Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Ask Slashdot: Robotics or Electronic Kits For Wounded Veterans?

Posted by timothy on from the least-we-could-do dept.

An anonymous reader writes I am currently a combat veteran in the care of the VA Hospital. A lot of veterans here suffer from PTSD and other injuries related to combat and trauma. As part of the healing process, the VA finds it good that we take up hobbies such as art or music, and they supply us kits and stuff to put together and paint. This is great, but many of us younger veterans have an interest in robotics and electronics. Do you know of some good and basic robotic and electronic kits that can be ordered or donated to Veterans out there? Any information would be appreciated.

6 of 115 comments (clear)

  1. Lego by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Informative

    The Lego Mindstorm kit is fairly good for entry level robotics (by default programmed in a drag and drop GUI) and can be modded to take C or Java code as well.

    They are a little pricey but you can share sensors and motors if you have enough connections on your controller.

    Good stuff, I used them for my college AI class (it was required material for the class)

  2. A few thoughts. by john.r.strohm · · Score: 5, Informative

    Lego Mindstorm comes immediately to mind, as it gets you DOING things with robots rather than getting bogged down in implementation. (The informal motto of the Dallas Personal Robotics Group at one time was "It's harder than it looks!", and they weren't kidding.)

    Heathkit keeps talking about making a comeback, but I'm in an "I'll believe it when I see it" mood these days.

    Ramsey Electronics has a LOT of kits. Most of them require basic soldering skills. However, they do sell some electronic experimenters kits, that don't require soldering.

  3. Re:Here you go... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    Jameco also has robotics and electronics kits for various levels of skill.

  4. Sparkie by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Informative

    If you want to start with a pre-built robot - Sparki is pretty good - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/arcbotics/sparki-the-easy-robot-for-everyone

    Arduino base
    Already assembled (you don't have to try to do that part)
    Modular

    Think of it as a prototype unit to play with before you try to build one yourself.

    Another great bit would be to build a 3D printer (e.g. Printrbot). Get's you the mechanical bits you crave along with a mid-level development platform, and robot that you can then use to build parts for your next robot.

    Point being, if you don't understand the mechanics, programming, and electronics grab a system that has those already done - then use those as stepping stones into areas you want to move into.

    Final thought - Thanks for your service!

    Everyone else, call your congressional rep and tell them these guys deserve the best we can give them! That's the least I can give to someone willing to get their arse shot off so I can be comfy and drive a desk 9-5.

  5. Vex by blueshift_1 · · Score: 3, Informative
    I really enjoyed the vex robotics kits. They are bit pricy, but are more substantial alternative to the lego mindstorms (which are also quite good). Just another option. They have a basic toolkit to do some autonomous routines but also have the ability to do remote controlled. And lots of sensors and goodies. I used them at a robotics camp at ORNL about 8 years ago. They aren't great for more industrial style robotics, but a neat project to do more advanced erector set style learning/expermenting I though it was most excellent.

    http://goo.gl/JlX692 Link to the standard vex kit.

    Also, there are endless projects with arduino, but it's naturally a bit more technical. So I guess it depends a lot on skill level with electronics programming.

    So I'd probably say Lego for the truly basic beginner, Vex for some prior knowledge but wanting a bit more robust system. And then for the well experienced arduino.

  6. Welcome by McLae · · Score: 5, Informative
    The Texas Northern Model Railroad Club is always looking for new members.

    Many of our members are veterans (Lots of fun stories there!)

    I will donate a rail car kit to the first 5 veterans who come by for a visit and Asks for Thomas.

    Our web site is: http://www.modelrailroadclub.o...

    Meetings are Thursday nights.