I have a Masters degree in CS and have always wanted to get a better understanding of EE. I am thinking about starting this course and think making the robot would be a blast. I can't find in the material where I might get the robot, though. I apologize if it is obvious and I am missing it, but would like to see if I can get it and the cost before jumping in. Anyone be able to help me out?

Question

I have a Masters degree in CS and have always wanted to get a better understanding of EE.  I am thinking about starting this course and think making the robot would be a blast.  I can't find in the material where I might get the robot, though.  I apologize if it is obvious and I am missing it, but would like to see if I can get it and the cost before jumping in.  Anyone be able to help me out?

anonymous · Answer

maybe it's too difficult

anonymous · Answer

I don't think you can get that robot. I would suggest a Boe-Bot kit http://www.parallax.com/Store/Robots/AllRobots/tabid/128/ProductID/302/List/0/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName,ProductName there are more capable robots out there but it is a good introduction to hardware since it comes with a book to step you thought the construction aspects.If that works for you then there are a lot of other stuff you can add to it.

anonymous · Answer

with arduino you can built your boot or you can also buy a startkit, look arround on ebay, or amazon, very cheap and you dont need any license becouse it's a open-hardware

anonymous · Answer

it works with c++

anonymous · Answer

Like @joeontherocks says, I'd start with an Arduino. You can start small, just with the most basic parts, and the arduino controller then add to it as you learn more.

Also, although Arduino's aren't programmed in Python (which is the language used for mit ocw 6.01, I highly recommend working your way through the course. It teaches a lot of the fundamentals that'll help you not brick your controller 'cause you didn't calculate what capacitor/resistor/whatever you needed correctly ;)