Amphibionics

Karl Williams is currently employed by Mitra Imaging, a leading medical imaging software company recently acquired by AGFA. In 1985 Mr. Williams was the recipient of an IBM computer technology award for building a computer-controlled robotic arm. A resident of Ontario, Canada, he continues to host a robotics and electronics website in existence for the last four years.

IntroductionA Brief HistoryHow amphibians achieve locomotionSoftware control algorithmsStages of ConstructionMechanical ConstructionTheory and construction of Various SensorsA study of the PIC MicrocontrollerProgrammingCoordinating the servos for walkingMonitoring the sensorsOutput of soundControlling light-emitting diodesMaking sure the robots display lifelike behaviorArtificial Intelligence ExperimentsIndividual Amphibian ProjectsSnakeFrogTurtleLizardAdding an Ultrasonic Rangefinding SensorMapping out rooms Focusing on Narrow ObjectsInterfacing a Model Airplane Radio TransmitterUsing the Controller Board to Give the Robots Remote ControlRobotic GripperMechanical ConstructionMounting the Gripper to the RobotSoftware and ProgrammingTaking it FurtherAdding Features and Improvements