$200 robot contest question

[Asellith]

Ok can we get a definition of a robot? I want to build an HVAC controller for my new apartment to control the AC when I am away and even close the registers by servos when some rooms are not in use. Would that qualify as a robot for the purpose of the project?

[benji]

i guess it would be alright as long as its related to robotics

[pomprocker]

thats kinda more toward home automation though. you could just get something like insteon or x10, and a pc controller and have the software running on your comp. if u wanna know more about HA let me know.

[Asellith]

It does lean towards HA thats why I ask. Part of the project will be a servo controller module the other part is temp sensors and relay control. So it has all the parts of a robot and I'd do a write up on temp sensors in the process so its has a purpose for SOR just don't know if it qualifies as a robot for the contest.

[pomprocker]

well a robot is by definition something that does work...etc..

[benji]

Ok can we get a definition of a robot?

from a theoritical prespective a robot is a robot when it can re-act to something autonomously,
you dont have control over its reaction.

[AndrewM]

Will your sensor device have its own mcu controlling actions (and providing feedback and input from your ha system) or will it be entirely controlled by your home automation system?  I would think that would be a distinguishing characteristic on whether to call it a robot or not.  Either way, the tutorial would be nice to see.

The autonomous requirement for a robot has been a long running argument with no real resolution.   I personally agree with the side saying that a robot is only a robot when it is autonomous, versus a RC device.

[Asellith]

I agree in the fact that RC and robot are two different things. My plans are to make an autonomous device with the capacity to accept commands from a computer. That way I can build it now but as the home automation system gets further along I want the computer to have the option of issuing commands and changing settings on the HVAC system. It is really only going to be an elaborate thermostat that can control servos attached to the vents. But I want to add a control interface using an LCD and some buttons as well as some sort of time device. Maybe a real time clock not sure because those can get pricey.

[AndrewM]

You have decisions made by the robot and mechanical output as a result.  I would call that robotics by any measure, on the same level as say a robotic arm.  Of course it really would be up to Admin as whether it qualifies, but it seems to me that it does.

Having a HA system myself, the functionality you are going for would be a nice addition to what I have already, and likely much cheaper than upgrading my HVAC system for seperate zones for each room.

I like the Serenity quote by the way (just noticed it).

[Asellith]

Thanks Serenity is one of my favorite movies.

I actually found this
http://www.atmel.com/dyn/Products/tools_card.asp?tool_id=3146

just begs to be turned into a smart thermostats for $21 you could even have one in every room. My apartment is to small to need more then one. I just want to control the airflow a bit and not have to worry about turning my AC on and off when I leave for work. I live in Florida so I'm trying to get this going because forgetting to turn the AC off one day could cost me a lot of money when it is really hot out side. Then with some servo controller modules and a RS232 connection to the computer I am good to go.

[Admin]

The point of my contests is to encourage people to write useful tutorials that can help others make robots of their own. It really doesn't matter to me what you make, as long as your tutorial can convey tons of useful robotics related knowledge to others.

other examples of things valid for the contest:
invent a new sensor
connect a playstation controller to a microcontroller
kalman filter tutorial
make a lithium battery charger
voice recognition for microcontrollers

You can make the most awesome beer drinking robot ever, but if your tutorial doesn't show how, you won't win

(hoping that answered your question)