Beginner at robotics. Within the constraints of the exercise I’m doing, I need a small-scale problem that a rudimentary robot can help solve. Coding should not be too complicated but I am willing to learn a lot with the right help and materials. Something I could make from Arduino software would be good as school has this on laptops.
Can you tell us what the constraints are and what resources you have? Can you maybe give some idea of what type of problem? For instance, a physical job to do, or something else? “small-scale problem” covers a lot of territory.
Thanks for your reply @oldguy
Doing epq, which is a research project with optional artefact (of which I would like to make a robot).
Something with a real world application. Perhaps something to help those during/in the aftermath of floods/droughts?
In terms of what I have: Arduino development software on school laptops. Bits and bobs from school labs, if I can ask for some small things from the tech assistants. Then perhaps asking for a bit of funding from the school to buy motor and other parts.
My first suggestion would be to look around on this site at the various robots people have built. There’s a TON! I suspect you can find some inspiration that way.
I’m not very creative, but here are some ideas:
A bot that goes under furniture and pushes out anything it finds.
One that “plays with” a pet to keep it active and entertained.
A top of cabinet cleaner
A person finder. Roams around listening for sounds to find people.
Most of those should be doable in a short time with limited resources and expense.
Thanks for suggesting GitHub I hadn’t thought of going there or using source code. Item-pusher and person-finder seem like interesting ideas. I was very much looking for this type of thing.
I need someone to mentor me as I feel that being a newbie, doing this all on my own is a bit tough. Just someone to point me in the right direction and suggest reading material etc. Any suggestions on where I could find this type of person? No one remotely specialised in robotics or programming at my school, to my dismay!!
Uh, I didn’t know I suggested GitHub, but that’s a good idea too.
You mentioned school. Are you in college? If so I’m sure you could find someone there to be a mentor. If not, look around for robot clubs, maker spaces, or even amateur radio clubs in your area (Google can help.)
You can also get a lot of help here. I have not been a member here long, but I have been impressed so far. One thing about robot and electronics hobbyists are that most of them enjoy helping others learn. I am always willing to help when I can.
Can you tell us a little about where you are located and what kind of school you are in?