Software Ideas

Follow the remote - Use the "passive_ir()" routine in "cord" to have the robot home in on your TV remote control. One strategy is to stand still if no signal is seen, back up while turning appropriately when only one side sees the source, and go straight forward when both sides see it. You will probably have to reduce the remote's intensity to get good directionality -- try putting masking tape over the end. Note that since the detectors only look 20 degrees up, the robot will get closer the lower you hold the remote.

Find the exit - Use the front photo detector to find bright areas in the room. Have the robot turn briefly to the left, determine if it is now heading toward a brighter area and, if not, then turn back to the right. On the next cycle start by initially turning right instead and then turn back left if there is no improvement. If you dim the lights in the room but leave the lights on in the hall, the robot should head toward the door.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Use the top photo detector to tell if it is "day" or "night". During the day use the standard wander program. However, at night reverse the direction of all the turns so the robot intentionally tries to smash into things. By turning the room lights on and off you can modulate the robot's personality.

Last updated 3/6/98