User:Sirena
Sirena's Page
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tweenbots (featured in MAKE) http://www.tweenbots.com/
I like this project because it converts a simple robot into a social project. While I'd like to do something more complex, I think this is an interesting idea to build off of. It'd be interesting to have a robot with sensors so that it does not have navigational issues, and perhaps a built-in wireless camera for public surveillance to see how people interact with the robot. (or perhaps no camera at all) I think it'd be interesting to make it interactive with sensors also, so that it can respond to the public or setting. For example if the noise level reaches a certain point it will play music, and if someone picks it up it will start flashing lights, etc.
Arduino Robot Tutorial http://letsmakerobots.com/node/2164 (refer to above)
and something interesting... The Beat Dress: http://www.we-make-money-not-art.com/archives/2007/09/remember-my-pos.php
Project Proposal (updated 05.05.2009)
diagram thus far: 
resource for liquid crystal screen: https://applyonline.communitycollege.net/studentappview.cfm
As the diagram details (though my handwriting is quite messy), I want to have a toaster that has a face that will alter expressions depending on whether it is idle, toasting, or done toasting (maybe more expressions, and possibly more functions and/or sensors) When the item is done toasting, the toaster will run away from the user (who will probably be half asleep in the morning and have to chase down their food).
I'm not yet sure how I will determine the modes (when it is idle, toasting and done/running) I'm not keen on a temperature sensor... maybe infrared? I suppose it might also depend on whether there are LED's on the toaster. The mode for running can be determined via programming I'm sure (if after toasting mode -> idle then run "runaway code"). Must think more about sensors. In the meantime more random diagrams because I'm a very visual person and they help me brainstorm.
another diagram so far: 
