Alt-BEAM Archive
Message #00392
To: JVernonM@aol.com, rigter@cafe.net
From: Sharon swilliam@cadvision.com
Date: Sun, 14 Feb 1999 16:26:05 -0800
Subject: [alt-beam] Re: question
More expensive than a cpu? I don't know about you, but I am just finishing
a two motor walker with reverse, turn, and phototropic behavior, and it has
cost less than $100 CAN. If I were to buy all the equiptment needed for
programing even a basic stamp it would cost from $400 to $700, and it would
be VERY expensive if I didn't already have a PC. It may be expensive to
build beam bots from kits, but if you know enough to build your own from
technoscrap, it makes for a very interesting hobby (and inexpensive
compared to RC planes, and model railroads.)
just my thoughts,
-Jeremy Williams
At 05:46 PM 2/14/99 EST, JVernonM@aol.com wrote:
>In a message dated 2/14/99 4:48:08 PM Eastern Standard Time, rigter@cafe.net
>writes:
>
>> Hence the work to modularize BEAM bots with (industry standard
>> interface) hextiles, configurable analog arrays, motor and sensor
>> modules. These "off the shelf" functions are then plugged together for
>> specific applications reducing the design costs.
>
>And to broaden the availability of BEAM only components that are limited to
>BEAM only applications, and therefore extremely overpriced in the BEAM only
>tradition of whipping together yet another lucrative hobby supply market.
>These things will NEVER be real world robots. They make for extremely
>expensive toys at best, and unique novelties at minimum. REAL robots are
>coming sir, and they are not BEAM. I can take a lot of shit, but this idea
>that 3 transistors, and 50 year old approaches to artifical behavior is
really
>starting to irk me. The truth is that the real appeal of this tech is
>designing ways to make those at the top of the pyramid more financially
>stable. I realize that, and so does everyone I show it to when I drag out my
>photopopper and compare it to my Cybug on the basis of behavior verses cost.
>You and yours keep harping on this idea that BEAM is the most economical way
>to build the real world robot, But no matter what kind of actual real life
>cost comparison I make, I invariably come to the same conclusion-BEAM costs
>more to produce than either competing analog systems or cpu based designs.
>I've been told that's because BEAM uses only the Cadillac of parts. OK, fine,
>but that still raises the overall cost per robot behavior, i.e. BEAM costs
>more. The really devious part is you don't realize that until after you've
>spent about 3-400 bucks on kits, motors, and parts to delve into
>scratchbuilts. Then suddenly you realize the best your going to get is very
>expensive toys. It's called bait and switch, and it's not right. So, you guys
>keep preaching on the idea that BEAM is the only holy grail of robotics, and
>I'll just build my toys and try to find applications in the artistic fields
>(because in my opinion, that's all it's good for). I'd even buy the idea that
>the tech is good to introduce kids to the world of electronics and robotics,
>but stop telling them they can eventually build robbie the robot, because you
>can't, and I fear, never will. Now excuse me while I go and do some serious
>research on hive behaviors with my Cybug, or did you guys figure that one out
>with the BEAM bots yet? Or, I could do some challenging work on one of the
cpu
>based kits out there that give a wide range of behavior modifications and
>practically unlimited upgradablility. Or, I guess I could try to build a BEAM
>walker that CAN turn.
>Sincerely,
>Jim
>JVernonM@aol.com
>PS. Could someone tell me what happened to the BEAM gospel on feedback, it
>seems to be reversing itself.
>How about the "Principa Robotica" I'm still waiting for those real world
robot
>applications.
>What about a bot with more than 25 neurons, seeing how you need at least 400
>or so to get a bot with the brains of an earth worm.
>Never mind, I'll just make another symet, and pay my tythe.
>
>
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