What Is BEAM?

What is BEAM?

BEAM robotics is the brain child of Mark W. Tilden who is currently working at "Los Alamos National Laboratory" in Los Alamos, New Mexico, US.

BEAM robotics as described in the BEAM rulebook:

1. A description of what aspects a roving robot creature could contain. BEAM is an acronym which stands for:

Biology

Electronics

Aesthetics

Mechanics

The message being "Living Machines" require more to build and understand than just the standard practices of electronics, mechanics and programming.

2. A research and education organization dedicated to the promotion and construction of unorthodox, scientific robotics to improve the "genetic" stock of autonomous robots for real-world application.

Since this was written (1994) BEAM has advanced quite a bit and is a lot easier to get started in. Web sites are sprouting up all the time with tons of info on how to get started. Kits can be bought at Solarbotics and there is even a BEAM discussion mailing list.

BEAM is also a great way to learn about electronics and mechanics. I've taught a couple of classes on BEAM and 90% of the kids get their bot working the first time. Because of the low cost BEAM is also a great hobby. Another nice thing is that virtually all the parts required to make a BEAM bot can be found in techno-junk (ovens, walkman's, CD players and pagers just to name a few good sources). Because BEAM is very adaptable there have been many different types of BEAM robots built. The most common types are....

Solaroller - A small wheeled robot that collects energy from a small photovoltaic cell and then bursts forward a few millimeters to a few feet depending on the construction.

Photovore - The photovore is basically two solarollers stuck together to give it a phototropic (move towards brightest source of light) behavior. You can add sensors so it won't get stuck and like the solaroller it's solar powered.

Walker - The walker is the heart of BEAM. The most common type of walker is the 4 legged, 2 motor design. They also (at the time of this writing) include 2 legged, star wars like walkers to 6 legged 12 motor designs. Walkers can be built to walk on mars, blow up landmines or scare your secretary : ).

Head - A BEAM head generally uses the same circuit as a walker. A head is usually equipped with at least two photo diodes to detect light, thus turning its head towards it.

(Mini) Sumo - Though some may argue that both regular and mini sumos are not real BEAM robots, I still consider them part of the BEAM world. Sumos are used to fight another sumo in a five foot diameter ring, and to win one sumo must either be disabled or shoved form the ring. Minisumos have the same purpose, just on a smaller scale. Instead of a five foot ring, it is somehwere around three feet. Depending on where the competiton is held, there are certain size, weight and weapon limitations.

The possibilities are limitless! If you have a question e-mail me for help.

Good Luck!