To create a robot with your own hands, you need a Lego MindStorms NXT constructor. It incorporates the latest robotics technology. Such sets are now supplied to Russian schools through the Federal State Educational Standard. Based on them, children assemble various robot designs from scratch, using their imagination and creative ideas.
Creating an all-terrain vehicle
We start by selecting the parts necessary to create an automated tracked all-terrain vehicle with remote control.By the way, they are almost the same as in Lego construction sets that parents buy for their children at home.
Stage 1: Assembling the tracks.
We take 3 medium rectangular parts and 3 more slightly smaller ones, connect them. Using “studs” we attach 2 disks and tighten the rubber track.
We assemble the second caterpillar in the same order.
Stage 2. Drive assembly.
We assemble a gear transmission from three gears of different sizes.
Then we connect it to an interactive servomotor, which guarantees the accuracy of the robot’s movements.
Now you need to attach the “square” gears.
The transfer is ready.
Stage 3. Connection of transmission with tracks.
To connect the servomotor to the tracks, we make a superstructure from the corner parts and connect the motor housing to the base of the track.
We do the same with the second one.
We connect the caterpillar disk with a pin to the servomotor.
Now, as soon as the motor turns on, the caterpillar will begin to move. We assemble the second structure in the same way.
Stage 4. A base to give rigidity to the entire structure.
From this set of parts (PHOTO 9), using corners, we connect the assembled structures with the tracks.
Stage 5. Installing a power supply with an NXT processor
NXT is the robot's brain, an intelligent, computer-controlled Lego piece that allows the MindStorms robot to come to life and perform various actions.
For normal operation of the NXT, you must insert 6 FF/LR6 alkaline batteries. Using small pins, we attach the NXT to the base of the all-terrain vehicle.
To strengthen the model from above, we connect both motors with a “crossbar”.
Stage 6. Installation of ultrasonic sensor.
The ultrasonic sensor allows the robot to see, measure the distance to an object and respond to movement. It connects to the finished all-terrain vehicle model using a 6-wire cable.We connect one end of it to the sensor, and the other to one of the NXT input ports.
The servos also need to be connected using the same cables to the NXT.
Now we need to write the original program on the computer and using a USB cable, connecting the NXT to it, load the software into our model. Now she will be able to move, go around visible obstacles, and also overcome them: climb a step about 5 cm high.
To program the robot, you can do without a computer: this can be done using the “NXT Program” submenu, i.e. directly on the device itself.
The set also includes a number of sensors, the use of which helps the robot sense and respond to external stimuli, detect light and distinguish colors.
The model is controlled using Biuetooth from a computer or phone without the use of wires or cables. This helps in remote monitoring.
What exactly to create: a car, a human robot or something else is chosen by the author of the model, using his imagination.
Of course, robotics classes will not lead to all children wanting to become programmers, robot builders, engineers, or researchers. But they will give them general scientific training and will contribute to the development of their thinking, logic, mathematical and algorithmic abilities, and research skills.
By the way, adults can also find such activities interesting and useful.
