Unyielding Plotter with No Restrictions

In the 1980s, if your school was fortunate enough to boast a state-of-the-art computer lab, it's quite plausible that among the 8-bit computers, there might have been a small, mobile robot. These robots...

, and Administrator

2025 September 15 . 7:52 PM

1 min read

Unyielding Plotter with No Restrictions

In a fascinating blend of the old and the new, Niklas Roy has designed a modern reconstruction of the two-wheeled robots that were once popular teaching aids in computer labs of the 1980s. These robots, while primarily used for artistic endeavours, hold the potential for functional plotting as well.

The original 1980s robots were 8-bit machines, but their modern-day counterparts boast an Arduino Nano brain, a testament to the advancements in technology. The Logo programming language, which enabled the original robots to draw simple vector graphics, continues to be the backbone of these modern robots.

The consistency of the robots' plotting surprised Niklas Roy. The drawing battles between these modern robots remind one of a pixelflood screen, with each robot meticulously calculating paths between coordinates to create intricate designs.

Interestingly, if you have a fondness for the Logo programming language, building these modern-day robots could be a revisitation of past experiences. The parts for the modern-day robots are straightforward, and files for building them can be downloaded, making the process accessible to enthusiasts and hobbyists alike.

These two-wheeled robots function as simple vector plotters, calculating paths between coordinates to create drawings. In a unique twist, a drawing battle between a pair of drawing bots and an eraser bot has been observed with these modern robots, adding a competitive edge to their artistic capabilities.

The original 1980s robots were well-equipped teaching tools, often found in computer labs. Now, Niklas Roy's modern-day version continues this legacy, offering a hands-on approach to learning programming and robotics. These robots, while rooted in history, are a testament to the endless possibilities of innovation.