> OK. So now I'm curious. How much would it cost to get the raw materials
> and whip up a half-decent robot?


About $50 to $100ish

  Dual motor Assembly $20 - Acorn Models
  Wheels for Motor Assembly - $6 for 4
  Vero/Breadboard $10+
  Your choice of Micro-controller Starting at $3+ (PIC12F675)
  Your choice of sensors $0.50+
  Your choice of motor drive (Couple of transistors or IC)  $0.60+
  misc bits and pieces - battery holder etc  $3+


 Small photo of one I built at http://www.kiwacan.co.nz/robot.html


> I think that lego has some advantages:
> It's modular. Take it apart and build something else.
> It's clean.

> You don't need solder. (Not that I don't mind. From a child's point of
> view, you understand)

Im working on one that wont need soldering (Pre-aassembled kit with plug on 
modules)

As a platform - you can still use Lego, Meccano, Torro, balsa, plastic.... 
anything!! 


> It's easy to build for a child.
> With the windows GUI programming language, it seems easy for a child to
> do some simple coding.

Im working on a Linux GUI that generates the code for you by clicking on 
things (Its alot of work!)


>
> Those advantages are probably worth the price tag, no?
>
> Cheers,
> Carl.


Mike

-- 
Linux Rocks!

Reply via email to