another robot tutorial for people who have finished the 50 dollar robot and then think "What now?" But let this one be a little more challenging and don't hold everybodies hand like you did in the 50 dollar robot some people may be ready to start gradually building on their own yet with guidance. But I voted for voice recognition, that would be so cool.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on June 02, 2009, 03:48:08 AM
i see that microcontroller programming is winning ???
what do people want to know?
i may be able to make a tutorial on programming these holidays ;D
but what do people need to know more about? hardware? how TO do it?.... software?
I believe that you should also make another robot tutorial for people who have finished the 50 dollar robot and then think "What now?" But let this one be a little more challenging and don't hold everybodies hand like you did in the 50 dollar robot some people may be ready to start gradually building on their own yet with guidance. But I voted for voice recognition, that would be so cool.
there are a few robot tutorials in the "member tutorials" section of the site that are a little more complicated than the $50 robot but still provide programming and excellent instructions, for example: airman00's 3 in 1 robot.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Canabots on June 02, 2009, 06:06:05 AM
I believe that you should also make another robot tutorial for people who have finished the 50 dollar robot and then think "What now?" But let this one be a little more challenging and don't hold everybodies hand like you did in the 50 dollar robot some people may be ready to start gradually building on their own yet with guidance. But I voted for voice recognition, that would be so cool.

Also, on the index page of the $50 robot tutorial, there's a list of links below.The first few are of the tutorial, but then below theree are bonus projects one could do (I think there's sonar, bootloader, ect...)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: xCyclone on June 02, 2009, 11:46:11 AM
Oh thanks guys. I didn't know ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: izaktj on July 01, 2009, 08:27:08 PM
I'm curios about what program does Admin use for CAD. And of course, it'd be great to have a tutorial about it.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on July 02, 2009, 12:35:40 AM
he uses autodesk inventor i think, and its expensive...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on July 02, 2009, 07:11:33 AM
get google sketchup, its free
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: RoboChan on July 02, 2009, 11:16:18 AM
I'm curios about what program does Admin use for CAD. And of course, it'd be great to have a tutorial about it.
about $7k my school has it. its a million times better then google but for 7k it should be ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on July 02, 2009, 12:37:55 PM
$7k (moans and faints)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: MangoBot on July 13, 2009, 09:15:23 PM
A tutorial on how to make a robot with IC's. Something simpler like a line following robot.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on July 13, 2009, 10:51:45 PM
A tutorial on how to make a robot with IC's. Something simpler like a line following robot.
there are already several on this site, ake for example admins $50 robot.
point the photoresistors at the ground and you have a line follower.
have a brouse through the member tutorials, there is at least one line follower.
like airman00s' 3 in 1 robot. it follows lines fine.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: spizzak on July 15, 2009, 11:43:32 AM
I use solid edge for 3D CAD
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: vdemon on August 09, 2009, 05:54:11 PM
hi

admin i know how busy u are but if u are finished with other tutorials if its not to much trouble.
could you please post a RC robot powered by solar energy.
THANKS!
 
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on August 10, 2009, 12:42:09 AM
what more is there? there is already an rc tutorial, and then there is just the matter of hooking up a solar circuit to the battery leads... not much at all...
it just so happens my school is doing this at the moment (solar car race) ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: speedbot on August 20, 2009, 11:54:31 AM
There probably is going to be a microcontroller programming tutorial so if there is gonna b 1 then can it b on the 2 microcontrollers in the 50$ robot tutorial. btw i wish my school was doing a solar car race
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on August 20, 2009, 02:21:54 PM
There probably is going to be a microcontroller programming tutorial so if there is gonna b 1 then can it b on the 2 microcontrollers in the 50$ robot tutorial. btw i wish my school was doing a solar car race
which two microcontrollers are there on the $50 tutorial? the mega8 and what? 168?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: speedbot on August 20, 2009, 03:09:48 PM
ya i think so. 8 is normal and 168 is for the upgrade
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on August 20, 2009, 04:32:59 PM
ahh ok, programming them is generally the same.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Joker94 on August 21, 2009, 02:36:18 AM
what more is there? there is already an rc tutorial, and then there is just the matter of hooking up a solar circuit to the battery leads... not much at all...
it just so happens my school is doing this at the moment (solar car race) ;D

is your school doing the world solar challenge.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on August 21, 2009, 03:06:15 AM
nope, its just a small thing that schools from the albury wodonga region are participating in.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Joker94 on August 21, 2009, 05:23:36 AM
oh like the minitchure solar cars that go around a track, or some thing similar.

I was just wondering as i am participating in the world solar challenge in october with a few other SA schools in a TAFE SA car.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: SmAsH on August 21, 2009, 05:32:58 AM
not really miniature... like 1m long and .5-.75m wide...

ps: this isn't the thread to discuss this ;)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Joker94 on August 21, 2009, 05:40:35 AM
oh that size.

sorry, went a bit off topic :-[
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: omar on August 30, 2009, 05:02:34 AM
Can you tell me how can i build my robot? i wanna build a self leveling table controlled by two servo motors which takes signal from a (DE-ACCM3D) accelerometer bought from DimensionEngineering ,i found a video in the you tube called accelerometer demo, i think my project is similar to that.
How can i get the code for such project and how can i make a communication between the sensor and the pic micro controller and the servo motors.
Thank you,
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: tecanand on September 28, 2009, 02:06:00 PM
http://techfest.org/competitions/ibots/antz/ (http://techfest.org/competitions/ibots/antz/)     learn swarm technology from basics .......... this is awesome ..............
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: hemanth on October 05, 2009, 06:22:04 PM
can you give the design for a robot that works on difficult terrain(like Scarab)? That would be cool ! :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: mshorter on October 25, 2009, 10:31:00 PM
A "remote control" tutorial would be nice, more than the buy a controller and receivers.  More like attaching a usb or serial game pad (or an xbox for that matter) or wireless control using and NDS or Iphone/Android phone or even a netbook.  I would love to be able to control my robot from my G1 or even my netbook wirelessly
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: AtomicWaste on November 17, 2009, 02:55:45 AM
hmm. 10 pages. I think You have your hands full already, but I'll still add my voice to it.


I don't think I've seen one on Color LCD screens and graphic displays. I would much rather attach a big colorful screen to my bot then tie it down to a computer and data log.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: tech20 on November 22, 2009, 09:58:22 AM
I personally would like a tutorial on a camera module like AVRcam or CMUcam and how to use it on microcontrollers. I have looked on the internet for resources, but none are actually focusing on the programming, hardware, or the whole microcontroller setup, they usually just have a just lecture like feel about how some image processing works, and lack the actual jump from knowing how it works to using a camera module. Hope tht someday I can actually learn how to interface one of these modules to my microcontroller, especially from a tutorial on this site.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: maitri on December 14, 2009, 08:26:55 PM
I think that with the pervasiveness of laptops and netbooks a tutorial on creating a laptop\netbook based robot would be great.  The robot would be controlled by some board that is connected to the laptop USB port.  Other sensors could also come in over the USB ports like webcams, range finders, etc.

I am astonished that there aren't more premade kits for laptop based robots on the market.  The ER1 was a bit ahead of its time in that sense...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jellis359 on January 14, 2010, 07:58:06 AM
How about a tutorial on using roborealm in conjunction with the BASIC stamp2
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: z.s.tar.gz on January 14, 2010, 04:40:35 PM
How about a tutorial on advanced power regulation?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Curtisfootball on January 21, 2010, 01:57:32 PM
ok got u covered

how to raise money for robots:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotfunding.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotfunding.shtml)

thx, good ideas
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: squirtking on February 06, 2010, 09:19:20 AM
Anyone want a tutorial on something robot related? I can write one up if anyone thinks something is difficult to do/understand. Otherwise I am just guessing what tutorials are useful for you.

Post ideas for some here.

- admin


talking about robot tutorials is there any chance of being able to make a robot for £20 or less? if there is could you send it to  [email protected]
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: duste83 on February 15, 2010, 02:09:40 PM
I know electronics and taught myself programming but metal work has got me baffled.  Can you do something with fab work and brazing?  Something along those lines please.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: robotsRcool on February 16, 2010, 12:52:21 AM
maybe you could have a more advanced tutorial on augmented microcontroller who knows,
 ohh and thanks for posting a replie admin to grated geek 3000 as it is hard for a 13 year old
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Canabots on February 19, 2010, 09:07:59 PM
Can you do something with fab work and brazing?  Something along those lines please.

A brazing tutorial is already on the main site.

http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_brazing.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/mechanics_brazing.shtml)
Title: BASIC HELP with axon 2
Post by: rueben5 on March 30, 2010, 05:21:38 AM
Hi, I am just a beginner here so please dont find my questions ridiculous :S. I am planning to make a robot car. I already got the axon 2 microcontroller. Now my first objective is to control a dc motor and a servo using the axon via bluetooth using my computer. So can anyone give me a head start. I already downloaded all the software and all, but which one do i actually sue to program the axon? :S... n jus to add one more silly question, do i need to power my axon with a batter even though im connected to it using a USB?

to be brief, im actually looking for a mentor for my project, so would any one be kind enough to be my mentor.. the keywords for my project would be:
axon 2 (microcontroller)
servo motor control
 bluetooth
integrated camera (if there is enough time).

thanks a lot and hope to get a reply soon. :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on March 30, 2010, 12:57:38 PM
rueben5: I sudgest you make a seperate topic and you will get more answers :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: monsieurpo on April 17, 2010, 08:25:51 AM
what about a remote controlled robot tutorial?


i need that!!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Canabots on April 17, 2010, 09:10:57 AM
Did you search the main site?

http://www.societyofrobots.com/remote_control_robot.shtml (http://www.societyofrobots.com/remote_control_robot.shtml)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dellagd on April 18, 2010, 11:01:51 AM
and what exactly do u mean by "remote control"?
like and RC car or something like where the robot takes info from a RC transmitter, takes that info for some kind of a command, then excecutes a certain set(s) of action?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Dante Inverse on May 01, 2010, 10:31:29 PM
how abt...
tutorial on
1> hacking RC toys
2> scavenging tutorial ..... means...
what all things can be extracted form a specifec toy....
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: praveen_khm on May 03, 2010, 08:41:04 AM
Hi,

Can someone/admin please write a nice tutorial on a/d conversion.
I know there are few links which can guide me on a2d conversion. However, somehow I feel that I am not able to understand that.

I tried google and also in avrfreaks, but am lost somewhere in between as I just get an overall brief of a2d.

If someone can write a tut on this, my request would be a detailed description on the following:

ARef (reference voltage)
ADC Prescaler
ADC Channels
ADC registers: ADMux, ADCSRA(ADEN, ADSC, ADIF, helpful if all bit names and explanation is given), ADCL, ADCH

A complete code for conversion, using any ATmega. (I am using ATmega8).

I have the 50$ code which I use for conversion. However it is like I dont understand anything out of it. If I need something, I just add the entire file and then call the function, without understanding what and how it does.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ChrisBuckler on June 16, 2010, 01:49:53 PM
Hello Admin,

I have been working through your tutorials for a 3 or 4 weeks now, and being a programmer, not an electrical engineer, or engineer of any sort at that :P, I have learned a lot from your forums / tutorials. 

First of all, I would like to thank you very much for what you are doing... this is great and a lot more helpful and easier to soak up then a good chunk of the information out there.  I could go on and on about how much I appreciate this site ... but on the other hand, I don't want to high jack this forum!

I have searched all over, was wondering if you could provide a tutorial on how to interact the LCD with a robot.  Perhaps a simple tutorial could be, hooking the LCD screen up to the $50 Robot, and simply just displaying, "forward" when moving forward, "backward" when moving backwards, just for us to get our feet wet!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: voyager2 on June 25, 2010, 01:18:11 AM
I would love a tutorial on flying robots and underwater robots, as well as "bio-robots" (robots that look like animals) ;D
Oh and voice recognition too.

Thanks

Voyager2
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: random robots on July 07, 2010, 06:22:55 AM
just as voyager 2 said, id like a tutorial on flying robots. And can you use a breadboard for it maybe?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: amando96 on July 07, 2010, 10:11:55 AM
just as voyager 2 said, id like a tutorial on flying robots. And can you use a breadboard for it maybe?

Definitely not.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Selenaut-14 on July 08, 2010, 11:47:52 PM
How about a GUIs tutorial?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: voyager2 on September 17, 2010, 01:21:44 AM
Heres one:
How about a tutorial on swarm robots?
But yeah 10 pages  :o ::) ::) :o
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: DomC on October 02, 2010, 01:40:01 AM
I think you should make a tutorial on how to design robots, diffrent points of view, what you should include in your design etc.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: scottad73 on October 07, 2010, 02:26:05 PM
I would like to see a tutorial on IMUs, Inertia Measurement units.  thank you
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Tyrant T on October 10, 2010, 03:02:43 PM
A cousin of mine rigged a lighter with petrol to make it powerful enough to lift of the ground.I'm thinking of using that idea to make an r/c rocket.Can you put on a tutorial for that? ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: monsieurpo on October 19, 2010, 02:52:16 PM
i think you should do a tutorial on the base like how to program a servo a some trick that me can do with it like a clock a wheeled robot or any stuff that we can do with servo because it's the base of robotic...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Elijah5647 on January 10, 2011, 06:04:02 PM
Can you do a tutorial on UAV's or something even if it was based on a remote controll thing.
That would be awesome!!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: waltr on January 13, 2011, 11:11:49 AM
I voted for tutorials that would help give answers to more common questions asked and ones that many beginners have trouble understanding.

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: rich2subhu2007 on January 20, 2011, 02:24:23 PM
Hi....
can i get some tutorials for the mechanical design of humanoid of 2ft size approx?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: smashing robots on January 21, 2011, 09:22:16 AM
any tutorials is welcomed, I personally prefer more tutorials regarding programming language, and if the tutorials are for Java - you're the best
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: hodgie_2k on February 22, 2011, 09:48:04 PM
Hello

I want to make an autonomous turret but i have no idea where to start. i have an idea what it will look like it will work on 2 axis but i am unsure what control and drive systems to use.

i haven't made a robot before i am a maintenance technician with a HNC in Mechatronics so i have some robotic experience but not at this level. do you have any tutorials or information which would help me do this?

Cheers
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: dmclifton on February 23, 2011, 08:11:53 AM
Hello

I want to make an autonomous turret but i have no idea where to start. i have an idea what it will look like it will work on 2 axis but i am unsure what control and drive systems to use.

i haven't made a robot before i am a maintenance technician with a HNC in Mechatronics so i have some robotic experience but not at this level. do you have any tutorials or information which would help me do this?

Cheers

Maybe this would help. http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/369 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/369)

If you go to the main societyofrobots.com page, then click on 'member pages' there's a lot there.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Brianhuang on March 03, 2011, 09:34:19 PM
Try something for younger kids( That is still advanced). People never get those stuff very easily. I'm only a 11 and I can do object oriented programming! Try some Intermediate tutorials.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: voyager2 on March 03, 2011, 09:47:48 PM
I'm only a 11 and I can do object oriented programming!
Nice to know I'm not the only one ;D
JavaScript @ 10.5yr
C @ 11.9yr

Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: spykid99 on April 12, 2011, 06:17:55 AM
Wow, their are a lot of young people here, i am 11 myself.  ;D
I would like an in-depth MCU programming tutorial or a flying robot (helicopter, plane, quadrocopter, etc...) tutorial with things like how to mount a aerial camera, drop mini-bombs  ;), etc...
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: MarshallAndrew on May 02, 2011, 01:15:38 AM
I voted for tutorials that would help give answers to more common questions asked and ones that many beginners have trouble understanding.



Add me to that vote ... a beginners guide would be great :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: MarshallAndrew on May 02, 2011, 01:17:08 AM
And this will be helpful to the beginners like me  :)
http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=602.0 (http://www.societyofrobots.com/robotforum/index.php?topic=602.0) ( I have some reading to do  :D )
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: BigKLaxer on July 13, 2011, 07:24:49 AM
I think tactile sensing is a pretty basic idea that could be better covered and very useful for beginners. For example, I've been reading Robot Builder's Bonanza and the author talks about using conductive IC foam as a pressure sensor, but I can't get my hands on any useful amounts to experiment with until I get back to school, so it'd be cool seeing how advanced and accurate the sensors made from it could be.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: adanvasco on July 20, 2011, 09:00:31 PM
What is LDR?

Light Dependent Resistor, I guess.


Edit: Damn! I just realized I replied to a 2006 question!!!!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: mr roboto on August 04, 2011, 11:45:33 AM
make a tutorial on wiring organisation
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: pcbdesign on September 19, 2011, 07:13:25 PM
I voted ( even tho it's 5 years old! ;D

Microcontroller Programming
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: George kos on October 12, 2011, 02:30:39 AM
i need a tactile senor tutorial for my self balancing robot.please write one ;) ::) ??? :'( :-\ :-[ :(
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: abc123@@ on November 22, 2011, 06:41:44 PM
.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: mr roboto on December 30, 2011, 01:56:43 PM
I'm only a 11 and I can do object oriented programming!
Nice to know I'm not the only one ;D
JavaScript @ 10.5yr
C @ 11.9yr
gml at 10
c at 13
html at 13
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: mr roboto on January 02, 2012, 01:15:14 PM
you posed this on this topic?
try going to make another topic.
or do you want admin to make a tutorial on new years?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: beachboy612 on July 02, 2012, 09:15:28 AM
how about one on micocontroller programming and what the different pins on a microcontroller designate?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: ram aravind on September 11, 2012, 11:17:34 AM
i request the admin to post tutorials on long range remote controlled robot such as spy bot or survey bot where IR or RF controllers cant be used. so u can post on internet controlled or through gprs etc.. this may be very helpful since a proper tutorial or one such for amateurs is not clearly available in the internet..
thank you
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: sebastian on November 20, 2012, 01:53:19 PM
I think the mechanics section needs to be more applied and practical rather than theoretical for example hydraulics, lubrication, ball bearings, rollers, grippers, loaded beams, mechanism (cams etc)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: koolraj09 on January 13, 2013, 07:04:29 AM
Hi,
I think that a tutorial on Robot Grippers is a must because a for a beginner after a simple remote control robot the next thing on the list is mainly a "Gripper"!!
A tutorial on Micro-controller programming would also be immensely helpful.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: samosa on February 01, 2013, 03:54:48 PM
Hai...

I have voted for BootLeg...
 :D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Matty1324 on February 14, 2013, 03:38:19 AM
As I am a beginner could you please do a tutorial on building a robot basic style thanks :)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: jwatte on February 14, 2013, 02:11:16 PM
A basic robot: That's exactly what the $50 robot tutorial is about!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: just pez on May 07, 2013, 06:42:14 AM
i want to know te materials that i need to make a robot
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: opamm on November 27, 2013, 02:29:02 PM
i am currently working on a project in which i am using MPU6050. but i am not able to gather info about how to programme it. so plzz can any one help in programming part.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: Roman505 on November 27, 2013, 06:46:43 PM
When you googled "6050 programming" did you find Google was bereft of hits? No reference to the playground at arduino.cc, no links to code samples? The invensense web side provides no support for programming its chip?
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: techsavvychic on December 23, 2013, 12:49:08 PM
These articles may be of use http://bitly.com/1fspRXW (http://bitly.com/1fspRXW)
http://bit.ly/JLEeMf (http://bit.ly/JLEeMf)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: uep0 on August 06, 2014, 08:39:52 AM
Practical Explanation ( For Example ) :- `1st of all can you tell me every single seconds detail from that time when you born ?? ( i need every seconds detail ?? that what- what you have thought and done on every single second )

can you tell me every single detail of your `1 cheapest Minute Or your whole hour, day, week, month, year or your whole life ??

if you are not able to tell me about this life then what proof do you have that you didn't forget your past ? and that you will not forget this present life in the future ?

that is Fact that Supreme Lord Krishna exists but we posses no such intelligence to understand him.
there is also next life. and i already proved you that no scientist, no politician, no so-called intelligent man in this world is able to understand this Truth. cuz they are imagining. and you cannot imagine what is god, who is god, what is after life etc.
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for example :Your father existed before your birth. you cannot say that before your birth your father don,t exists.

So you have to ask from mother, "Who is my father?" And if she says, "This gentleman is your father," then it is all right. It is easy.
Otherwise, if you makes research, "Who is my father?" go on searching for life; you'll never find your father.

( now maybe...maybe you will say that i will search my father from D.N.A, or i will prove it by photo's, or many other thing's which i will get from my mother and prove it that who is my Real father.{ So you have to believe the authority. who is that authority ? she is your mother. you cannot claim of any photo's, D.N.A or many other things without authority ( or ur mother ).

if you will show D.N.A, photo's, and many other proofs from other women then your mother. then what is use of those proofs ??} )

same you have to follow real authority. "Whatever You have spoken, I accept it," Then there is no difficulty. And You are accepted by Devala, Narada, Vyasa, and You are speaking Yourself, and later on, all the acaryas have accepted. Then I'll follow.
I'll have to follow great personalities. The same reason mother says, this gentleman is my father. That's all. Finish business. Where is the necessity of making research? All authorities accept Krsna, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. You accept it; then your searching after God is finished.

Why should you waste your time?
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all that is you need is to hear from authority ( same like mother ). and i heard this truth from authority " Srila Prabhupada " he is my spiritual master.
im not talking these all things from my own.
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in this world no `1 can be Peace full. this is all along Fact.

cuz we all are suffering in this world 4 Problems which are Disease, Old age, Death, and Birth after Birth.

tell me are you really happy ?? you can,t be happy if you will ignore these 4 main problem. then still you will be Forced by Nature.
___________________

if you really want to be happy then follow these 6 Things which are No illicit sex, No gambling, No drugs ( No tea & coffee ), No meat-eating ( No onion & garlic's )

5th thing is whatever you eat `1st offer it to Supreme Lord Krishna. ( if you know it what is Guru parama-para then offer them food not direct Supreme Lord Krishna )

and 6th " Main Thing " is you have to Chant " hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare ".
_______________________________
If your not able to follow these 4 things no illicit sex, no gambling, no drugs, no meat-eating then don,t worry but chanting of this holy name ( Hare Krishna Maha-Mantra ) is very-very and very important.

Chant " hare krishna hare krishna krishna krishna hare hare hare rama hare rama rama rama hare hare " and be happy.

if you still don,t believe on me then chant any other name for 5 Min's and chant this holy name for 5 Min's and you will see effect. i promise you it works And chanting at least 16 rounds ( each round of 108 beads ) of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra daily.
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Here is no Question of Holy Books quotes, Personal Experiences, Faith or Belief. i accept that Sometimes Faith is also Blind. Here is already Practical explanation which already proved that every`1 else in this world is nothing more then Busy Foolish and totally idiot.
_________________________
Source(s):
every `1 is already Blind in this world and if you will follow another Blind then you both will fall in hole. so try to follow that person who have Spiritual Eyes who can Guide you on Actual Right Path. ( my Authority & Guide is my Spiritual Master " Srila Prabhupada " )
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if you want to see Actual Purpose of human life then see this link : ( www.asitis.com (http://www.asitis.com) {Bookmark it })
read it complete. ( i promise only readers of this book that they { he/she } will get every single answer which they want to know about why im in this material world, who im, what will happen after this life, what is best thing which will make Human Life Perfect, and what is perfection of Human Life. ) purpose of human life is not to live like animal cuz every`1 at present time doing 4 thing which are sleeping, eating, sex & fear. purpose of human life is to become freed from Birth after birth, Old Age, Disease, and Death.
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: pedromatias on December 24, 2014, 12:28:02 PM
Raspberry Pi projects for newbs? I wanted to do the 50$ robot, but the parts don't ship to my country :( I have little programming experience, and zero robot building experience
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: mklrobo on May 07, 2015, 07:04:37 PM
 ;D Hello!
I have started a post that will try to cover every nut and bolt needed to build a robot, from the very begining. I hope I am successfull.  8)
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: johnnywheels on February 25, 2016, 01:15:17 AM
;D Hello!
I have started a post that will try to cover every nut and bolt needed to build an Airwheel S3T (http://shopairwheels.com/collections/all/products/airwheel-s3t-scooter-white-orange-520wh), from the very begining. I hope I am successfull.  8)


Sweet, I'll give it a look.  Thanks!  :D

Update: Checked it out and debating on purchase.  Will post pics if I decide to get it!
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: mklrobo on February 26, 2016, 09:32:07 AM
 ;D Hello!
I started the post, "Analyzing the Axon: Coding, Construction, and Contraptions." I have found that
loading the program and compiling the source code to begin is the toughest part. I have seen a few
people on the forum say that have not had any problems. I have not seen any examples of full
source code for their projects. I will be working on the problem for quite a while. I am sure it is simple,
that is why I am having such a problem.   :'( :'( :'(
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: DObluefire on September 30, 2016, 08:09:14 AM
Can you make a Tutorial about making a Robot that can dig for Gold and from the comfort from your home?So, I won't have to go to the river and dig up gold myself?Oh and the robot would have a live video stream (so you can watch it doing its job live) and a tracking device so You Know that the robot is doing its job and you won't loose it
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: KK428 on April 21, 2017, 05:12:04 PM
I think you could add some tutorials for making robots with raspberry pi/ arduino boards. Im not sure if this has to do with robotics but also setting up rpi/arduino would help too. ;D
Title: Re: want a new robot tutorial?
Post by: cryoflammer7 on July 02, 2023, 02:08:06 AM
Hi Guys,

Thanks for your advices, this is very cool to share your experience about robots tutorials.

Thank you so much, have a good sunday.