An Introduction to NodeBots

Want to use JavaScript to control a cool robot? It can be achieved now! This article will introduce NodeBots, a robot control system based on Node.js (JavaScript running environment), and how to start your robot creation journey.

Core points:

• NodeBots is a robot controlled by Node.js, which can be equipped with various components such as wheels, movable arms, motion sensors, cameras, LED displays, etc.
• The rise of NodeBots is due to the improvement of Node.js capabilities, as well as the contributions of developers such as Nikolai Onken, Jörn Zaefferer, Chris Williams, Julian Gautier and Rick Waldron, who have developed various Node modules used in NodeBots.
• Start building NodeBots, you first need an Arduino suite with various components and sensors. There are also a large number of resources available for learning a variety of NodeBot projects online.
• The annual International NodeBots Day is a global event where people gather to build JavaScript-based robots, which is a great opportunity to gain insight into NodeBots.

What is a microcontroller?

Before we go deeper, we need to understand microcontrollers. A microcontroller is a small, simple computer, which is a simple programmable circuit board that detects various inputs and sends outputs. The Arduino is a common microcontroller and is also ideal for beginners to experiment. Node.js can also drive other types of microcontrollers, including Particle boards (my favorite!), BeagleBone boards, Tessel boards (the board itself runs on JS), and Espruino boards (also runs on JS). This article will focus on Arduino because it is the most common.

What are NodeBots?

NodeBots (as the name implies) are various types of robots that can be controlled through Node.js. They can be equipped with wheels, movable arms, legs, motion sensors, cameras, LED displays, and even sound playback and more. The only limitation is your imagination and the components you can find and combine!

The concept of NodeBots stems from the continuous improvement of Node.js capabilities, as well as the interests of developers such as Nikolai Onken, Jörn Zaefferer, Chris Williams, Julian Gautier and Rick Waldron. Together, they have developed various Node modules that we use in NodeBots today. Chris Williams' Node package node-serialport enables all this, which allows access to real-world devices through low-level read and write serial ports.

Julian Gautier then implemented the Firmata protocol, a protocol for accessing microcontrollers such as Arduino through software on the computer, and he used JavaScript in his Node.js Firmata library.

Rick Waldron took it a step further. Based on the Firmata library, he created a complete JavaScript robot and IoT programming framework - Johnny-Five. The Johnny-Five framework makes controlling everything from LEDs to various sensors relatively simple and easy to use. Many NodeBots now use it to accomplish some very impressive feats!

Where to start?

If you have no idea about robot building and any type of real-world JavaScript control device, there are a lot of great resources to get started. I first recommend you find an Arduino kit with a variety of components and sensors so you can try out the various parts. Below is a list of some of the Arduino starter kits available from different companies. If the list below looks huge, don't worry! They all contain very similar components and are great choices for beginners.

Beginner Kit

• SparkFun Inventor Kit. A few years ago, this kit started my journey to robots! It contains various standard components such as color LED lights, sensors, buttons, motors, small speakers and more. It also comes with guides and sample projects that can help you improve your skills.
• Freetronics Arduino Experimenter Kit. This kit is produced by an Australian company called Freetonics. It's very similar to the components of the SparkFun suite, but there are some slight differences. It also comes with its own guide and sample projects.
• Seeed Studio ARDX Starter Kit. Seeed Studio also has its own starter kit, which is also very similar to the SparkFun and Freetronics kits. It also comes with its own guide.
• Adafruit Arduino ARDX Experimental Kit. This kit is also very similar to the above kit and comes with its own guide.
• Arduino Starter Kit. Arduino.cc official also provides its own starter kit. This starter kit is similar to the above, but contains some interesting example projects like "Love Plot".

Remember that none of the above suites were developed for NodeBot. Therefore, the examples in the booklet are written in simplified C code used by Arduino. See the resources below for an example using Node.js.

Resources for learning NodeBots

There are some key places online to learn how to build various NodeBot projects. Here are some recommendations:

• Control the Arduino with Node.js and Johnny-Five. This is a free SitePoint video tutorial that covers the basics of connecting an Arduino to Node.js and using the framework to turn LED lights on and off.
• NodeJS's Arduino Experimenter Guide. This is an adaptation of the ARDX guide for the SparkFun version of .:oomlout:. by Anna Gerber of the NodeBots community and other members. It shows how to complete many of the examples in the above suite with Node.js instead of Arduino's simplified C code.
• Official Johnny-Five website. Johnny-Five Framework recently released a brand new website with great documentation on how to use the framework on Arduino and other platforms!
• Make: JavaScript Robot Books. A new book by Rick Waldron and other members of the NodeBot community offers a range of JS projects using a variety of devices. Perfect for those who have mastered the absolute basics and want to explore new projects!
• NodeBots official website. If you are looking for a local NodeBots party near you, or want to learn more about NodeBots general information, please check this page.
• NodeBots—The rise of JS robots. A great article by Chris Williams on how NodeBots are produced. This is a good article for those interested.

SimpleBot

Andrew Fisher, an Australian NodeBot enthusiast, has created a fairly simple project for people to build on in their first NodeBot experience. It is called "SimpleBot" and deserves its name. This is a NodeBot that can usually be built in one day. If you are keen to run an actual robot, not just a set of basic sensors and light switches, this is a great choice for getting started. For this reason, it is available to Australian attendees in one of the ticket types on NodeBots Day (see below)! This is a robot with wheels and ultrasonic sensors that detect if it is about to hit something. This is the finished version I prepared for NodeBots Day a few years ago:

The bill of materials required for SimpleBot and some sample Node.js code can be found in the SimpleBot GitHub repository. Andrew also made a YouTube video showing how to assemble SimpleBot.

Andrew also worked with the Freetronics team to create a SimpleBot Arduino expansion board, which may also be useful for those who want to try to use it as a learning project without soldering anything: SimpleBot expansion board kit.

Conclusion

This is a brief introduction to the world of NodeBots! If you are interested in getting involved, you should have all the information you need to start your NodeBot experience.

If you want to participate more in NodeBots, please pay attention to the annual International NodeBots Day. (It takes place around July every year.) It's a day when all kinds of people gather around the world to attend various events together to build JavaScript-based robots and enjoy good times.

If you built a great NodeBot using any of the above resources, please leave a comment in the comments or contact me via Twitter (@thatpatrickguy) and I'd love to check out your JavaScript bot!

(The following is the FAQ part, which has been rewritten and streamlined according to the original text to avoid duplicate information)

NodeBots FAQ:

• What basic components are needed to build NodeBot? You need a microcontroller (such as Arduino), a Node.js operating environment, a library that communicates with a microcontroller (such as Johnny-Five), and various electronic components (LEDs, motors, sensors, etc.).

• How to install Node.js and Johnny-Five? Download the installation program from the Node.js official website. After the installation is completed, enter npm install johnny-five to install Johnny-Five in the terminal.

• Can NodeBots be built using other programming languages? Although JavaScript is most commonly used, Python, Ruby, and C are also available.

• Can I use NodeBots for commercial projects? Yes, but it is necessary to ensure compliance with safety and regulatory requirements.

• What is the future of NodeBots? With the advancement of technology, NodeBots will become more powerful, more versatile, more economical, and more widely used.

• How to contribute to the NodeBots community? Share projects, codes, tutorials, participate in activities, etc.

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