I love robots and I love insects. So what could be better than taking two things you love and combining them in a freakish way to make cyborg bugs? Nothing, that's what.
I had so much fun on Pi day (3.14) I didn't have time to post until my favorite day devoted to a ratio was over. What kept me busy were various local activities like the USFirst Robotics Silicon Valley regional finals. I had to work on Thursday and Friday but I got to see the mighty Willow Glen Rams mix it up in the final qualifying rounds on Sunday.
After that I went to the Almaden Public Library Battle of the Bands where heavy metal still reigns supreme! It was great to see a bunch of enthusiastic kids working hard and expressing themselves creatively. Whether it's the future scientists at the robotics meet or the future rock stars at the library, it gives me some hope for the future of the world.
2009 will be my second year helping out the geniuses in training in the Willow Glen High School Robotics team prepare a bot to compete in the FIRST Robotics League challenge. This is no simple "battlebots" competition. The kids have just a few weeks to design and build their bots to particpate in tele-operated as well as fully autonomous challenges. Check out the video above to see the crazy challenge for 2009.
If you'd like to help the team with a donation of tools, technical books or useful part, you can bring them by Hijinx any time. If you'd prefer to donate money, you can use the following link:
Yes, I know times are tough, but consider the following facts. First of all, these kids will be the ones paying off our massive debts for many years to come. And they'll also be the ones solving the problems that previous generations have been unwilling or unable to solve. Schools don't have shop class or auto shop like they did when I was in school, and for some the robotics team is the only place they get to use real tools and solve problems with them. The world needs engineers more than ever before!
Google just announced they are releasing their own web browsers, bringing some serious performance and UI enhancements to the web browsing table. Not only that, but they hired Scott "Understanding Comics" McCloud to make a cool comic explaining the whole shebang. Pretty technical, but well worth reading.
Check out this robot that uses rat neurons to help it avoid obstacles. The rat brains were said to respond predictably to electronic signals from ultrasonic sensors. They need to set that thing loose in a maze for full effect.
