NXT 2.0 Forklift

I have posted an NXT 2.0 Forklift project, which is a variation on my original NXT 1.0 version. The NXT 2.0 version adds the use of the color sensor as a "warning light" to shine three different colors depending on what the forklift is doing (e.g. light flashes red and NXT beeps when backing up).

The forklift can do autonomous tasks with the help of the ultrasonic sensor, and you can also control it via Bluetooth remote control. The built-in remote control feature in the NXT 2.0 software can be used to drive the forklift, but it is inconvenient to control the lift because you cannot easily reverse the 3rd motor on the fly using the built-in remote control. Fortunately, Anders Søborg has provided this free PC Bluetooth Vehicle Remote program, which is more flexible, so instructions for using this are included. Anders' program works fine with either NXT 1.0 or NXT 2.0, so it is a nice upgrade for 2.0 users or a great new tool for 1.0 users (PC only, sorry no Mac version).

Instructions and programs to control this forklift by Bluetooth from another NXT will follow in my next project post.

Here is a video of the forklift in action:

NXT Dial Remote Control

By now you know that I like remote control... So, I set out to design an NXT-to-NXT Bluetooth remote control for my Forklift project, for people with two NXTs, and this Dial Remote Control is what I came up with. My goals for the remote were:

1. Simple and sturdy, low part count

2. High "on-center" stability (whenever you take your hands off the remote, the robot should stop, no need to find a center position)

3. The motor power is always applied very progressively (no jerking on or off) with easy fine-control for accurate small movements, but you can still get full power.

For these, I was willing to give up the ability to drive forward and steer at the same time (only straight and pivot turns are available), or drive and operate the 3rd motor at the same time.

The mechanics is very simple, basically just a single motor attached to the NXT. You choose one of four functions to control by pressing one of the 3 NXT buttons (or no button), then use the motor (dial) to apply power/value to that motor/function. The key is that it is the speed of the dial, not it's absolute position, that determines the power applied to the motor. This gives you a nice progressive feel, kind of like an iPod wheel, and the hands-off stability in any position.

The remote can control many different types of robots/machines, many with no modifications to the program (typical 2-motor vehicles with optional 3rd motor), and I also included a wired remote variation for those with only one NXT. All programs and instructions are included. The building is very simple, the programs are not so simple...

Here is a video of the remote in action:

NXT Forklift

This NXT Forklift project was designed to take advantage of the cool Bluetooth Vehicle Remote program for PC keyboards by Anders Søborg. Using this program you can drive around and operate the lift by wireless remote control from your PC keyboard. You can also program autonomous tasks as shown in the sample "Forklift Test" program, which uses the ultrasonic sensor to find the platform to place the load on.

The Forklift is buildable by a single NXT retail set (plus one piece of string), but just barely. I had to redesign it several times to free up beams and pegs in order to finish it. It is based on the same 3-motor Chassis as the Hammer Car project.

Here is a video of the Forklift in action: