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There are robot explorers all over the world and even on Mars! We challenged NXTLOGgers to create the NXT generation of MINDSTORMS NXT explorer robots. There were so many cool entries to this challenge which included all-terrain rovers that were vehicles and animals, robots that collect soil and rock samples, bots that can map the environment, and bots designed to interact with new species. There were so many exceptional entries, it made it tough to just pick a few to feature! NXLOGger minifig2222 put it best in his nextlog saying, "It may look like a big pile of LEGOs, but it actually is one of my most compact and most successful rovers I've ever made." Make sure to visit, comment, rate, and get inspired by all the Explorer Bot entries by searching the tag "explorerbot."
Here are the winners:
ALL TERRAIN EXPLORER
This award goes to the Explorer Bot that can shift modes to tackle all types of tough terrain.
Amphibious Explorerbot
Created by:
NatoNX
This robot can transform itself to go on both water and land, and adapt itself to go on rough terrain. NatoNX goes into great detail on the project's NXTLOG on how the robot is designed, but it is best seen on video in this NXTLOG: Amphibious Explorerbot Program and Video. Here, you see the robot running in a bathtub (do NOT try this at home unless you feel really confident about NOT ruining your NXT, as they are NOT designed to get wet!), and then in its transforming phase on land. Bravo NatoNX!
THE SPECIALIST
This award goes to the Explorer Bot that is the best in its field at exploring its specialty.
Mars Environment Explorer (ME2)
Created by:
CyberStranger
Thie ME2's specialty is... exploring Mars! This well-equipped mobile robot has a Wind Speed Meter (WSM), using an ultrasonic sensor, a Multi-channel radiation detector (MCRD), using a sound sensor, and a Water and Light Detector (WLD), using a light sensor. CyberStranger provides a highly detailed NXTLOG and video. NASA should take note of some of the ideas here for their next MER missions!
THE STEALTH BOT
This award goes to the Explorer Bot that does its observations and explorations without being detected.
The Silent Cartographer
Created by:
NXTesla
The Silent Cartographer drives around and makes a map of what it sees. Using the ultrasonic sensor, the bot scans its environment and displays what is "sees" on the NXT screen. Each pixel on the NXT display is the equivalent of a 14x14 inch square in real life. NXTesla includes a video on a separate NXTLOG: The Silent Cartographer (Video and rbt)
DATA MINE
This award goes to the Explorer Bot that best collects data.
Voyager Rover
Created by: Dinoguy7719
The Voyager Rover can seek out objects (using the Ultrasonic sensor), uses a Light sensor to detect ambient light as a solar collector, and a robotic arm as a probing tool for drilling and analyzing rocks and any other objects the Voyager would encounter. Dinoguy7719 provides great pictures and an LDD file so you can build your own version of the Voyager!
HONORABLE MENTION(S)
Terrestrial Rover
Created by: TheBuilderKid
S.E.A.D.S scout class
Created by: vendetta4567
H.E.H 1
Created by: Robotrix3397
Suspension Truck - Explorer Bot
Created by: 1nxtmonster
SPYDER
Created by: NXTein1996