ROBOTC.net Blog  

Following up from an earlier post, new versions of the FTC Ring It Up and VEX Sack Attack Virtual Worlds are now available!

In version 1.50 of Ring It Up, all arm, wrist, and gripper motors now include encoders, allowing you to get feedback and implement precise control over the robots. We’ve also swapped the Compass Sensor for the Gyroscope, which was highly requested by FTC teams. New Sample code  for the encoders and gyroscope is installed with the world.

In version 1.50 of Sack Attack, we’ve added encoders to the arm motors on all of the robots, and a potentiometer to the scooper motor on Scooperbot, giving you very precise control. All robot models have also had the Compass sensor replaced with a Gyroscope, better aligning them with the real world VEX system. As with the Ring It Up world, Sample code for all of the new functionality is included.

We genuinely appreciate all of the feedback and comments we’ve received about these worlds, and we hope that these changes show that we’re listening. Keep the feedback coming!

Adding support for all of the new inputs required a significant update of our back end, so these versions require ROBOTC 3.54 or later to be installed. Happy programming!

In February 2011, the Robotics Academy released our first version of Robot Virtual Worlds (RVW). Back then, we were striving to make a new educational breakthrough that would allow kids using the motivational effects of video games and robotics combined to learn all about programming. Users are able to program virtual robots using the exact same programming language that they used to control their real robots – they could work with a robot at school and then go home to continue their education using our unique simulation engine!

Since that initial release, we have learned an incredible amount about robot simulations, game development, and our customer’s expectations and desires. Since our initial beta release in February and our retail release in September of 2011, we have made great improvements that provide a much richer overall experience. Some of these new features include:

• Improved Robot Physics and Gameplay
• New and Improved Sensor Simulation
• Completely new robot models with new features such as gripper arms and elevator lifts.
• More “game” like worlds with real-time scoring and open ended challenge
• CS2N.org integration for earning achievements and badges
• Education tools like user tracking (via CS2N) to keep tabs on student progress

Today we’re announcing an extended free trial opportunity for everyone to try our latest Robot Virtual Worlds software until the end of the year. This extended trial is available to everyone, including those users who have already used their initial 60-day trial included with the Robot Virtual Worlds software. This extended trial will allow you to try Robot Virtual Worlds until the end of 2012. Our hope is that you’ll give our updated worlds a test drive and see the incredible improvements we’ve already made and continue to make every day. To find out how to download your free extended license, take a look below.

Steps for NXT Users to use the FREE license:

1. Install/Update to the latest version of ROBOTC (Currently 3.51) http://www.robotc.net/download/nxt/
2. Download the special extended LEGO trial license. This file will allow the Virtual Worlds to work until December 31, 2012 and can be installed on an unlimited number of computers at school or at a student’s home. This license WILL work even if your ROBOTC trial is already expired http://www.robotc.net/files/RobotVirtualWorlds_LEGO_InstallLicense.exe
3. Make sure ROBOTC is closed and run the installer for the extended trial license. This installer will automatically install and activate the extended trial.
4. To learn how to access the RVW once they are installed go to: http://www.robotc.net/download/rvw/step2a-setting-up-rvw.php

Steps for VEX Users to use the FREE license:

1. Install/Update to the latest version of ROBOTC (Currently 3.51) http://www.robotc.net/download/cortex/
2. Download the special extended VEX trial license. This file will allow the Virtual Worlds to work until December 31, 2012 and can be installed on an unlimited number of computers at school or at a student’s home. This license WILL work even if your ROBOTC trial is already expired. http://www.robotc.net/files/RobotVirtualWorlds_VEX_InstallLicense.exe
3. Make sure ROBOTC is closed and run the installer for the extended trial license. This installer will automatically install and activate the extended trial.
4. To learn how to access the RVW once they are installed go to: http://www.robotc.net/download/rvw/step2a-setting-up-rvw.php

The Curriculum Companion is designed for computer science and robotics classes. This product includes over 30 tabletop type classroom activities that mirror the activities found in the ROBOTC for MINDSTORM and ROBOTC for VEX Curriculums. Students can pick from several robot types. Students earn badges as they complete the RVW challenges that can lead to them earning a Robotics Academy Robotics Programming Certification.

The LEVEL Builder allows students and teachers to design their own levels. This initial product gives the level designer a 12’ by 12’ pallet to design on and uses existing models found in the curriculum companion. By this spring, students will be able to import their own models using standard modeling software. Eventually, our goal is to enable students to build their own robots and import them into RVWs!

Palm Island is a fantasy world where students can practice basic behavior based programming. This world is simple but interesting. The first level involves moving straight, second level turning, third level combining straight and turning… The world is designed so that students can practice simple behaviors to complete the challenge. Students should complete lessons in the movement section of the curriculum before they attempt Palm Island.

RING IT UP simulates this year’s FTC game. Ring It Up provides a game-like environment where students program TETRIX robots to solve game. The game keeps track of time and as your students play the game their scores are tracked. Students can program the robot’s wheels, arm, elbow, and gripper. The game simulation also features an automatically configured IR beacon so that students can test their IR beacon code.

SACK ATTACK simulates this year’s VEX Robot Game. Sack Attack provides a game-like environment where students program VEX robots to solve game. The RVW simulation keeps track of time and score as the robot competes in the game. The new game allows programmer to program the robot’s wheels, arm, elbow, and gripper. The game simulation also allows remote control.

Ruins of Atlantis is an underwater world where students can practice basic behavior based programming. Students collect jewels and coins in this game as they work through an underwater maze. The game includes our first underwater robot! Students should understand basic ROBOTC programming before they attempt to solve the game.

Operation Reset! We will release the third edition of Operation Reset in October of 2012. This is the most game-like world we’ve ever released. Students are required to program or remotely control robots on Planet H99. The colony was just hit by an intergalactic storm and all of the satellite communication towers need reset. The robots are also tasked to collect unobtanium, refuel a rocket, and solve a variety of unanticipated events.

We’ve just produced an exciting video that shows off the new RVW Level Builder! Check it out to see how easy it is to get started with the powerful new software.

Download the initial version of the software, here. For more information on the Level Builder, visit this page.

The project that you’ve all been waiting for is here at last! We are thrilled to announce that our first version of the Robot Virtual World Level Builder is now available. Configure your own levels out of a wide selection of classroom-themed assets: balls, cylinders, boxes, walls, line tracking tiles, and more. Challenge yourself, or share your levels with students, classmates, or teammates. It’s a free download for all ROBOTC for RVW users, so what are you waiting for?

Once you have the Level Builder installed, you can launch it within ROBOTC by going to Window > Open RVW Level Builder Utility. (Note that you must have ROBOTC 3.50 or newer installed, and that Virtual Worlds must be selected as your Platform Type.)

The Level Builder will appear with two options: CREATE and PLAY.

• Use CREATE to configure your own virtual world level out of classroom themed assets.
• Use PLAY to program a virtual robot to complete a level generated in CREATE mode.

In CREATE mode, you’re presented with a blank 12′x12′ table just waiting for you to fill it with objects.

• Drag-and-drop cubes, cylinders, balls, walls, and line tracking tiles onto the table to configure your level.
• Use the PROPERTIES panel to adjust the orientation of the objects.
• Zoom in and out on the table using the slider in the bottom right.
• Your virtual robot will always start on the START tile, facing out.
• Be creative!!!

Once you’ve configured the table to your heart’s content, save it, and press PLAY.

From there, you’ll be brought to the Level and Robot selection screen.

• SELECT LEVEL will automatically be populated with the table that you just configured.
• Additional demo levels are included in the download.
• Choose from several available robots, each with their details listed on the screen.
• Press START LEVEL to load your level with the currently selected robot.

Your level will load with the robot that you selected.

• Compile and Download ROBOTC code to solve the challenge.
• Switch quickly between BUILD MODE and LEVEL SELECTION as you create your perfect level.
• USE the “WASD” keys to easily check out the level before writing code or passing it on to your students or fellow classmates.

More instructions, details, and videos are coming soon! We would love to hear what you think of the Level Builder, so let us know! Any feedback and suggestions are welcome. Most of all, have fun!

Need help getting up and running with ROBOTC for RVW? Check here for setup instructions. Not already a ROBOTC for RVW user? Download a free 60-day trial right now.

Attention all VEX teams! We just released a substantial update to this year’s VEX Sack Attack virtual world. Download it here, or on the RVW Level Packs download page. Here’s what’s new:

New Robot: Clawbot

• Clawbot features a 4-wheel, 2-motor drive system, an arm motor, a gripper, and the full array of sensors. Best of all, it’s fully programmable in ROBOTC!
• Additional sample code for Clawbot is installed with the update, and can be downloaded here.

Pre-loads and Automatic Scoring

• Both Gripperbot and Scooperbot can be pre-loaded with a sack! You can control what side the robot starts on, whether it gets a pre-load, and enable the autonomous duration all from the main menu.
• Scoring is fully implemented in this new version.
  • Earn normal points from sacks, bonus points from bonus sacks, and even more bonus points from the autonomous bonus and “parking” your robot before time runs out.
  • A cool, new timer and scoreboard keeps track of the match in the top-left corner of the window. Compete with your classmates or teammates to see who can get the highest score before time runs out!
• Driver Control loads are also implemented once the autonomous period ends. Introduce them into the playing field by clicking on the green sack icons in the top-right corner.

Sensor View

• Ever wonder why your Ultrasonic sensor “sees” the values that it does? Enable the new Sensor View to see what’s triggering the Ultrasonic sensor and the heading of your compass.

Additional Enhancements

• We’ve improved the robot-sack interaction on all of the robots.
• The lighting and contrast of the game have been enhanced, making it easier to grab and score the sacks.
• Lots of small tweaks and adjustments.

To view the original post for the VEX Sack Attack virtual world (complete with video), visit this link.

The Robot Virtual World team is proud to announce their initial release of the FTC Ring It Up! virtual environment, just in time for kickoff! This year’s virtual competition field features two new robots designed specifically for the game; the Scissorbot and the Gripperbot. The robots are completely programmable in ROBOTC and even use the same Logitech USB Remote Control as the real world competition, allowing teams to refine their programming skills, practice driving, and form gameplay strategies well in advance of their first matches.

Note that the new features in the virtual world require the latest version of ROBOTC, version 3.50.

Here’s a video of the Ring It Up! virtual world in action:

New Robots
TETRIX Scissorbot features 4 driving motors, a scissor lift and a LEGO gripper:

The Scissorbot gripper is best at picking up tubes parallel to its gripper.

TETRIX Gripperbot features 2 driving motors, and arm motor and a LEGO gripper:

The gripper on Gripperbot is best at picking up tubes perpendicular to its gripper.

User Interface
The new and improved user interface allows you to switch between the robots, choose different starting positions, and tells you where the growing list of motors and sensors are connected:

Controlling the Robots
Sample code for programming the robots to move autonomously or via a Logitech USB Remote is installed with the level pack. It can also be downloaded here.

Don’t have a Logitech USB Remote Control? No Problem! We’ve also added keyboard control for the robots when a ROBOTC program isn’t running! The controls are as follows:

• “W” key: Robot moves forward
• “A” key: Robot turns left
• “S” key: Robot moves in reverse
• “D” key: Robot turns right
• “{” key: Gripper Closes
• “}” key: Gripper Opens
• “;” (semicolon) key: Wrist motor up
• “’” (single quote) key: Wrist motor down
• “<” key: Scissor lift / Arm motor up
• “>” key: Scissor lift / Arm motor down

Driver Camera View
Check out Camera view 4 to practice driving the new virtual robots from the same perspective you’ll use in the competition.

Future Enhancements!
We’re extremely excited about this release, but we’re not done yet. Check out some of the enhancements that are on their way!

• Addition of “Autonomous Rings” pre-loaded on the robots
• Emulation of the IR Sensor and IR Beacon
• Dynamically calculated scoring

The FTC Ring It Up! virtual world can be downloaded here, or under the Available Level Packs section of the RVW Download Page.

The ROBOTC Robot Virtual World team is extremely proud to announce a brand new version of the RVW Curriculum Companion Tables for both LEGO and VEX. This new version (2.2.1) contains an incredible number of enhancements and new features. It is a free update for all existing Robot Virtual World users. Read on to find out more!

New Login Functionality
If you have an account on the Computer Science Student Network (CS2N.org), you can now log in and earn achievements. This also allows you to save your progress – marking the challenges that you’ve completed so far. If you don’t have a CS2N account, what are you waiting for?

If your computer isn’t online, you can also create a local account to log in and track your progress locally. If you’re not interested in tracking your progress, you can always take advantage of the “Log In as Guest” feature, too.

Achievement Badges and Updated User Interface
As the new login functionality implies, we’ve also added achievement badges to the challenges! You can earn Motivation badges as you work through a given challenge, Progress badges as you complete challenges, and Mastery badges when you complete specified sets from the Movement, Sensing, Remote Control, and Variables sections of the Curriculum Companion Challenges. For additional background information on badges, visit this page on CS2N.

We’ve upgraded the user interface to indicate which challenges have achievement badges. Challenges with badges have a star next to their name on the list on the left. Clicking on the challenge provides additional detail.

Whether you’re logged in with a CS2N or a local account, the new Badges section displays all of the challenges that you’ve earned so far.

From the Badges section, you can also generate a PDF of all of your Progress and Mastery badges.

And if you’re using your CS2N account, you can check your progress on your Achievements page.

New In-Game Animations and Notifications
We’ve also added brand new animations and achievements to the challenges. You’ll be notified when you complete the challenge, or if your robot does something that that causes it to fail. Motivation and Progress badges will appear as you earn them on the challenges.

Challenges that require a number of laps to be performed or for certain lines to be crossed now include visual cues such as counters and 3D makers.

Robot Physics and Size Improvements
All VEX, LEGO and TETRIX robots have had their size and physics adjusted to more closely match their real-world counterparts.

Many More Small Fixes and Enhancements
There’s too many in this category to list, so try the latest version out for yourself! Download it here.

For more information about the Robot Virtual World software, or help getting it up and running, visit this page.

The Robot Virtual World team is proud to announce a brand new virtual environment: The Ruins of Atlantis!

European, Asian, and African histories all reference an ancient city named Atlantis. According to legend, Atlantis was the center of trade and commerce for Eurasia thousands of years ago. Atlantis had incredible wealth due to a combination of prolific natural resources, people that were gifted and wise, and because it was located on a trade route used by Europeans, Asians, and Africans.  For years we’ve thought that Atlantis was a myth, but with the emergence of new robotics technologies we are able to explore areas of the world that humans have never been to before.  Read on to learn more.

The Ruins of Atlantis Virtual World is designed to reinforce behavior-based programming in a fun and meaningful way. Students can practice their ROBOTC programming, using a full set of virtual motors and sensors on exciting new robots, 6000 meters below the surface of the ocean. Example code found in the Sample Programs > Virtual World folder built-in to ROBOTC will help them collect as many gems and coins as possible throughout the world.

Here’s video of the new AnemoBot traveling through the Ruins of Atlantis.

Click here to download the Ruins of Atlantis.

Need help setting up Robot Virtual Worlds? Visit this page!

Robot Virtual Worlds (RVW) has announced a new release scheduled for this Friday, April 13, 2012!

Among the modifications in this release are new utility tables, new challenges, and new robots!  Check out the blog release here!

Not familiar with Robot Virtual Worlds?
RVW allows students to use their ROBOTC code on virtual robots in a simulated environment. Students will be able to write and test code in RVW and then export the same code into a real NXT or VEX robot.

With RVW, students do not have to purchase a robot, they can compile and test code much quicker, and they can use robots in fantastic environments that are unthinkable to do in the classroom!