Personal tools
You are here: Home → BugBrain™
 
Document Actions

BugBrain™101: Do-it-yourself bundle, Learn to program robots

Yost Engineering is dedicated to helping students learn the fundamental concepts of computers, programming, and robotics. The BugBrain Bundle with CoursePak, titled BugBrain 101, is an introduction to building and programming robots, and includes a complete BugBrain robot kit in addition to all course materials. 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

Quick Links

Overview

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. One student and one teacher edition coursepak are included in this bundle, along with a complete robot kit.

Upon completion of the course, 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 a single student, or in teams of 3-5 students.

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.   

Why Robotics?

 

The importance of science and math literacy in today's society is hard to overstate. Every aspect of our life is now touched by science and math-derived products, services, and utilities. Whether it is computer-controlled automobile components, mathematically-based security and encryption devices such as passports, or simple lifestyle devices such as cell phones and remote controls, an understanding of basic engineering principles is becoming increasingly important, and those without this fundamental knowledge are less able to compete in the workplace or make informed decisions as consumers. From public school curriculum standards to national scouting organizations, technology-based achievement standards are being implemented. As a teacher or youth leader, what can you do? Use a curriculum that will make it easier for you to teach the content in a fun, enjoyable way, and also in a manner that allows students with an aptitude or interest to take the materials you provide and continue on as far as they would like.

 

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!

What's in a BugBrain Kit?

Our kits are complete. Although you will need some basic tools for assembly, 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

 

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. 

Why Robotics?

The importance of science and math literacy in today's society is hard to overstate. Every aspect of our life is now touched by science and math-derived products, services, and utilities. Whether it is computer-controlled automobile components, mathematically-based security and encryption devices such as passports, or simple lifestyle devices such as cell phones and remote controls, an understanding of basic engineering principles is becoming increasingly important, and those without this fundamental knowledge are less able to compete in the workplace or make informed decisions as consumers. From public school curriculum standards to national scouting organizations, technology-based achievement standards are being implemented. As a teacher or youth leader, what can you do? Use a curriculum that will make it easier for you to teach the content in a fun, enjoyable way, and also in a manner that allows students with an aptitude or interest to take the materials you provide and continue on as far as they would like.

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.

What's in a BugBrain Kit?

Our kits are complete. Although you will need some basic tools for assembly, everything else is included for you...right down to the AC adapter to save battery life. In the BugBrain 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.

 

Order a BugBrain Bundle

Order your own BugBrain Bundle now!

Complete BugBrain kit bundles with both teacher and student coursepaks, are now on sale for $199 with FREE ground shipping in the United States.

  

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 and solder
  • Manual desolder pump (solder vacuum)
  • Cigarette lighter or superglue (for melting or gluing feet to legs)
  • Mini Phillips and Standard screwdrivers
  • Needlenose and standard pliers
  • 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.
BugBrain Newsletters
Tips on troubleshooting and cool projects for users of BugBrain.  View archived copies of the YEI Tech Newsletters with tips and project ideas for BugBrain users.
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.

 
Your Cart
Contains No Items
Manage Cart
Checkout
Shop YEI Store