New LNE Video, and better pictures
I had a significant number of requests for more information on my LEGO PackBot implementation, so I pulled together some more information. First, I took it all apart and documented the process with a series of 15 images ("lnebuild1" through "lnebuild15" in my Brickshelf Folder). Take a close look (in one step, pieces apparently change color; it's just something I did to highlight the pins you needed to pull), and you might be able to reproduce it. You will need at least one extra studless turntable and six of the new treads, plus I'm sure other studless pieces. In rebuilding it I was able to reinforce the structure some more, add the US sensor and a HiTechnic accelerometer, as well as place the minifig driver in a much safer spot.
I also put together a better video of unit LNE in action, (embedded below, hopefully) showing it climbing slopes, crossing gaps, "swimming" in packing peanuts, etc... as well as a couple more "interesting" activities. Let me know what you thought of the video - I've not edited together a lot of videos like this, so be gentle :-).
--
Brian Davis
Comments
I just saw this video on YouTube before you posted it on the blog. It's a GOOD "tutorial" of Packbot's capabilities". (I haven't seen the shots on Brickshelf yet--that's where I'm headed next).
Remember my joke that you should get paid for your YouTube videos? YouTube's founder just announced that YT will soon have a "revenue-sharing" agreement with content providers like yourself. (Your son should get most of the $: he doubles as lead actor AND stuntman).
Rick R.
Brian - absolutely incredible.
Some comments:
1. Someone other than one of The NXT Step blog contributors really needs to contact iRobot and point them to this video. To be able to so closely mimic a real-world robot using LEGO components is a real challenge and I think Brian's work deserves to be noticed...
2. Brian, you really should contact Tom at ROBOT magazine and see about getting a feature article on your LNE - they've covered many of iRobot's products and this one just begs for some written details from you.
Great video, too... nice editing and very good demonstrations of what the bot can do.
In seriusly, it's a great robot.
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The packaging peanuts are hilarious! Creating a robot that swims through scree instead of riding over it....to funny!
Your pilot is probably thanking you for sticking him elsewhere...but now the ultrasonic sensor and the NXT brick are taking the brunt of a fall... is that safe for the electronics? I'd consider building a roll bar.
Very nice soundtrack, I think the video is well edited.
From what I have seen it looks like a really neat bot.
Al
You are indeed a NXT-master. Very impressive. I would consider the roll-bar as well if it was my US-sensor.
Regards
CranoBot
Shun D.
whoa awesome design but how can u get the extra pieces without buying a extra kit?
You can try Lego education or if they don't have it you can always try ebay, or you can try www.bricklink.com.
AL
I'd really like to build something like your LNE, but I can't seem to find the right size rubber treads you used. Did they come from a specific kit or did you order them from Lego education?
This is, by far, the best thing I've seen built with Mindstorms yet! Great job!!!
Doug