Phototropes

From BEAM Robotics Wiki

Photovores are robots that use light as a source of energy. It is to their advantage to move towards bright light (phototaxis). Their fundamental is to have two light sensors to control two different motors. Obviously one of the sensors will have more light falling on it. The motor connected to this sensor is given less energy and the other motor is given more energy. So the photovore turns towards to the light. There are other techniques also. The above is the most common

Phototropism is a biological term for a spacial movement in response to light. So phototropes are motile BEAM robots that react to a light source by moving. The light response is accomplished by the use of photo-sensitive electronic components such as photodiodes, photo resistors or photo transistors.

They can roughly be separated into two subcategories, loosely described as photophiles (photophilia, "light loving") and photophobes (photophobia, "light fearing")

[edit] Photophiles

Photophiles are robots that are attracted to some light source. This is of course more usefull for solar powered robots. Photophile behaviour ensures that the robot allway tries to get more energy - according to the laws of BEAM robotics.

• BEAMant 6.x, Unicore Based Robots
• Bicore Head
• FLED Head
• FRED Photopopper
• Fish Hook Turbot
• Herbie line follower
• Manta Ray
• P5 5-Motor Walker
• PV Roller
• Power Smart Heads
• Queen Ant
• Schmitt Comparator Head
• Scuff Turbot
• ShokPopper
• Slipknot Turbot
• Solar Bug Tutorial
• Steve Bolt's Sun Eater V
• Twin Engine Solar Roller

[edit] Photophobes

Phototrophes are BEAM robots that avoid light. It is a not very useful behavior for solar powered robots.

Here is short list of phototrophe robots:

• Fish Hook Turbot
• Herbie line follower
• Slipknot Turbot