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Unread 23-09-2010, 17:51
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Re: Materials for a robotics class of 30

I would have to ask what you want to do with your curriculum..
If your intent is to teach a class primarily based on robotics principles of sensors, feedback, programming and autonomous control there is not a doubt in my mind that
Lego NXT is the way to go.... several good reasons...

1. Relatively Cheap
2. Easy to Store (compact...already organized...)
3. Many ways to program.... different levels of entry... NXT-G, Robot C, LabView...etc..

Downside - not a real great way to tele-operate... although the new PITSCO controller allows the robot to be operated with WIFI... through a computer an a standard joystick... although this would have to be worked out.

If you want a mechanical system... then VEX is probably best...

good reasons for VEX

1. Relatively Cheap... not as inexpensive as Lego... but not far off for standard set..
2. Lots of great mechanical pieces to play with...different types of gears... metal to cut

Downside... to get real value from VEX you will spend more money to get all of the neat extra pieces..
I would think that you would pay roughly 2x the total amount per kit in the end for VEX compared to NXT.

I think it depends on what you want to accomplish.... if you want a real basic easy course with little programming but emphasis on mechanical systems... you will have to go with VEX although you CAN do this in LEGO but it is a little more difficult...

You can also do some great programming with VEX but you will need more sensors that are also extra.
NXT gives you sonar, light sensing, touch sensing all in the basic kit
Vex only has some touch sensors... you will need to purchase more..


I have used everything from plastic kits that I built myself that were simple wired robots to the EduKit (precursor to VEX) to LEGO and VEX to Boebots ...other basic stamp stuff like SumoBots... just about everything...

Last year we did a lunar rover in our aerospace engineering class... we used a NXT brain...and PITSCO and VEX components... we figured out how to use and interface everything.... with some HITechnic parts thrown in and stuff we fabricated ourselves...I

In my mind... there is simply no bigger bang for the buck than the Lego NXT set...
It is easy to store...easy to use....easy to transport... can be used with a huge variety of ages....and can be expanded to do some incredible things... extenders to the kit combined with either the VEX or PITSCO kits can do some amazing things...

By the way I have about 30 VEX kits and a huge stockpile of parts...
I also have about 32 NXT kits...
and 4 PITSCO kits... and tons of other stuff....

If someone wants me to do a robotics class though.... I ALWAYS pull out the LEGO
I can count on it...kids like it... they learn

That said ... the learning will come from how YOU use whatever you decide on...

Good luck!!
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