So over the last few months, I have been developing a series of simple modular electronics kits, with the aim that they could be assembled and then simply plugged together to form different responses to sensory inputs.
The first two modules that I created originated from BEAM-type circuits, including an Edgebot (a simple robot which reverses and turns when it touches an object), and a Photovore-like (i.e. "light-eater") logic system, which drives a robot in the direction of the brightest light source.
The Photovore circuit is simple in comparison; it uses a comparator to compare the signals of the two LDRs (Light Dependent Resistors, which the robot uses to detect light), and the output dictates whether or not the right motor should go forward in order to find more light (the signal for the left motor is inverted).
The final board that is to be designed will be a motor controller using a simple H-Bridge, allowing for basic forward/reverse movements of two motors.
I am currently designing a chassis for the robot, which will allow several additional sensor types to be attached, and will create a nice platform for the modular robot.
Alex W
BrightBotDesign