Laser Blaster Bot

[erco]

Well, it uses a laser to locate reflective stickers on cans then blasts them with rubber bands, anyway! A fun little robot built on a CD chassis for Jameco's robot contest. My first time using the Hamamatsu S6986, a discontinued but very useful sensor that's VERY hard to obtain here in the states, but you Brits can get them from http://www.active-robots.com/hamamatsu-proximity-detector.html Easy to use with a cheap laser pointer (I get 10 foot range without any lenses) and most any processor.

I got my info and inspiration from http://www.junun.org/MarkIII/Info.jsp?item=79 and especially from http://www.philohome.com/sensors/lasersensor.htm and don't miss the video at the bottom of the page at http://www.formatc.somee.com/roborocket.asp

My bot video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpJaD-zhw50

 

[westaust55]

Amusing and potentially useful.

I wonder if eclectic might be able to use this as the basis of a heron deterrent at his fish pond.
http://www.picaxeforum.co.uk/showthread.php?24135-A-Heron-ate-my-fish

 

[Jamster]

You could keep burglers away if you can get them to stick refelctive strips on themselves

 

[erco]

Construction and road crew guys in those reflective orange vests wouldn't stand a chance!

 

[Buzby]

Hi erco,

I have an S6986 and a little red laser, but I'm struggling to get any useful range at all.

10ft would be perfect, how did you get this without lenses ?.

Can you post a close-up of the arrangement, and maybe a link to the specific laser you used.

Cheers,

Buzby

 

[erco]

Laser-tracking to a reflector: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4EVBZaRF80o

Robot is actively steering toward the right edge of the reflector. Stops 6" from door using ultrasonic sensor.

 

[erco]

Naturally, three reflectors allow running a triangular course. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beoNr5vsbGw

 

[erco]

Putting laser navigation and targeting together. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZTfIyrRne0