Are There Mobile Robot Kits Available?
Many beginners prefer not to build a robot base and are more interested in programming an existing mobile platform and adding sensors and functionality. In contrast to the other parts of this miniFAQ, I don’t have any personal experience with these kits and offer no evaluation of their merits. Kits and pre-built platforms offer a fast entry to building a working robot, at the expense however of higher cost and a generic design that probably isn’t best suited to your intended application. Bought platforms can in many cases be modified and expanded, and are less frustrating to build for those without the tools, experience, or inclination for home construction. These products are available from the manufacturer, toy stores, and some of the suppliers above such as Acroname ( www.acroname.com ), Budget Robotics (www.budgetrobotics.com), Robot Books ( www.robotbooks.com ), and Robot Store ( www.robotstore.com ). You may also find these and other kits by searching the Internet.
