Phototrope
Encyclopedia
In BEAM robotics
, a Phototrope is a robot that reacts to light sources. Literally, "light turning," this term is generally (if somewhat inaccurately) applied to light-seeking robot
s. More accurately, phototropes can either seek (photophiles) or flee (photophobes) bright sources of light.
The simplest and most common form of phototrope is the photopopper—many are as simple as to be essentially two solarroller
s stuck together.
One mechanism for phototropism in robotics is implementation of a light sensor where a direct feedback system allows for interaction with the environment. The phototrope analyzes "shots" of its environment and decides whether to move into a certain area depending upon the light intensity.
Alternatively, photovoltaic cells may be used to provide both control and energy for a phototrope. Clever geometry in construction allows for current yielded by a photovoltaic cell to cause motion in the direction of (or away from) the most intense light source in the robots vicinity.
BEAM robotics
The word "beam" in BEAM robotics is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics. This is a term that refers to a style of robotics...
, a Phototrope is a robot that reacts to light sources. Literally, "light turning," this term is generally (if somewhat inaccurately) applied to light-seeking robot
Robot
A robot is a mechanical or virtual intelligent agent that can perform tasks automatically or with guidance, typically by remote control. In practice a robot is usually an electro-mechanical machine that is guided by computer and electronic programming. Robots can be autonomous, semi-autonomous or...
s. More accurately, phototropes can either seek (photophiles) or flee (photophobes) bright sources of light.
The simplest and most common form of phototrope is the photopopper—many are as simple as to be essentially two solarroller
Solarroller
Solarroller is a BEAM dragster photovore robot run by solar panel that utlilizes sunlight. In competitions between solarrollers, each one must run one meter in the shortest time possible...
s stuck together.
One mechanism for phototropism in robotics is implementation of a light sensor where a direct feedback system allows for interaction with the environment. The phototrope analyzes "shots" of its environment and decides whether to move into a certain area depending upon the light intensity.
Alternatively, photovoltaic cells may be used to provide both control and energy for a phototrope. Clever geometry in construction allows for current yielded by a photovoltaic cell to cause motion in the direction of (or away from) the most intense light source in the robots vicinity.