Expanding
|
Those systems were mostly designed before the micro-controller boards became popular, like the Arduino.
How easy to use other languages like C++, Python or Java, run other operating systems, design and connect other peripherals? |
|
|
Official Product Line
|
The Mindstorms set is the unique set on the Lego robotics line. No other set is available, except for education.
Accessories include motors and sensors. Spare parts are available through two programs: Pick a Brick and Bricks & Pieces. |
fischertechnik offers an extensive Robotics line along with Electro-Pneumatic (reference 516186), Automation Robots (reference 511933) and Explorer Robots (reference 508778).
Accessories and spare parts are available. Let's mention the aluminium bars, providing great stability on large models. |
Software
|
fischertechnik provides the tool-chain and the SDK called TXT C-Programming Expert Kit, although with limited documentation.
Update The firmware now allows to develop and upload custom libraries to the Robotics TXT controller. |
|
ev3dev and Lejos
|
|
Hardware
|
Other controllers are available for the Mindstorms system, designed for popular boards, like the BrickPi+ by Dexter Industries for the Raspberry Pi or the EVB by FatCatLab for the BeagleBone.
|
As far as I know, no external controller has been designed specifically for fischertechnik.
Because fischertechnik relies on standardised peripherals, any micro-controller can be used. |
|
Left, the EVB for BeagleBone Right, the smartColour sensor |
|
|
|
Designing additional peripherals requires complying with the Lego protocol. Although all the documentation is available, it becomes complex with the proprietary connector and the automatic identification.
A wide range of sensors are available the market, for example MindSensors or HiTechnic. |
Additional peripherals can easily be used with the Robotics TXT, as long as they match the requirements (as compliance with voltage and current limits). RoboPro already features all the functions for analog and digital inputs, and I²C peripherals.
I've designed my own standard and advanced sensors, and even I²C smart sensors embedding their own micro-controller. |
Conclusion
|
The Lego Mindstorms appears to be easier to expand on software than on hardware. If the software is fully documented, the proprietary connector and the automatic identification makes hardware more difficult.
At the opposite, the fischertechnik Robotics TXT is part of a wide computing line, and proves to be easy to expand on hardware, thanks to the standard inputs and outputs, the I²C port and the already implemented functions. The software is more difficult due to the limited documentation. Update The firmware now allows to develop and upload custom libraries to the fischertechnik Robotics TXT controller. |
Previous |
Next |
