Innovation First intros VEX RCR Mini, WiFi control system

Innovation First sure looks to be keeping up a steady pace with its VEX robotics system, with the company now following up its recently released ROBOTC programming kit with its new VEX RCR Mini kit and a new WiFi control system. The former, as you've no doubt surmised, is a smaller and less expensive version of Innovation's standard VEX system, which it thinks will be particularly appealing to students from elementary school on up. The VEX WiFi Control System, on the other hand, will apparently work with all VEX robots, and somewhat ominously, allows for "simultaneous operation of hundreds of robots wirelessly." No word on a price or exact release date for the WiFi system just yet, but you can look for the VEX RCR Mini to be available this August for "less than $100." [Warning: PDF Link]

[Via Gizmag]

[Matt @ Feb 12th 2008 11:54AM]

...its spelled FIRST

[CraigJ @ Feb 12th 2008 12:07PM]

Actually, it's spelled "douche bag"

[Flashpoint @ Feb 12th 2008 11:58AM]

When I see a robotic arm that low to the ground which is designed to grip balls - it gives me an uneasy feeling.

[Dan @ Feb 12th 2008 12:20PM]

I for one plan on crushing these robots.

Screw the whole overloard thing.

[Rob @ Feb 12th 2008 12:32PM]

"...hundreds of robots at one time...hmmmmmmmm..."

My plans for world domination realized, I can now make my demand for ONE BILLION Dollars!!! Your governments are all pwned.

[Tim @ Feb 12th 2008 12:35PM]

it has begun...

[Pauly @ Feb 12th 2008 3:14PM]

"simultaneous operation of hundreds of robots wirelessly."
Sounds like another robotic swarm is on the rise.

http://www.robotliving.com/2007/05/04/weekly-robot-roundup-the-swarm-is-here/

[Jason @ Feb 12th 2008 9:51PM]

Wow.. I've been trying to find a *cheap* ip-based motor controller for a couple of months now. I am shocked it took this long to come out with a wifi controller. Even plain ol' ethernet is hard to find. www.modtronix.com and a few others have them, but I am not even sure, they just look like it would work (I am a 100% n00b when it comes to robotics). Most dc controllers however use serial which is just crazy to me. Why are we still using mid-20th century tech? If Vex comes out with a Wifi motor controller for >=$100 and it is ready to go, they will be the first. If someone knows otherwise, please let me know. This is the closet I've seen to what I am trying to accomplish: http://www.superdroidrobots.com/product_info/WiFi.htm. Notice the serial to ethernet converter? What a waste!

[Yauhan Mehta @ Oct 31st 2008 2:10AM]

Dear Donald,

I was browsing through your website and exploring your thoughts on Creativity and Innovation. I enjoyed reading several of your blogs and I felt that your ideas on Innovation were quite insightful. I am an Innovation Research Assistant at The DeSai Group- a consulting firm that focuses on the domains of Strategy-Driven Innovation™, Leadership, Learning and Execution capabilities for continuous growth and optimal business results. Feel free to visit us at http://www.desai.com

I would like to take the liberty to welcome you to our “Community of Friends” at the DeSai Group. We look forward to inviting you in on-going research and collaborative conversations in the future.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best Regards,

Yauhan Mehta
Innovation Research Assistant
[e-mail] / (860)-233-0011 x818
The DeSai Group: http://www.desai.com
Blog & Downloads: http://www.strategydriveninnovation.com