What is a robot?  A robot is any device that can move on its own.  The simplest robot is a toy car with wheels that can move on its own.  More complicated robots can be controlled.  Some robots are remote controlled by cables or radio waves and others have built in computer programs to do the controlling from some sort of software program.  Remote controlled model aircraft  can be considered robots.  The robot may have wheels or arms, or hands or many other very odd configurations.  Good robots can do useful work.  They can work in hazardous conditions where humans would not want to be.  Robots can take on many different configurations.

Want to build a robot?  Well, there are thousands of ideas already out there and hundreds of levels from the simplest non controlled robots to sophisticated space robots.  What level are you at?  Beginner, intermediate or advanced?  

Beginner: Start with your own unique idea.  Plan the robot on paper.  Build models from paper cut-outs.  Write a paper describing what your robot will be able to do.  You don't even have to build a working model.  This type of scientific thinking is common and a good exercise.  It's called robot designing.  Put your ideas on a large poster board.  Add drawings and models if you desire. You have now constructed a science project.  Follow basic science project rules - The design idea; how you think it will work, possible configurations of the design, what work will the robot be capable of accomplishing, how will it do it, and what are some possible construction solutions to your robot idea?

Intermediate:  An intermediate design would want to include remote control capabilities.  The robot should perform useful work.  The design should be written up in detail and include construction instructions.

Advanced:  Sky is the limit literally.  These robots will be remote computer controlled devices doing sophisticated work. Some may think and navigate on their own.  They may take on the general shape of a human, aircraft, helicopter or any other strange, odd configuration.

Study Roaches for Robot Design:  Sounds crazy but that is exactly what NASA researchers are doing.  The insect world as it turns out is highly designed for stability.  Read the full story here - http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?language=english&type=24119&article_id=218392297&cat=3_all&PHPSESSID=977905db6e0556d57312872c076a345b

For additional information, visit:

* Click here to see robots other people have built. > http://www.acroname.com/robotics/gallery/gallery.html

* Stanford's Center for Design Research, http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20040713A6

* Univ. of California's Poly-PEDAL Lab, http://link.abpi.net/l.php?20040713A7

* NEW!  Click HERE for latest breaking "Robotics"  NEWS.

Micro Actuators

Firgelli Technologies Inc. are developing Micro Actuators, possibly the smallest in the world, that are ideally suited to robotics applications .

Wanted:  Students to Build Robots