Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!uunet!news.mentorg.com!mentorg.com!davidr
From: davidr@mentorg.com (David Ransier)
Subject: Robot module interface standards
Sender: news@news.mentorg.com (News User)
Message-ID: <1993Jul22.153745.16478@news.mentorg.com>
Date: Thu, 22 Jul 1993 15:37:45 GMT
Nntp-Posting-Host: davidr.mentorg.com
Organization: Mentor Graphics
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Followup-To: robot-board@oberon.com
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-- 
I pretty new to all this robotics stuff, but have been enjoying the email
for many months.  (Some day soon I hope to make my Miniboard do something
useless.)

It occurred to me recently that developing a set of interface standards,
both electrical and mechanical, could promote more activity in groups
or clubs.

Specifically, I'm thinking of the kind of standards that model railroaders
have. I also have no hands-on experience here, but I have attended several 
shows where the club members bring their 3x3 foot section of layout and 
everything plugs together and works.

There was a mention recently that someone hot-glues legos to their mini-board
so they can move it between multiple projects.

So there's the concept.  Now for the question...

Would it makes sense to collectively create a spec that allows multiple
persons to work independantly on parts of a robot and bring them together
and work (successfully!)  The spec could describe mount points for sensors
and manipulators.  Motors probably need to include wheels, etc., as a motion
platform.  Hopefully, you get the idea.

I'm sure it isn't possible to create a spec that allows people to develop
without some interaction, but I think a lot could be done to help.  An enterprising 
person or company could then make available interchangable robitics parts.

And ultimately, a contest could be put together that stipulates team members
cannot assemble the pieces until contest time.


+++++++++++++
David Ransier  davidr@pdx.mentorg.com      These comments are my own. I paid for
               Office: (503) 685-1528      them. I own them. They're not my 
               Fax:    (503) 685-7704      employers, and you can't have them.
+++++++++++++
