Mindstorms among Us is a project using LEGO Mindstorms NXT kits to build simple robots that are able to distinguish between walls, balls, and other robots, perform a set of basic behaviors, and keep track of where they are (odometry). These basic sensory behaviors are based on different algorithms to enable the robots to recognize previous mentioned objects. Also, the robot can build a map to describe their environment. Furthermore, the robots are able to build a single map collaboratively. Thus, two robots will describe the same environment. A graphical representation of the map will be displayed for the user so that he can imagine robot’s path and any obstacles. These basic behaviors and simple mapping have been programmed with different programming language such as RobotC and JAVA. The choice of suitable language is based on complexity, functional and non functional requirements of each task. Besides, the physical models of the robot are various to satisfy each task without affecting the accuracy of each task. Many experiments and tests are conducted to ensure the reliability of each function.
This project provides highly valuable real-world hands-on experience on the basics of robotics, including body designs, sensing, actuating and programming. It is a great chance to investigate more in the field of robotics, read more about its main concepts such as odometry and grid occupancy, and a good start up for novice interested students in the robotic field.
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