Newsgroups: comp.robotics
Path: brunix!sgiblab!sdd.hp.com!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!decwrl!world!rgacote
From: rgacote@world.std.com (Raymond Cote)
Subject: Re: What is a MOVIT?
Message-ID: <CA0C4J.4Fv@world.std.com>
Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA
References: <n_deakin-110793154307@asyncatk1h120.chem.utas.edu.au>
Date: Sun, 11 Jul 1993 15:53:06 GMT
Lines: 25

n_deakin@postoffice.utas.edu.au (Nick Deakin) writes:

>The FAQ mentions MOVITS and describes them as cute inexpensive robots. Can
>someone please tell me more about them.
>Nicholas Deakin
>University of Tasmania, Australia
>n_deakin@postoffice.utas.edu.au

Movits are a series of toy-quality mechanical construction kits, typical 
price $40-$50. Typically they can respond to touch sensors, hand claps, etc.

A notable exception is the WAO II which is a programmable machine with built-in
keyboard, two touch sensors, and a pen. You can program fairly complex wall 
following, and maze-solving behaviors. They are not powerful enough to "learn"
a path, however. This robot typically sells for about $95 US.

I haven't yet seen their newest machine which promises to be WAO-like, but with
a fuzzy controller on-board. 

Movits are available from a number of places including: Edmund Scientific, 
Active Electronics (I think), H&R, and Robot Explorer. Decent hobby stores
which don't just specialize in RC cars should also probably carry them.
ray
rgacote@world.std.com

