2019 Issue-6

Servo Magazine

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Features

Experimenting with Walking Robots — Autonomous Leveling

Developing algorithms for leveling so our walking robots can stay upright.

Building a Future One Robot at a Time

Getting kids started in robotics can be life-changing in more ways than one.

Human Media Lab Takes LEGO to the Next Level

Using motion capture cameras, Queen’s University’s Human Media Lab helps create flying LEGO bricks that could mimic real world movements.

Robots in the Ballet

The fun and hassle of robots in a ballet show.

Robotics Industry Helps Cope with COVID-19

Wherever possible, robotics and automation specialists are working to help cope with the corona pandemic.

A Quick Experimenter’s Guide to Servomotors

Servomotors are indispensable in robotics.

Hands-Free Robot Control

Control a robot with simple hand gestures.

CNC Routers: The Z Axis Zero Setter

Why you need a Z axis zero setter, and how to use one to establish the location of “part zero.”

How I Make 3D Printed Parts

Learn my entire process for making 3D parts using free software.

Parallax and micro:bit Team Up

Micro:bit + Propeller = cyber:bot: a fun robot platform perfect for STEM applications.

The Influence of Literature, Movies, and TV on Robots and How the Hobby has Evolved

The perception of what a “robot” is has evolved over the years.

Make a Spring-Loaded Pen Holder for Your CNC Router for $5!

A pen holder is a nice addition to any CNC hobbyist’s tool bag.

Halloween Props Using the Parallax Activity Board and BlocklyProp

Have a “Spooktacular” time with these simple decorating ideas.

PingPong Brings Innovation to Robotics

Serious features are packed into this unassuming cube.

Using a Servo with the TS-7180 SBC

Add a servo control trick or two to your embedded systems repertoire.

REVIEW: Vorpal Hexapod

Review of the Vorpal Hexapod.

Robot Vision for Everyone

HuskeyLens provides vision capabilities many hobbyists have only dreamed of having.

Get Rolling with Omni-Directional Wheels

As omni-directional wheels gain popularity in mobile robots, why not try implementing them in your next build?

Introducing Children to Robotics and Programming

Examine some ways of making robotics exciting for children.

Fun with Subroutines

In computer programming, a subroutine is a sequence of program instructions that performs a specific task, packaged as a unit. This unit can then be used in programs wherever that particular task should be performed.

Balancing a Robot on a Ball

Building a robot that balances on top of a ball is easier than you might think.

Experimenting with Walking Robots

Frame-based software can be somewhat limited. See what you can do to extend what your walking robot is capable of.

How to “Tram” Your CNC Router

Take a look at what tramming a CNC router means, why you need to tram your machine, and the equipment and technique I use to tram mine.

HF Antenna Switching for SDR Receivers Used in Robotics

A primer on RF paths and a useful project to build to go with an SDR receiver.

Helping Machines Perceive Some Laws of Physics

Model registers “surprise” when objects in a scene do something unexpected.

3D Printing for Robotic Projects

With the trend for lower 3D printer prices, it makes sense for robot hobbyists to consider ways of using 3D printing in their builds.

Developing Robotic Behaviors

Using a simulator for developing and perfecting robot behavior.

AUVSI XPONENTIAL Trade Show Review

Coverage of the 2019 AUVSI trade show.

Experimenting with Walking Robots — A Humanoid Platform

Examine one option for the hardware and sensor requirements for a two-legged walking robot.

Experimenting with Walking Robots — Maintaining Balance

Various ways for a two-legged robot to maintain its balance.

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Projects

Build Your Own Computer-Controlled Three-Axis Robotic Arm

Start your journey into computer-controlled robotics by building a simple arm.

A DIY RC Controller and So Much More!

Investigate the power RC control offers to bring your animatronic characters to life.

Fun with ActivityBot

Two simple and fun projects to do with your Parallax ActivityBot.

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Columns

Twin Tweaks
by Bryce Woolley, Evan Woolley
Giving Double Jeopardy an Unconstitutional Amount of Shots
Upgrading Double Jeopardy for the 2019 BattleBots season.

Twin Tweaks
by Bryce Woolley, Evan Woolley
Reach Out and Build Robots
Review of the goBUILDA experimenter’s kit.

Twin Tweaks
by Bryce Woolley, Evan Woolley
How We Put Double Jeopardy in BattleBots
Making it onto BattleBots takes a lot more than just a cool design.

Twin Tweaks
by Bryce Woolley, Evan Woolley
20/20 Vision for 2020
Seeing our way to adding vision to Double Jeopardy.

Then and Now
by Tom Carroll
Service Robots are Knocking on Consumer’s Doors
Someday, the right home service robot will be developed and snapped up by savvy buyers.

Then and Now
by Tom Carroll
Large Robots Over the Years
An evolution of the larger robots used in the military and in space exploration.

Twin Tweaks
by Bryce Woolley, Evan Woolley
Building a Bridge to Anywhere
A look at what you can do with linear motion.

Then and Now
by Tom Carroll
What is a Robot?
How do you define the term robot? It’s not as easy as you might think.

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Combat Zone

BUILD REPORT: Grater Good

in The Combat Zone

Starting simple with a first robot build for competing.

Maximizing Strength for Printing Combat Robots with a 3D Printer

Selecting the right materials for 3D printed fighting robot parts makes all the difference.

How Design Revisions Can Make Your Combat Bot More Competitive

in The Combat Zone

Design revisions are an integral part of the engineering process.

An Experimental Approach to Flipper Geometry

Create the most powerful Antweight (1 lb) flipper possible.

EVENT REPORT: PCT SWORD Fall Fights 2018

in The Combat Zone

Results of the PCT Student Wildcats of Robot Design (SWORD) event.

Team Mostmint Takes On Combat

Going from no knowledge competing in combat robotics to winning battles.

Mammoth vs. Nightmare

Taking on a Nightmare of a robot.

FlameBots for Battle

Learn the basics of flamethrowers used in combat robots.

The First Annual Cal Combat Robotics Competition

in The Combat Zone

Starting a collegiate combat robotics community.

Vortex — The Shell Spinner Adventure

in The Combat Zone

A bunch of trials and struggles building a first bot eventually pays off.

The Best Time to Start Your BattleBot’s Career? Right Now!

Wanna get into combat robots? Start with Insectweights.

Custom Foam Wheels for Combat Robotics

in The Combat Zone

Foam wheels offer lots of advantages for combat bots.

Creating a Phenomena

The story behind my 3 lb Beetleweight.

The Bot of Theseus Or “The Sparadox”

in The Combat Zone

There are two different schools of thought when it comes to dealing with damage to your bots during competitions.

Whiplash 2019: Staying Competitive in the World of BattleBots

Tips on staying in the combat game from a BattleBot’s team.

I Build BattleBots

in The Combat Zone

Girls can be engineers and robot builders too!

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