




Language
The Brainibot programming language has the usual instructions
for forwards, reverse-left, spin-right, make beeps and chirps
from the sounder, etc. You can have If...Then...Else and
While...Do which test sensor values and Begin..End blocks. The
sensor values are antenna-touch and getting brighter (or Not
of those). There are no variables but you can have For...End
which repeats a (fixed) number of times.
The
programming language editor can be downloaded.
[brainibot.zip
393kB]
|
|
Brainibot is
a small mobile robot with a light sensor, two touch sensors, two
motors, a sounder and an 8-bit computer running at 4MHz. It heads
towards light while avoiding obstacles in its path. It is supplied
as a kit.
Behaviour
The robot
moves forward while turning to the left and right. When it has
turned left, it measures the light level. When it has turned
right, it measures the light level again. If there is a difference
between the light levels, it chirps and turns away from the darker
direction. The overall light level should be increasing. So if the
robot has not seen an increase for several seconds, it reverses
then spins on its axis. As it spins, it measures the light level
and chooses the brightest.
If one of the antennae touches something, the robot backs away
then spins away from the object.

Programmable Version
Three Brainibot models are now available:
Standard
|
The
built in program is very good at finding light, avoiding
obstacles and finding its way out of corners. Suitable for
children who want something that works straight away and who
don't want to write programs |
Programmable
|
Can
be programmed via its antennae or from a PC. The initial
built-in program is not particularly good (because I wanted to
give them something they'd want to improve on). The
instructions and programmer are included on CD.
You can download a copy of the
programming system. |
Simple
Programmable |
Can
be programmed only via its antennae (there's a built-in
editor). The instructions are photocopied. Suitable for
someone who doesn't have a PC. |
Prices
Kits
|
Standard
|
£10.75
Plus £5 p&p for any size of order plus VAT. |
Programmable
|
£14.75
Plus £5 p&p for any size of order plus VAT. |
Simple
Programmable |
£12.75
Plus £5 p&p for any size of order plus VAT. |
|
|
Class Packs |
Standard |
£8
Plus £15 handling/p&p for any size of order +VAT.
|
Programmable |
£12 Plus £15 handling/p&p for any
size of order +VAT. |
Simple Programmable |
£10 Plus £15 handling/p&p for any
size of order +VAT. |
|
|
pcb + PIC |
Standard |
£2.50
Plus £10 handling/p&p for any size of order +VAT.
|
Programmable |
£3.80 Plus £10 handling/p&p for
any size of order +VAT. |
Simple Programmable |
£3.80 Plus £10 handling/p&p for
any size of order +VAT. |
Class
Packs
"Class
packs" are kits of unsorted components. Those who have had
experience with classes building the kits say that the "class
pack" is far better than the pre-sorted kits. The biggest
mistake that the children make is to put the transistors in the
wrong way round or in the wrong place. So you give them, say, just
the PNP transistors; they solder them in and bring the pcb back to
show you; if they're in the right places, then you give them the
NPN transistors, etc.
The prices
are lower for large orders of course.
The
Brainibot is also available from
www.Magenta2000.co.uk
www.rapidelectronics.co.uk
see:
www.rapideducation.co.uk/products_brainibot.htm
www.iiRobotics.com
It is also available from many other suppliers. Please Google for
it.
As published
in Everyday
Practical Electronics Magazine (Feb 2003 issue).
CE
approved. Not suitable for children under 36 months. Contains
small components that could represent a choking hazard. Contains
components with sharp points. Recommended age 10+. Assembly should
be carried out under adult supervision. Batteries not included;
requires 4 AA/UM3/LR6 batteries. Requires soldering. Soldering
iron and solder not included. Designed and assembled in Scotland.
Component contents foreign.
|