The annual micromouse and robotics conference in the UK – MINOS – was once again a virtual event because of the Covid regulations in place at the moment. If you missed it, here is a summary of the presentations and links to the videos. Copies of the slides will be available shortly.
Better Searching and Safer Speed Runs with Open/Closed Maze storage
Peter Harrison describes how to use two mazes – an open and a closed maze – to map the walls and gaps in the maze. By using simple bit masks both mazes can be stored in one simple structure. The technique makes it easy for the robot to know how to perform a speed run safely and when an optimal solution has been found.
Using the Pololu Line Sensor Assembly with UKMARSBOT
Chris Balmforth describes how he has used the ready-built Pololu Line Sensor Boards with the standard UKMARSBOT robot. Chris explains how to sample the sensors and calculate the line following error for his robot.
Making a twin-gauge line follower sensor for UKMARSBOT.
Ian Butterworth describes how he made a sensor board adaptation for UKMARSBOT that will let it reliably follow course for both the classic, full-size course as well as the new, half-size line course. Remarkably, the full-size UKMARSBOT is capable of running on both sizes of line follower course.
With a bonus demonstration video to compensate for the choppy version from Google Meet.
A Modest Proposal for Half-Size Micromouse Mazes
Duncan Louttit discusses some of the challenges involved in making, storing and transporting the maze for micromouse contests. These are challenges both for the contest organisers and the contestants. Duncan proposes a modification to the rules to permit much shorter walls that would be more robust and easier to make.
Make a Half-Size Micromouse Maze with Magnets
Derek Hall describes how to easily make a half size practice maze from readily available materials. He uses simple PVC strips with embedded magnets to hold them in position against small nails. the nails are driven into the base board where the posts would go. Because the walls are cut a little long, no posts are needed. The resulting maze is ideal for practice and is even self aligning.
Thanks to Ian for getting stuff organised and to all the people who constibuted and took part. Next time is for real!