Wally - Autonomous wall-seeking robot
Wally was first completed in September 2000. Although his behavioral programming is finalized, he continues to undergo redesigns of his mechanical frame. The most recent was completed in July 2001. Wally's most striking feature is his two black eyes (infrared distance sensors) and the pony-tail of wires on his head. The wheels were made from 95-cent plastic caps with rubber bands glued to them, and his current "body" is an old compact disc!

Top View	Side View

UPDATE: Jul 30, 2001 - Wally's base CD was too flimsy, so a new base has been constructed out of two CD's super-glued together. Here is a photo of the partially assembled robot.

Son of a Monkey's Wrench - Radio-controlled competition Battlebot
In January 2001, we were contacted by Nash Entertainment for The Learning Channel. They were producing a new show called Robotica. Season 1 ended in failure for us, as our 'bot didn't work on arrival. However, we have been invited back for season 2 and we plan to Kick Some 'Bot at this event! Son of a Monkey's Wrench is nearly functional, and comes complete with a massive flame thrower as our primary weapon. (Robotica airs on The Learning Channel on Wednesday nights, hosted by Ahmet Zappa.)

See our photo gallery for some pictures!

MonroeBot - R/C truck conversion for autonomous navigation
This robot was originally a radio controlled truck given out as a sales pitch for Monroe shocks. He still has the stickers to prove it! The electronics were completely gutted and a microprocessor controller was installed. Also visible is the distance sensor "eye" sticking up through the hood of the truck. It is on a servo motor so the robot can look in different directions if he get's stuck somewhere. Construction was completed July 2001. The computer control board was designed and built by team member John Adipietro specifically for this robot. (Nothing but the best brains for our 'bots!)

Under Construction	After completion

UPDATE: Aug 1, 2001 - All the electronics have been fitted inside the robot. (No easy task!) So the only parts visible are the rotating eye and the wire feelers.

Gel-walker - Four-legged walking robot with touch sensitive skin
This robot is still in the design and construction phase. His mechanical skeleton is complete, but the skin has not completed design and work has not been started on the programming yet either. Check back for notes on our progress, and watch as he comes to life!

UPDATE: Aug 8, 2001 - The skeleton is nearly complete, and all 12 motors have been tested and set in position.