So we've just released a ton of awesome little bundles for our Ardweenys, and you're thinking "Wow, what would I do with all those?". Well friend, why not build a Strandbeest with an Ardweeny for a brain?
For those few who aren't familiar with a Strandbeest (or don't know it by name), they are the work of Dutch kinetic sculptor Theo Jansen, and they're incredibly mesmerizing to watch in action:
Theo's creations are powered entirely by the wind, and he's working in some very BEAM-like behaviors in the hopes that his creations could one day wander the Dutch beaches on their own.
However, I'd prefer a bit more more control, and Gareth Branwyn over at Make Magazine has just posted up his plans to build a desktop sized one out of some laser cut wood and our awesome little Ardweeny and Breadboard Voltage Regulator Kit as a gift for a friend. You could very easily do the same with our newly release Ardweeny Project Pack, which includes a nifty little backpack with the voltage regulator built in, and even comes with the FTDI programming adapter, everything you need to get started. You can find detailed plans and instructions over on Jeremy Peterson aka 4volt's project page in case you'd like to take a shot at making your own. In fact, there's a tiny evil voice in my head telling me to build many of these and hide them under coworkers desks and the Christmas tree at home, preferably with some kind of glowing red eyes...
We've had some requests about our own demo Nano robot sumo "BittyBad", which uses a pair of GM15 gear motors. On the GM15 detail page, you'll see a picture of it! It features 2 GM15 gear motors, two 90mA/h LiPoly 3.7V batteries (in series), two "ProxDots" objects sensors, a pair of edge-sensors and a (gasp!) […]
Due to minor issues with IP addresses all of our PDF files and videos haven't been available. But, it's up now and faster than ever! All of our downloads are now hosted on our own Solarbotics.net server! Any comments or problems contact the Webmaster. Read More...
The whole 'duino thing is just so much to say, we've got to do it three times. Blame Jerome, our intern... We've got Freeduino version 2.2 back from the assembly line today, and all tests out beeeautifully! New features include an SMD-mounted 16MHz crystal, better power-consumption circuit routing (for battery-operated projects), and "hacking pads" for […]
Rory Nugent (of Solar Xylophone fame) has posted his thesis presentation to the Interactive Telecommunications Program, which heavily features BEAM devices. By "building things with a sense of life", he's documenting what we've known for a good while - autonomous devices ("pets") offer unusual interesting relationships. Keep up the good work!
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Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. Please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov for more information. This item was manufactured prior to August 31, 2018.