Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Lego Mindstorms + Lasers

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the robots-with-friggin-lasers dept.

hamsan writes "My brother just hacked a laser pointer into an NXT light sensor and fully documented the process. From the page — 'Total Project Cost — $16.99 plus shipping. Time Required — Approximately 2 hours of tinkering. Having an Alpha Rex with a Laser — Priceless!' Of course, the usual warnings about voiding warranties and avoiding lasers apply."

2 of 122 comments (clear)

  1. Not a laser rangerfinder. Not even a sensor by Animats · · Score: 3, Interesting

    My first thought on reading that was "wow, somebody built a laser rangefinder for Lego Mindstorms". No such luck.

    Biggest problem with amateur robotics is crappy sensors and lack of feedback. It's getting better, especially in Japan, but slowly.

  2. Re:[Nearly] Pointless Hack by naoursla · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Add two cameras a known distances apart. Write a blob tracker that can locate the point where the laser hits. Use the difference in the laser point positions seen by the two cameras to determine the distance the surface hit by the laser. Now make the laser track back and forth. You now have a poor-mans SICK laser range finder (which cost thousands of dollars).