Solarroller
Encyclopedia
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. Components include pager motor
s,
capacitor
s, resistor
s, transistor
s, and solar panels.
There are several different kinds of configurations of solarrollers, with bigger or smaller wheels, one or two motors. Configurations differences include:
This robot type always moves forwards. The motor drives one or more wheels. A "Solar Engine
" circuit is used to feed the robot.
Solarroller's speed is directly related to the amount of light robot registers on its optical sensor. Most are driven by an electronic "relaxation oscillator
", in which a charge is accumulated in a capacitor while at rest and then suddenly released in the drive mechanism.
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...
dragster
Dragster
Dragster may refer to*Dragster, a rock band of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal era.*Dragster, a video game released in 1980.*Dragster, a term referring to a custom-built vehicle used in drag racing....
photovore 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...
run by solar panel
Photovoltaic module
A solar panel is a packaged, connected assembly of solar cells, also known as photovoltaic cells...
that utlilizes sunlight
Sunlight
Sunlight, in the broad sense, is the total frequency spectrum of electromagnetic radiation given off by the Sun. On Earth, sunlight is filtered through the Earth's atmosphere, and solar radiation is obvious as daylight when the Sun is above the horizon.When the direct solar radiation is not blocked...
. In competitions between solarrollers, each one must run one meter in the shortest time
Time
Time is a part of the measuring system used to sequence events, to compare the durations of events and the intervals between them, and to quantify rates of change such as the motions of objects....
possible. Components include pager motor
Pager
A pager is a simple personal telecommunications device for short messages. A one-way numeric pager can only receive a message consisting of a few digits, typically a phone number that the user is then requested to call...
s,
capacitor
Capacitor
A capacitor is a passive two-terminal electrical component used to store energy in an electric field. The forms of practical capacitors vary widely, but all contain at least two electrical conductors separated by a dielectric ; for example, one common construction consists of metal foils separated...
s, resistor
Resistor
A linear resistor is a linear, passive two-terminal electrical component that implements electrical resistance as a circuit element.The current through a resistor is in direct proportion to the voltage across the resistor's terminals. Thus, the ratio of the voltage applied across a resistor's...
s, transistor
Transistor
A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify and switch electronic signals and power. It is composed of a semiconductor material with at least three terminals for connection to an external circuit. A voltage or current applied to one pair of the transistor's terminals changes the current...
s, and solar panels.
There are several different kinds of configurations of solarrollers, with bigger or smaller wheels, one or two motors. Configurations differences include:
- motorElectric motorAn electric motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy.Most electric motors operate through the interaction of magnetic fields and current-carrying conductors to generate force...
(number and output), - wheelWheelA wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
s (number and size), and - frameStructural systemThe term structural system or structural frame in structural engineering refers to load-resisting sub-system of a structure. The structural system transfers loads through interconnected structural components or members.-High-rise buildings:...
designs
This robot type always moves forwards. The motor drives one or more wheels. A "Solar Engine
Solar engine
A solar engine can refer to:* Crookes radiometer, a light mill composed of an airtight glass bulb containing a partial vacuum* Solar engine, a circuit which stores energy from solar cells in a capacitor and releases it in pulses to animate toys...
" circuit is used to feed the robot.
Solarroller's speed is directly related to the amount of light robot registers on its optical sensor. Most are driven by an electronic "relaxation oscillator
Relaxation oscillator
A relaxation oscillator is an oscillator based upon the behavior of a physical system's return to equilibrium after being disturbed. That is, a dynamical system within the oscillator continuously dissipates its internal energy...
", in which a charge is accumulated in a capacitor while at rest and then suddenly released in the drive mechanism.
Further reading
- "Simple Solaroller". Electronics Now, June, 1997.
- Solarroller circuits. Mark Tilden's hand-written notes (c. 1990), solarbotics.net.
- Solarroller mechanics. Mark Tilden's hand-written notes (c. 1990), solarbotics.net.
