Mobot (cia UC Davis)
Until recently, robots have been designed as a learning tool for either classroom-based or lab-based with only a few people having access to them. This is changing with the introduction of the modular robot known as ‘Mobot’. Designed by UC Davis engineering professor Harry Cheng and his former graduate student with a grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF). The modular robot is intended to help educate kids in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects.
Each piece of the Mobot feature wheels that are held together with two hinges in the center giving six degree range of movement. Parts can be added to build a wide range of robots from vehicles to humanoids thanks to six snap-together mounting surfaces located on each motorized section. Students can control their creations remotely with the inclusion of Bluetooth built into each piece/section and can program their designs using a GUI RobotController with an C/C++ interpreter. Each piece of Mobot is powered by two off-the-shelf 9 volt rechargeable batteries with a 2 hour life-span per charge (depending on activity). Mobot is available now from Barobo for $295.00 US (Gorilla bundle also available for $827. 75 US) with different accessories available, such as connecting plates and metal ball caster mounts, at an additional cost.
Although I always welcome new robots into the fray, I would have to say that the LEGO robotics kits offer more customizability over the Mobot at around the same price.
Eavesdropper
