Parallax to intro Scribbler programmable robot
By Barb Dybwad 
posted August 13th 2005 8:00AM
posted August 13th 2005 8:00AM
Gather 'round, robot hackers, for Parallax is set to drop a new, fully programmable, intelligent robot with multiple
sensor systems allowing it to interact with objects, people and, of course, pets. The Scribbler robot can self-navigate
and report back about what it senses via light and sound. A BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller is its reprogrammable brain,
which can be hooked up via serial cable to your PC and imbued with dastardly deeds. If you pre-order before August 23
the price is $89, and it'll retail for $99 after it starts shipping on that date.
[Thanks, Jim]
no, it's supposed to be used on tile, fool
I had one of these (called TURTLE) in elementary school which I programmed in BASIC on an Apple 2e.
This is not new.
http://www.atrox.at/robots/light-turtle/
All very nice but does it work with Logo?
A friggin' RS-232 port? That's so last century.
It's repackaged, and integrated, but the core is still the Basic Stamp 2?
And I agree, no wireless?
Aren't these things supposed to be teaching TODAY's robotics?
Heck they seem to even be removing the mechanical aspect of these electroMECHANICAL devices!
While it looks cool, I don't see where this builds the capability of the platform or enhances the learning/using experience of the finished product any differently then what Paralax has been selling for years and years now.
Connects via Serial cable? This is the 21st century..
Yeah, we had Turtle too, when I was in 5th grade. Let's see, that was 15 years ago. This is a cute product, but I'm much rather see some serious Mindstorm projects in the schools these days, where the kids actually get to come up with something *new*.
From the Lego website: "The latest innovation from LEGO Educational Division makes it possible to attach a small LEGO camera to a robot, link up to another computer - anywhere in the world - and communicate via the Internet."
Now *that's* cool! I wish we had that when I was a kid.
While the concept of a programmable education robot isn't new, there are two major differences between this and the Logo Turtles and similar devices of the past. First, it has sensor inputs, which the turtles never had. Second, it is far less expensive. Valiant still sells the Logo Turtle that LadySylviaMarsh referred to, but it costs $595. And it doesn't have programmable sensors.
I agree with Dalton that Mindstorms would be the best way to go. I've worked with a school that has all fifth graders spend two weeks working with those kits, and the results are phenomenal. However, the kits cost $200 apiece, and the kids need regular access to computers. That's an investment of money and equipment outside of what many schools can afford (more's the pity). The Scribbler looks like an inexpensive but flexible option to at least get the kids exposed to the concept of introductory machine control.
my head is a green teakettle
serial port isn't bad at 21st century. It's far simpler than USB....
I think this would be an awesome product if it can link up to Illustrator or even Photoshop. Maybe even integrate several marker colors or a bubble jet spray. Rather than buying huge format printers where precision isn't necessarily a must, imagine it as a cheap template maker for crafters, tailors, painters, construction workers, graphic designers, artists, etc.
I can imagine it will eventually go in some art installation (like SMSing a message or scribble that could be written on the floor). Take another concept of having it crawl along the walls/floors and paint specific designs.
I've read about the Pixel Roller concept and bicycle chalk sprayer... and while they're nice, they still aren't automated like this one. Cool product! I'll definitely get one if it gets more functions (bubble jet, paint option, programmability, precision, etc.).
#14
very yes. when can we expect to see your prototype?
seriously, make that or somone else will!
Oh, that's a Sharpie... For a moment, I thought it was a mobile... um, nevermind. "One track gutter" strikes again.