a simple robotics project

[dmehling]

I am totally new to robotics and I need some helpful advice for the project I'm working on.  It is a very simple robotic arm with 2 degrees of freedom powered by two motors.  I want it to execute a very simple sequence of about four steps, activated by the push of a button.  What is the best type of kit or system to use?  I am thinking about using a basic stamp, but I really have no preference.  My budget is no more than $500. 
Also, I mentioned that input would come by a button, but I would like to try and have it be voice-activated.  The only way I think I could do this is by having a simple software program that is voice-activated which would control this robotic arm.  Is it very complicated to have all input for control be activated by software?

[NOOBinDistress]

If you are a total noob like me just do the 50 dollar robot kit. It is much cheaper. Afterwards just make more robots when you kinda know what you are doing.(not that I know what I am doing)

[dmehling]

I am looking for the simplest method of controlling two motors for my robotic arm.  All I am wanting to do is to have the arm perform a simple sequence of four steps which would execute at the single press of a button.  I would really like to have the input be given from a computer program so that it can be voice-activated.

[ed1380]

mcu and have the steps programed into it. use servo's for the motion.  I'm sure certain mcu's can handle the task of voice activation,.

[Brandon121233]

dmehling- please try to keep all posts on the same topic in the same thread, and try not to double post if possible

[Ro-Bot-X]

You can find good information about speech control of a robot in this book:
McGraw-Hill - Robots Androids and Animatrons by John Lovine
Projects are PIC based and programmed in Pbasic, however a more experienced programmer can easily translate the programs in C.

[dmehling]

mcu and have the steps programed into it. use servo's for the motion.  I'm sure certain mcu's can handle the task of voice activation,.

But how would I have the microcontroller setup so the input to activate it would be given by a software program?

[ed1380]

once software want the process to start it sends out a high signal out of the parralel port or whatever, and once the MCU receives that it does the preprogrammed steps. once it's done it waits for the signal again

[dmehling]

Where would I find a software program that would take care of that process? I need a very simple program that doesn't require programming.

[Admin]

a method to control servos through USB, all source code provided for you:
http://www.societyofrobots.com/member_tutorials/node/25
(provided by dunk and his awesome-ness)

note: I merged the double posts together in to one