NICEBOTS are electronic handicrafts, constructed almost entirely by hand using available hobby materials with the exception of circuit board fabrication and laser-cut wood pieces. Designed to be of the same specie, each bot contains the same basic components that make up the body anatomy.
List of Basic Components:
- 2 DC Motors and Plastic Wheels
- 1 balancing wheel
- 2 IR ranger sensors
- 1 magnet sensor on the nose
- 1 speaker
- 5 circuit boards for motor and sensor controls
- 1 line following sensor
The components fit together in a rectangular box that makes up the body
of the bot. Each bot is programmed with the same sensor and motor controls,
but slightly different logic to give the bot unique personality. The bots
are completely autonomous and "grow" throughout the exhibition.
Over time, we reprogrammed them to make wiser decisions when hitting a wall
or trying to get out of a corner. The magnet sensor enable the bots to sense
each other and interact with a "magic wand" -- magnet on a stick
held by the audience.
 
  |
