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NAVIE implementation

This implementation  is based on the children's ROBOTIX Robot Commander.   This is an full size constructed human like robot.   Most all of the body, arms, legs,etc are made with small parts that are fitted together in various ways.  The arms, head have almost human like movement.   The unit comes with 6V motors used for controlling movement.   The unit is made from material that is not to solid when it has been all fitted together.   This is mainly sold for children  as a play thing.

The Unit can demonstrate stress problems in implementing a human figure.   In fact, the unit makes for a very basic prototyping unit.  All the various movements can be studied and improvement can be determined in the basic design.  This first thing it would appear for serious implementation, all the parts should be super glued together.  The stress can easily cause the unit to come apart.  Also, the use of heavy parts and motors will produce a big improvement.

Additional motors have been purchased,  these motors have been fitted all over the unit.   A Stamp 1 has been put in the unit.  The Stamp 1 and the motors have been control by using the SOLUTION CUBED Motor Mind B motor controls.   This configuration works very well in the environment. Wheels and motors have been implemented in the feet in order for the unit to walk without leg movement.  But leg movement could be implemented and this is been investigated.   The unit is not very stable in turning.  Turning can be implemented using very short steps.   Presently a remote control unit is being used for turning.  While the Stamp1 implementation is being used for arm, body, mouth, and head movement.

At the present time, it is somewhat differcult to mount power supplies and electronic devices on the unit.  A lot of good packaging knowledge can come by this path of investigation.  Work is continuing in two areas:

             The interface of NAVIE with various controller, devices, and sensors.

             The gain of knowledge from each new interface.

             The improvement of the NAVIE implementation structure.

             The gain of knowledge from the prototype