LabRat<sup>™</sup>: Miniature robot for students, researchers, and hobbyists

Abstract

LabRat <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">™</sup> is an autonomous, self-contained mobile robot kit with batteries, motors, two bumper whisker sensors, and three infrared proximity sensors that double as channels for “Rat-to-Rat” communication. The vehicle determines its position with an optical sensor that detects movement in both lateral directions. The LabRat <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">™</sup> design is completely open source, including software examples and libraries. LabRat <sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">™</sup> is designed to fit inside the body of a computer mouse and has applications in the classroom, the lab and the home. The device has been successfully used in an undergraduate robotics class.