Robotics

Learning’s fun with the programmable Scribbler Robot

(Also check out Andy’s full review and pictures of the Scribbler.) Growing up, I loved robots. Sadly, all I had were toys designed using 1980’s technology. Actually, “technology” might be too strong a word. Like my family’s own inflatable “robot”. That’s right, huff and puff into a big plastic balloon, and it expanded into a sort-of […]

Draganflyer V Ti Pro Review, Tips and Tricks

What is the Draganflyer V Ti Pro? From Draganfly Innovations Inc., the Draganflyer V is a radio-controlled, battery-powered helicopter. The “Ti” stands for “thermal intelligence”, a thermal sensing system allowing for safer and easier-controlled flights: The Draganflyer senses the horizon and can correct its flight to restabilize when needed. The “Pro” is a Draganflyer with […]

Scribbler Robot Review

What is the Scribbler Robot? The Scribbler Robot is an intelligent programmable robot for ages eight years and older. Rolling around on three wheels, it communicates via light and sound. It has light and infrared sensors, allowing it to find its way around objects, detect light sources, and follow lines drawn on the floor. It’s […]

Vex Robotics Kit Design System Review

What is the Vex Robotics Kit? The Vex Robotics Design System, available from http://www.vexrobotics.com, is a build-it-yourself robot creation kit. Like an electric erector set, you need some batteries, some imagination, and a desire to build. The results will be a functional robot you can control with a wireless radio transmitter (like a remote-controlled car). With […]

Build your own robot with Vex Robotics

Erector sets have gone electric: The Vex Robotics Starter Kit gives you over 500 pieces of robotic fun, including motors, gears, wheels and hardware. Throw in some batteries, turn on the radio transmitter, and take control. Build your own robot The Vex Robotics kit allows you to design and build robots from scratch. It’s for […]

What is X10, and what does it do?

A reader asks: “What are the devices that send and receive information over electric wires and turn lights off and on?”Another way to ask this question is “What is X10?” When I was a kid, my family was lucky enough to regularly test interesting technologies. Among my favorites were X10 units: I had a “control box” […]