[Edu-sig] re: Pyro, Python Robotics Pyro

[Jason Cunliffe]

Here's another one:

http://eggo.sourceforge.net/

"EGg0 my Legos!!
Finally, a robotics platform that's simple enough for 8th graders and still
powerful enough for industry professionals! EGg0 can be all things to all
people.

The EGg0 Educational Robotics Platform is a project to develop hardware and
software tools for designing and building robots with a focus on education.
By leveraging the power of embedded systems, currently used hardware, free
software and programming languages such as Python, the EGg0 project is
building a cross-platform robotic systems that can be used and programmed by
everyone.

Designed in conjunction with the SPARK program (see sidebar), a middle
school science and engineering lab series, EGg0 is being developed for those
who have never build circuits or programmed computers, but who want to
learn.
"
I learned EGg0 this morning reading  GordonMcComb's essential reference
"Robot Builder's Sourcebook"
700 pages and great value at $25  -- *packed* with goodies.
http://robotoid.com/

a spinoff bidget site: http://www.budgetrobotics.com/

'Sourcebook' is in the happy spirit of Whole Earth Catalog, but it is one
man's collection. The web has changed everything, itelf a child of Whole
Earth Catalog, so hard to truly say is "Robot Builder's Sourcebook"  work of
one man. His enthusaistic positive creative tone is evident. Most are just
listings, but he includes soments adn sidebar intros for important topics
and at the beginning of every section. He is a prpfessed catalog lover adn
recomenmd the educational and inspirational virties of reading all sorts of
catalogs. As mcuhs as he values teh web as esential, he also aprecaites
printed catalogs too.

He is author of various columns and one of the bibles: "Robot Builders
Bonanza"
http://www.sciencesbookreview.com/Robot_Builders_Bonanza_0071362967.html

'Bonanza' is instructional, a real intro to the topic, jargon and
techniques. 'Sourcebook' is just what it says but as a catalog also makes
teaches and invites..

It is so exciting to see what is hapenning now with cheap programmable
devices and robotics sensors.
Since onboard memory and software interconnectivty are now at an  important
threshold, one has a choice to program in assembly or something at higher
level. Basic mainly with Java emerging quickly. And perhaps Python, and
REBOL. Forth is always in the background.

Robotics are literally hands-on prgamming, except when one is runing a
simulator. Learning about them does reward a grasp of low-level concepts.
But one can work 'up' or 'down' to that thes days. Sucha wide choice - from
turnkey toys to cheap mainstream industrial components.

re: Pythonic way of doing things  OOpics are a nice developement
"Specially designed for robotics, the OOPic is a totally different approach
in microcontrollers utilizing Object-Oriented programming and Virtual
Circuits.  Program the OOPic in Basic, C, or Java syntax, clip on a battery
and it is ready to control your project. "
http://www.oopic.com/
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0071420843/n%3D507846/103-2698
402-8575801

Jason