Document Actions
BugBrain™: Taking over the world, one step at a time
BugBrain is an insect-style walking robot kit that is fully programmable. Both educational and fun, it is programmable via the serial (RS-232 or USB to serial adapter) connection on any PC. Your BugBrain can be programmed to walk, chirp, dance, sing, wink, blink, and sense things in his environment. Once programmed, you can let the BugBrain walk around on its own, without being connected to the computer. The kits include everything you need, from parts to power, from serial cables to programming software.
Quick Links
- Overview
- More Information
- What's in a BugBrain Kit?
- BugBrain CoursePak
- Order a BugBrain
- Necessary Tools and Computer
- Manuals
- Videos
- BugBrain Projects on the Web
Overview
The BugBrain walking robot kit teaches problem solving, critical thinking skills, computer technology fundamentals, programming fundamentals, and many hands-on technical and fabrication skills. The BugBrain kit comes with all of the necessary mechanical and electronic components, detailed full-color fabrication and instruction manuals, a PC programming cable, all the necessary software, and even an AC adapter so that you don't waste batteries while perfecting your programs.
More Information
BugBrain is a complete, walking, programmable robot kit that you assemble and program yourself. Fully assembled, BugBrain measures an impressive 15 inches long, 5 inches high, and 10 inches wide!
Many sample programs are included to get you started as soon as you get your BugBrain put together. After you've tried the sample programs you can get creative and write your own. BugBrain even includes an expansion connector so that you can incorporate new or additional hardware components. Get your BugBrain to do whatever crazy things you can conjure up! Starting with the basic kit, you can quickly become immersed in modifications, enhancements, and specializations.
With the programming tools, parts, and processor provided, you decide what skills to teach your robot, and what capabilities you want to improve. Speed? Strength? Maneuverability? Precision drill steps? Obstacle avoidance or detection? What will your robots do? It's up to you!
Fully or partially pre-assembled kits (no soldering required) are available at additional cost, and are recommended for young children. Unassembled kits require soldering, and adult supervision and assistance should be provided.
Download a BugBrain product sheet.
Discounts available to schools and for purchases of more than 10 kits - contact our offices for more information.
What's in a BugBrain Kit?
Our kits are complete. Although you will need some basic tools for assembly (we also sell BugBrain Toolkits if you do not have the tools you need), everything else is included for you...right down to the AC adapter to save battery life. In the BugBrain with BasicX microprocessor kit you will find:
- BugBrain printed circuit board and all electronic components
- BasicX microprocessor with socket
- BasicX compiler (programming software), on CD
- Serial cable
- Full-color Assembly Manual
- Programming Guide and many sample programs
- 2 servo motors (with accessory parts)
- AC adapter (6VDC) and battery compartment
- Speaker and LEDs
- Personality Pack with decorating items to accessorize your BugBrain
All individual components of the BugBrain kit are available for purchase if you ever need replacement parts or if you want extra parts for your own BugBrain modifications or other projects.
BugBrain CoursePak
The BugBrain CoursePak, titled BugBrain 101, is an introduction to building and programming robots using Yost Engineering’s BugBrain robot kits. The CoursePak is designed for classroom, home school, extra-curricular and self-study, and is appropriate for ages 10 and up, including introductory college classes. Student Edition and Teacher Editions are available.
Upon completion of the course, when coupled with a BugBrain kit, students will have built an autonomous walking robot and used a computer and programming software to make their robot interact with its environment. Robots may be built by each student, or in teams of approximately 3-5 students.
A BugBrain course typically includes a BugBrain™ robotics kit, BugBrain™ assembly manual, the student book “BugBrain 101,” as well as a teacher manual including tests and handouts. Tools needed for assembly may be acquired with the Yost Engineering BugBrain Assembly Toolkit if not already available in the classroom.
- BugBrain 101 Brochure
- Download a flyer about the BugBrain CoursePak, including teaching Standards and Benchmarks.
- BugBrain 101 Coursebook Teaser
- View a few pages from the book, including the entire Table of Contents.
Order a BugBrain
Order your own BugBrain now!
Full BugBrain kits, including a microprocessor, are now on sale for only $139 with FREE ground shipping in the United States! Have your own microprocessor? Other kits available too!
Necessary Tools and Computer
There are several tools you should have on hand for building your BugBrain - refer to the list below. Don't have these items? A complete starter toolkit is available on the order page. (Note that superglue may be substituted for the cigarette lighter if necessary; melting the feet to the legs provides better durability, but superglue is a reasonable alternative.)
- Small tip soldering iron
- Electronics solder
- Manual desolder pump (solder vacuum)
- Cigarette lighter
- Mini Phillips screwdriver
- Mini Standard screwdriver
- 6" Needlenose pliers
- 6" Standard pliers
- 4.5" Diagonal cutters
- 6.5" Diagonal cutters
And of course, you also need a computer. But it doesn't have to be new or fancy. Most any machine will do. Here are the requirements:
- Serial port (or USB port and serial-to-USB converter, sold separately)
- Windows or Linux operating system (or Macintosh with Windows emulator software, such as Virtual PC)
- CD drive (or internet access to download software)
Manuals
Lose your programming guide? Robot ate your manual? Download copies here!
- Assembly Manual (BasicX version)
- This manual includes step-by-step instructions for assembling your BugBrain, a parts list & identification guide, a guide to soldering, and a resistor color code reference table.
- How To Solder
- This tipsheet shows the preferred way that components should be soldered to your BugBrain (or other electronics, for that matter!)
- Assembly Manual (BASIC Stamp version)
- This manual includes step-by-step instructions for assembling your BugBrain, a parts list & identification guide, a guide to soldering, and a resistor color code reference table.
- Programming Guide and Resource Manual (BasicX version)
- This manual provides: | Component placement diagram to help you understand where each component should be soldered or otherwise attached to your BugBrain body | Centering Servos instructions and programming code for the assembly process | Sample programs | How to enter the BugBrain contests.
- Programming Guide and Resource Manual (BASIC Stamp version)
- This manual provides: | Component placement diagram to help you understand where each component should be soldered or otherwise attached to your BugBrain body | Centering Servos instructions and programming code for the assembly process | Sample programs | How to enter the BugBrain contests.
- YEI Warranty, Returns and Support
- Information about product warranties, returns, and technical support.
Want more ideas for your BugBrain, like adding a remote control? View current and archived copies of the YEI Robotics Newsletters.
Videos
- BugBrain Walking Video
- This video shows a fully assembled BugBrain robot walking on a carpeted floor.
- Basic BugBrain Soldering Tutorial
- This video tutorial shows the basics of soldering using the Yost Engineering BugBrain walking robot kit.
BugBrain Projects on the Web
Eric Ayers project along with diagrams, photos, and some source code.
Learn About Robots discussion of bug robots in general as well as BugBrain.
Entry into Atlanta Hobby Robot Club Robot Rally in May 2004.
Generation5 review of BugBrain with assembly and programming tips.
NASA Robotics Education Project.
