Robots, Robots everywhere...
A couple of days ago I posted an image of Joseph Wu's Pocket PC Robot, there was a TON of interest in this device, so it's only natural that I follow this up with another couple of examples of Microsoft 'hobbyist' robot projects, this time running Windows XP Embedded.
First up is a robot built by Jack Creasey, a Program Manager in the Microsoft IT group.
The robot is based on the FriendlyRobotics lawnmower - but has all of it's guts removed and replaced with a laptop running Windows XP Embedded, there is also a USB connected GPS and RS232 connected CMUCam that completes the sensor package. The CMUCam and Sonar sit on top of the mower.
Next is the Cylon Robot Project by Jay Beavers (when I went to the web site I was expecting to see a red LED moving back and forth on the front of the robot, like the Cylons from Battlestar Galactica, or Knight Rider! - perhaps that's something Jay should consider adding to the robot).
The Cylon is also running Windows XP Embedded, Cylon competed in the Seattle Robotics Society's Robo-Magellan competition.
The Windows XP Embedded operating system image is about 500MB - more information is available on Jay's blog
And, yes, I'm planning on getting some video of both Jay's and Jack's robots - I've scheduled some time down at Marymoor park (close to campus) to see the robots going through their paces - Jay is working on a number of changes to the robot so this isn't going to happen for a few weeks - I will let you know when the video is done, and live on MSDN Channel 9. Do let me know if you have any questions you want me to ask Jay or Jack.
- Mike
