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Miniaturized SPRAT model controlled by 3 NXT bricks using ROBOTC.

ROBOTC community member Didier Coll has created more than a few awesome robots. In the past couple of months, though, he has made some truly spectacular bridge-laying robots using ROBOTC over multiple NXT bricks.

The first creation is an AMX-13 type bot, which (unlike the other two robots) carries the bridge on its front. Like the MLC-80 though (below), the AMX-13 is programmed to place the bridge and then drive across: it uses 2 motors and 8 actuators controlled via 2 ROBOTC-coded NXT bricks to achieve this goal.

The second robot is based off of the French Army’s current EFA design. Much like a real EFA, the robot drives to the middle of the ‘river’ and extends the folded bridge sections using a series of LEGO pistons; the robot stays in the middle of the bridge and the other robots effectively drive over it. The EFA model uses 2 NXT’s, 3 Multiplexors, 4 motors, and a staggering 10 actuators to perform this task.

Didier’s final robot is a replica of the SPRAT MLC-80 used during WWII. It uses 3 NXT bricks, a whopping 9 motors, 9 actuators, and 5 servos to place the bridge and drive across it, all controlled by ROBOTC for MINDSTORMS. A sample of the ROBOTC code used for this robot is below.

#pragma config(Sensor, S1,     HTIRL,          sensorI2CCustom)
#pragma config(Sensor, S2,     PSPNXV4,        sensorI2CCustom)
#pragma config(Motor,  motorA,           ,             tmotorNXT, openLoop)
#pragma config(Motor,  motorB,           ,             tmotorNXT, openLoop)
#pragma config(Motor,  motorC,           ,             tmotorNXT, openLoop)
//*!!Code automatically generated by 'ROBOTC' configuration wizard               !!*//

//*!!Code automatically generated by 'ROBOTC' configuration wizard               !!*//
///----------------------------------------------------------------------------
/// didier  TWO MASTER SLAVE NXTBee modèle
//  NXT MARRON
///
///
///----------------------------------------------------------------------------

#include "drivers/mindsensors-ps2ctrl-v4.h"
#include "drivers/hitechnic-irlink.h"
#include "ROBOT DATA SPRAT 3 NXT ONE.h"
#include "didier GESTION SPRAT 3 NXT ONE.h";

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

task main()
{
bNoPowerDownOnACAdaptor = true;   // will NOT power down when connected to AC adapter

bFloatDuringInactiveMotorPWM = false;  // the motors will NOT coast when power is not applied

StartTask (ROBOTData);
StartTask (gestionSPRAT);

while (true)
{
wait1Msec(10);
}
}

Want to see more pictures, videos, and information on these bots? Have any thoughts, comments, or questions? Check out Didier’s forum posts (links above) or comment below!

Looking for an awesome opportunity to test your ROBOTC skills this spring? Our friends at Parallax have the solution: the 2013 National microMedic Contest. The microMedic contest challenges participants to create cool, open-source medical devices powered by microprocessors and sensors. To motivate inventors to think outside-of-the-box, the microMedic challenge is giving away 100 free contest kits on a first-come, first-served basis and is also offering prizes to the winners of the contest (over $25,000 rewarded across 25 total winners). There are no restrictions on hardware or programming languages, so this is the perfect opportunity to hone your ROBOTC expertise with the VEX, LEGO, or Arduino platforms. For more information, please see the contest’s article on CS2N or the contest homepage on Parallax’s website.

“The U.S. Army’s Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC), Carnegie Mellon University Entertainment Technology Center, and Parallax Inc are offering over $25,000 in prizes to inspire the next generation of medical innovation. The 2013 National microMedic contest is an opportunity to show the country what citizens can do with new technology – encouraging technical innovation with significant use of microcontrollers and sensors in the medical industry. This contest is perfect practical application for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) students around the nation.

The 2013 National microMedic Contest will create significant interest around new open-source medical applications. TATRC’s Dr. Brett Talbot, Medical Simulation Portfolio Manager, says about the contest “we’re looking for microcontroller-based projects for the health and medical simulation community that combine the latest use of sensors, 3D printing, CNC and science disciplines. This is a call to action for inventive people to put our skills to use for the benefit of Army personnel and civilians.”

Inventors and students are encouraged to participate by creating medical applications and products for possible use in the healthcare industry, medical simulation training, and the battlefield. STEM teachers are encouraged to get their classes involved. Over 100 free contest kits valued at over $40,000 will be given away on a first come first serve basis to qualified applicants. Use your favorite microcontroller or apply to receive a free kit that includes either the Parallax multi-core Propeller chip or a shield for use with the Arduino microcontroller. The kit also contains various sensors, LED displays, infrared emitters, a blood pressure cuff, heart rate monitor and many other components to spark your imagination. Use of the official contest kit is not required to win.

To help get competitors started Parallax Inc. is hosting resources such as mini tutorials with code examples for sensors, lists of application ideas and an online discussion forum specific to the microMedic National contest where contestants can ask questions and collaborate. Applicants have until July 31st, 2013 to submit their microMedic entries. Over $25,000 in prizes will be awarded to 17 educational winners and 8 winners from the public category. The award ceremony will be held in September 2013 at the TATRC Innovation Lab in Fort Detrick, MD. For more information on the 2013 microMedic Contest visit Parallax’s website.”