Lego Mindstorms NXT Robotics

 

 

Mentorship Project Proposal

 

 

Project Name: Lego Mindstorms NXT Robotics – “Tank Simulation”

 

Project Objective: 

 

This project will cover topics of Java programming, software engineering and development, machine level code and assembly, wireless communication protocols and standards (i.e. Bluetooth technology), and some basic mechanical principles (i.e. motors and gears).

 

Project Description:

 

Two Lego “tanks” will interact in a simulated battle. The simulation will be carried out by a Java program on a server PC. This server will be in communication with the two Lego “tanks” via Bluetooth connection. Through this connection, the server running the simulation will relay commands and instructions to the Lego tanks. The Lego tanks will in essence be a visual demonstration of the simulation that the server will be carrying out. In addition, the tanks will have built in sensors to report back information about their position and status to the server. The server will receive this information, process it, and send instructions to the tanks accordingly.

 

Some of the data that the tanks will be transmitting include: 1) coordinates relative to an enclosed rectangular area, 2) course heading from a digital compass, 3) light sensor values of the surface on which it is moving over at any given time, 4) touch sensor readings to know if it is hitting anything.

 

Project materials:

 

            2 Lego Mindstorms NXT kits                                       $249.99 ea. x 2 = $499.98

            2 Digital Compass sensors (third party accessory)         $46.99 ea. x 2 = $93.98

            1 USB Bluetooth dongle for PC/NXT connectivity        $37.99

            1 PC with USB port                                                     -----------______________

                                                                                                $631.95