Main Page

From BEAM Wiki

What is BEAM Robotics?

The famous Twin Engine Solar Roller made from old SyQuest discs. A great example incarntion of a simple, beautiful BEAM robot recycling techno scrap.

The Wikipedia gives quite a good definition what BEAM robotics is:

The word "BEAM" in BEAM robotics is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics. It represents an approach to robotics that primarily relies on simple analog circuits instead of microprocessors or microcontrollers. BEAMers employ unusually simple designs (in comparison to traditional mobile robots) that trade some flexibility for greater robustness and efficiency in performing the task for which they are intended.

BEAM principles focus on stimulus-response based ability within a machine. The underlying concept (developed by Mark W. Tilden) is that a circuit configuration (or a neural network) referred to as a "Nervous Net" or "Nv net" that is made up of simple artificial neurons (called Nervous neurons or Nv neurons) is used to mimic (at least in part) the functions of biological neurons and nervous systems.

Some similar research was previously done by Ed Rietman in 'Experiments In Artificial Neural Networks'. Tilden's circuit has been compared to a shift register, but with several important features making it a useful circuit in a mobile robot.

Other rules that are included (and to varying degrees applied):

1) "Keep It Small & Simple" (KISS)

In other words keep the mechanical and electronic elements to the minimum required to to most efficiently accomplish the intended task.

2) Recycle and reuse technoscrap.

3) Whenever feasable, use a radiant energy (such as solar power)

Welcome to the BEAM Wiki

This Wiki contains any available Information on Beam I have found on the net (and incorporated).

It will probably contain stuff that is copyrighted - if it is so inform me (User:Admin) to either solve this issue or remove the specific information (the later is a pitty and should be avoidable).

Consult the User's Guide for information on using the wiki software.

If you are new to BEAM robotics you should probably check out the FAQ or have a look at the BEAM Tutorials.

Have Fun & Build Bots!