Robot Information

Wikipedia gives a good definition of a Robot:

A robot is a mechanical or virtual, artificial agent. It is usually an electromechanical system, which, by its appearance or movements, conveys a sense that it has intent or agency of its own. The word robot can refer to both physical robots and virtual software agents, but the latter are usually referred to as bots to differentiate.

See: Wikipedia Robot

Also if you are new to robot construction we can reccomend these books:

BEAM Robots

Wikipedia gives a good definition of BEAM robotics:

The word "beam" in BEAM robotics is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, and Mechanics. This is a term that refers to a style of robotics that primarily uses simple analog circuits instead of a microprocessor in order to produce an unusually simple design (in comparison to traditional mobile robots) that trades flexibility for robustness and efficiency in performing the task for which it was designed.

Mark W. Tilden

The basic BEAM principles focus on a stimulus-response based ability within a machine. The underlying mechanism was invented by Mark W. Tilden where the circuit (or a neural network referred to as a "Nv net" of artificial neurons called Nv neurons) is used to simulate biological neuron behaviors. Mark Tilden is widly regarded as the father of BEAM robotics and currently designs robots for the WowWee robotics company.

For more information on Mark and BEAM Robotics see:

On our site you can find a selection of electronics components commonly used in the construction of BEAM circuits, these parts are tried and tested for use in Solar engines, Bi-Core, Micro-Core and many other circuits.

Example circuits can be found on the !!<BEAM Wiki site. Also see our Robot Resourses page for more links.

Alternatively you may be interested in our range of prepared BEAM kits containing all components you require to build a working robot.

If you are new to BEAM robots we strongly recommend this book by Mark Tilden:

Also please check out our Resourses section for links to interesting Internet resourses related to robots and robotics.