Goals:

• Build a robotic platform that is simple enough that I could build it with no prior experience yet flexible enough that it could be used to test several configurations and algorithms
• Use parts with sufficient capabilities that they could be used for subsequently more complex projects.
• Build from off-the-shelf parts, but not kits. This would allow me to learn the structural, mechanical, power, electronic, software, and control portions of the project.
• Design in a pan/tilt mechanism for eventual use with camera to allow for working with vision algorithm

For progress, photos, tutorials, and videos, visit my website at http://www.laughingsky.com/hobbies/robotics/pag...