NXTSpaceApps

We use a Mindstorms robot, with a WIFI sensor embedding a webserver, to provide time latency and teleoperation issues demonstrator. Easy to setup, handle and operate, this robot will connect to the local WIFI network. Smartphones, Tablets, Computers can gain access to it by typing its @IP, and the rover will reply to every orders given by its interface. To experiment Mars rover's problems, you will be able to give direct orders, get twitter reports, and plan tasks or change latency.

This project is solving the Lego Rovers challenge.

Description

In our approach of this challenge, we wanted to keep the application as simple as possible, so that every children can enjoy manipulating the rover, without having to learn complex interface.

In order to provide a solution to this project, we will concentrate on the WIFI (It will enable futur support in EV3, the new mindstorms system), and create a webserver app to bring tasks interaction and mobile devices connectivity to life. We will use genuine LEGO sensors , to ensure direct usability in a classroom. starting from retail/educational kit from LEGO, we make use of:

  • Ultrasound for obstacle avoidance with user threshold,
  • Light/Color for environment condition detection and interaction,
  • Touch sensor for soil/samples test.

We will provide an application already compiled (plus the NXC sources and docs, of course!), thus teachers/parents just have to download it to the NXT and the NXT2WIFI, with USB... No more Java involved! We will use the "enhanced" firmware, which is retro-compatible with NXT-G, to ensure easy setup, and keep operations as simple as possible!!! We will provide pedagogical resources, focused on MARS rover.

We will build in a second time, an odometry framework, to implement a "return to base", and "goto place of interess in x,y coordinates" behaviours. In a third time, we are considering to add an interface to the data flowing from Mars, establishing a connection to the other challenge involving Mars Rover, "curiosity-at-home", as a team member as worked on the same base for "We Are Curios", aka LEGO Mindstorms Rover. It would be fun for students to see the "real tracks" directly!!!

The EV3, third LEGO Mindstorms Kit generation, will be able to run the NXTSpaceApps program. The Bricxcc will be ported with the EV3, and the WIFI dongle will allow wireless network connection.


Project Information

License: GNU General Public License
Source Code/Project URL: https://github.com/NXTSpaceApps/

Resources

Twitter: @NXTSpaceApps #NXTSpaceApps - https://twitter.com/NXTSpaceApps
The "wandering robot" logo - https://securecdn.disqus.com/uploads/mediaembed/images/476/390/original.jpg
Tumbler's Blog - http://nxtspaceapps.tumblr.com/
Project presentation - https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1BPGG4FHRE3LEFE9Bp6KzBbJ30kdmyVKxiDdNcA8TU24/
Set up & Educational doc - https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G3eQsx3rB_8YKJ3myvSVKkWVlkdV9TlPqx0OgLoZBNE/
Louise Dennis interview, the challenge creator speaks about our project!!! - http://youtu.be/VeewjZFCnEE
Final Presentation Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnBB78AWmW4&feature=youtu.be
NXTSpaceApps will be compatible with the EV3, the next LEGO Mindstorms. - http://www.smithsonianmag.com/ideas-innovations/How-Lego-Is-Constructing-the-Next-Generation-of-Engineers-204137981.html
NXTSpaceApps Drawing, how the project is build and works - https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B3qPV3ZtBzrSc0F1NzN1cHpZUWM/edit?usp=sharing