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Home > Robot Kits > Track and Wheel Bots > Solarbotics

Solarbotics

 
 
Solarbotics specializes in small build-it-yourself autonomous robot kits that are great for beginners, and fun for experienced hobbyists too! Solarbotics kits come with very thorough documentation with lots of pictures, detailed instructions, and entertaining commentary to make sure that customers have a fun time building their robots. Solarbotics prides themselves on creating simple circuit board designs and their kits come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.  All kits require some soldering.
 
 
Autonomous Robo-Sumo is a sport in which two robots try to push each other out of a ring, similar to traditional sumo wrestling.  Specifically, Mini-Sumo matches involve robots that weigh under 500g and can fit in a 10cm by 10cm box.

The Sumovore Mini-Sumo robot comes with a simple preconfigured brain, so it's ready to compete as soon as it's assembled.  Sumovore uses two infrared sensors to detect its opponent.  Once it locks onto its target, it attacks relentlessly; tracking the other bot and adjusting its own movement accordingly.  To keep itself inside the ring, it has sensors on its underside to detect the edge.

For more information, proceed to the Sumovore product page.

A number of add-ons, upgrades, and replacement parts are available such as more powerful "Brainboards" utilizing PIC, Atmel, and Basic Stamp microcontrollers. Sumovore Parts & accessories
 
Mousebots are 9-volt battery-powered robots that chase light.  Put one on the floor, shine a flashlight in front of it, and watch it go!  Solarbotics has enhanced the Mousebot a bit with functional whisker and tail sensors, so it doesn't get stuck in corners while it runs around.

The kit comes unassembled, and requires basic soldering skills.

"Herbie the Mousebot" was originally built from spare parts as an entry for a robot competition.  Because of its simple but elegant design, it's been featured in as a construction project in "Junkbots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels", "Absolute Beginner's Guide to Robots" and "MAKE" Magazine.

For more information, proceed to the Mousebots category.
 
 
SolarSpeeder 2 is a phototropic BEAM robot.  It collects energy from its solar panel, and then it races off until it runs out of juice.  The control circuit, called a Miller Engine, is beautiful in its simplicity.  The solar panel charges a capacitor until it reaches a sufficient voltage level, then the charge is released into the motor, and away it goes!

This kit has a small number of parts, and assembly should take about 1 1/2 hours (taking time to thoroughly read the instructions, of course).

For more information, proceed to the SolarSpeeder.
 

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