Robotics Academy Blog  

This coming summer, you can attend Carnegie Mellon Robotics Academy Teacher Training classes in Pittsburgh, PA. A full slate of classes is available, covering different robotic platforms and software. This video provides a quick overview.

Robotics Academy teacher training courses are designed for robotics educators who use LEGO MIndstorms, TETRIX, or VEX robots in their middle school and high school classrooms. All training is conducted at the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) in Pittsburgh, PA. The NREC is part of the Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute, a world-renowned robotics organization, where you’ll be surrounded by real-world robot research and commercialization. You also can take advantage of Pittsburgh’s attractions, from world-class museums and entertainment, to shopping, excursions, sports, and more.

For current class listings, click here.

The Robotics Academy is proud to announce the arrival of ROBOTC for Mindstorms 2.0. This new version of ROBOTC is coming almost a year after the release of ROBOTC for Mindstorms 1.40. ROBOTC 2.0 adds a lot of new feature and functionality to the popular programming language for LEGO NXT robots.

ROBOTC for LEGO MINDSTORMS is a ANSI-C based programming language for the MINDSTORMS NXT and RCX robotic systems. ROBOTC offers users a common programming language across different popular robotic platforms; with a unique powerful run-time debugger that give a user complete feedback on all input, outputs, and variables in their programs.

New Features in ROBOTC 2.0:
(click links for screen shots)

• Tabbed Programming Interface – Multiple programs can be open at a single time.
• New Hardware Support – Support for PITSCO’s TETRIX Programming Language
• New Competition Support – ROBOTC is an approved programming language for the FIRST Tech Challenge competition.
• “Live Start Page” – Feature allows users to keep in touch with the latest news and updated from the ROBOTC community.
• More Sample Programs – Over 150 new and updates samples programs now included with ROBOTC
• Updated User Interface – Updated and modernized ROBOTC’s user interface, with floating and dockable debugger windows.
• Improved Debugger – ROBOTC’s debugger can now control motors and servo individually, as well as provide easy-to-use debugging information for users.
• NXT Remote Control – NXT users can now send joystick data from their PC to their robots using a Logitech USB game controller.
• Improved Help System – Now includes sample usage of functions, as well as references to sample programs.
• Upgraded Motor and Sensor Setup Wizard– Easier to configure different types of sensors and motor features, such as PID and encoders. Includes easy configuration for TETRIX controllers as well.
• FREE UPGRADE for existing ROBOTC users – Any user of ROBOTC 1.x can upgrade to ROBOTC 2.0 for free! All existing licenses will work with ROBOTC 2.0!

ROBOTC 2.0 is available from www.robotc.net for only $30 for a single user license. Classroom and site licenses are available also. Visit www.robotc.net to download today.