Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

Being a programmer, I'm not the most mechanically inclined. I'm planning on building a small (35lbish) robot over the summer to test stuff on, but the only tools I have access to are a small bandsaw and tablesaw. So I can't really build my own robot. Are there any kits I can buy that build a generic four wheel bot?

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

i would find some quarter 20 aluminum extrusion and fp motor/gearboxes. build a basic platform and voila

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

If you like using the 8020 stuff many teams use, you can get cheap stuff from the 8020 surplus store on eBay.

8020-Inc-Garage-Sale

I am in no way associated with them, but it's dirt cheap, and it's easy to work with. The tricky part will be hooking up your motors.

Maybe you can partner up with some local mech-people that would love to build you a frame over the summer?? You fund the base, and you get to keep it, but they get the experience building it?

Plywood is the ultimate cheap base. Maybe that is a good idea for your uses?

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

i cant believe nobody said this yet....

IFI Robotics Kit. ahahaha.

www.ifirobotics.com

go to their mini-robot controller, and also you can find the rest of the kit there. Its basically a more FRC like kit than Vex, even though Vex is the new generation of the IFI kit. contact them, im sure they can help you.

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

Ehh, I considered that. Problem is I don't like the general PIC setup, plus with IFI controller's you are sandboxed a good amount. I'm also looking at building a robot that will be about 3x2x2 and sturdy enough to take a good beating... you can't get that with the EDU parts.

It's also a cost of $249 for the controller. I could build a high end (for robotics) computer and just mount that for that price.

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

What's wrong with using a bit of wood? It's not going into competition, it's not going to break any speed records. Just screw together some 2x4's, 1x3's, whatever... If you need to strengthen it, just use some triangular gusset plates (aka, thin plywood) and voila! I'm sure you could find a lot of unused globe and window motors to directly mount a wheel onto. If it's just for programming, testing, etc...

However, if you want the best solution to your problem, I suggest using the good old VEX system. Cheap, simple, and all your sensors can be adapted to it. (Well, maybe not a gear tooth sensor, plastic gears and all...)

Is this along the lines of what you're looking for?

BEN

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

OK, let's try something else...

What do you want this to do?

What kind of payload (12v car battery, or 7.2v RC car battery pack? BIG robot arm or just a sensor array?)
What kind of terrain?
Radio controlled? Or auto mode all the way?
Size? (Just big enough, or room to play with other add-ons?)
Use? (Just to test sensors, or future battle bot frame?)
Speed?
Complexity? (Sounds like you want simple as possible, with bandsaw fabracation only.)
Cost? (Can we spend $35,000?)
Etc...

SO, if you could describe what you want this to do, exactly and to as much detail as possible, I bet people here could help you come up with a design good for you.

Tell us as MUCH as possible. Even if it seems obvious to you. I'm not so smart most of the time, so you'll have to spell it out for me. :D

This could be fun!

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

The wonderful country of China can help greatly in reducing the cost of this project. Did somebody say drill motors?

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

I just got back from a trip to China. Those drills are only the tip of the iceburg. I could go down to the local hut and buy a 200 Ton injection molding machine and have it delivered that day. CNC Mills? Right next to the chickens. Take your pick - they are laying about. Just about everyone I met could weld (not well, but they could do it.) And you can buy ANYTHING with iPod stamped on it. iPod cameras. iPod TVs. iPod memory sticks. iPod music players. Now keep in mind NONE of them were iPods, but if you are going to do copywrite infringement, you may as well go BIG.

But most importantly, everyone wanted to learn as much as they could. I've never seen anything like it. The entire City of Shenzhen was like a 24 hour a day FIRST build season.

OK, sorry - back to the base design. Sorry bout that.

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

Put in a nutshell, that's exactly why Dean wants FIRST to expand and to grow across North America. How often do you see such a scene in your average North American city. There's no question that this can't be repeated in every city around China, but there is a definite eagerness to learn more, do more and be more in that country. The only problem is doing it legally. Growing up in that environment means people lack a certain sense of ethical reasoning, where you would find a different kind of collaboration amongst FIRST teams in China, probably the importation and copying of the Simbots without their permission ;)

Now to get this post slightly back on to topic,
Has anyone experimented with old controllers and the old school PBASIC controller from past years at home? I'm thinking of buying a VEX kit and tinkering with it at home, or for something cheaper, but possibly less reliable and much more complicated, using old controllers from my team's stash (of course I'd have to clear it with them first :P)

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

Hmm.. note to self.
edit: Learn how to speak Chinese, and negotiate deals more better. LOL
THEN Go to China and visit some street markets.
w00t for capitalism!

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

Why not wood? just mount stuff with drywall screws.
I'm not joking... There are robots that go into competition with wood bases, and all you need it for is testing anyway, right? It's cheap; You can work it into any simple machine with a table/band saw, and it is readily replaceable.

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

R/C car? mod the electronics. im sure there are plenty of R/C cars that have programmable controls anyways.

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

Any good websites that actually teach you how to mod an R/C car? I have a couple just lying around and I want to make me a robot. LOL.

Re: Mechanical Robotic Kits
 

I know it's not quite what you were looking for, but as far as quality and power go, these are probably the best robot kits you'll find.

BattleKits
These kits are made by Carlo Bertocchini, of Biohazard fame.