Resources
Robotics Clubs:
- ChiBots – The Chicago-Area Robotics Clubs
- NIU Robotics – The Northern Illinois University Robotics Club
- Robomo – The St. Louis Area Robotics and Electronics Club
General Robotics Suppliers:
- Parallax – Offers Numerous Robotic Kits, Components, and Helpful Information and Resources for all Projects
- RobotShop – One of the Leading Source’s for Domestic and Professional Robot Technology
- Jameco Robot Store – Large Supplier of Robotic Kits, Parts & More
- Trossen Robotics – Distributor of Robot Components, Electronic Hardware, Educational Material, and also Features a Popular Forum
- Pololu – Offers a Wide Selection of Robot Kits, Mechanical Parts, and Electronics
- HVW Technologies – Offers Numerous Robotics Components, Sensors, Electronics, Tools, and more…
- Fingertech Robotics – A design and manufacturing company that produces custom purpose-built electronics, mechanical parts, hardware, and accessories for hobby robotics.
- Robotics Connection – High Quality Programmable Robot Kits, Components, and Hardware
- IFI Robotics – Supplier of Large Robot Parts and Electronics Primarily used for FIRST Robotics
- Savage Innovations – Electronic Development and Prototyping Products for Engineers, Hobbyists, and Educational Programs
- Zagros Robotics – Excellent selection of parts for all your robotics projects
Robot Kits:
- Lynxmotion – Huge Selection of Robot Platforms Ranging from Wheeled Rovers to 6 Legged Walking Hexapods to Robotic Arms
- ROBOTIS – Specializes in Personal Robotics Ranging from Beginner-Level Toys to Advanced Humanoids
- OwiRobots – Distributor of Various Robot Kits and Toys
Electronics:
- Sparkfun – Offers a Large Selection of Electronics for Robotics Applications or Anything Else
- Dimension Engineering – Specializes in Robot Power Electronics, Radio Control Equipment, and More
- Robot Power – Economical Motor and Motion Control Solutions for Many Applications
- Wright Hobbies – Electronics and Robotic Component Supplier
- Solutions Cubed – Produces Versatile and Affordable Engineering Modules
- Digilent – Suppliers of Programming Design Kits for Learning and Research Applications
- LabJack – USB/Ethernet Based Measurement and Automation Devices
- New Micros, Inc. – Robotic Platforms and Embedded Microprocessor System Components
- SchmartBoard – Offers several items that make hand soldering SMT parts fast, easy, and flawless
Sensors:
- Ultrasonic Sensors from MaxBotix – Leading supplier of ultrasonic rangefinders
MicroControllers & Development Kits:
- A-WIT Technologies, Inc. – Supplier of C Stamp Products and other Electronics
- Basic Micro – Makers of the Basic Atom Microcontroller
- MicroEngineering Labs, Inc. – Specializes in Development Tools for Microchip PIC Microcontrollers
Robotics Magazines/Books/News:
- BotJunkie – Collection of Stories and Articles about Recent Robotics Announcements and News
- Nuts and Volts Magazine – Popular magazine for Electronics Hobbyists
- Robot Magazine – The Latest in Hobby, Science, and Consumer Robotics
- No Starch Press – Collection of Books about various “Geek Topics”
- Square 1 Electronics – Offers Several Books about PIC Microcontrollers with Hands-On, Step-by-Step Experiments
- Smart-machines – Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics News
Robotic Combat:
- Robot Fighting League Forum – Popular Online Forum for Robotic Combat Competitors and Beginners
- The Robot Marketplace – Large Supplier of Robot Components Specializing in Robotic Combat Applications
- Inertia Labs – Small Robot Kits and Parts
Mechanical Components:
- BaneBots – Large Selection of Gearmotors Offered in Many Different Reduction Ratios
- AndyMark – Specializes in a Large Variety of Mechanical Components for FIRST Robotics
- ServoCity – Radio Control Electronics and Mechanical Components
Batteries:
- Duralite Batteries – High Performance Lithium Batteries, Chargers, and Accessories
- SR Batteries – Supplier of Batteries for RC and Custom Applications
Hardware/Materials/Tools:
- PROBOTIX – Supplier of affordable CNC routers, CNC stepper motor driver systems, and more
- Sherline – Manufacturer of Miniature Lathes, Vertical Milling Machines, and Machining Accessories
- Fastener Express – Offers a Large Variety of Miniature Hobby Screws in Metric and Standard Sizes
LEGO Robotics:
- LEGO Mindstorms – Very Popular Robotics Kits Built From Traditional LEGOs (Great for Beginners or Experts)
- Mindsensors – Supplier of Custom Sensors and Interfaces for LEGO Mindstorms NXT, RCX Robotics kits, and FIRST VEX Kits
Commercial/Research/Industrial/Toy Robots:
- Pleo – Advanced Robotic Dinosaur
- WoWee – Various Robotic Toys and Personal Robots
- Tamiya – Offers a Large Variety of Mechanical Models and Accessories
- iRobot – Leading Manufacturer of Robotic Vacuums and Robots for other Applications such as Government and Industrial Applications
- Dr. Robot – Large Selection of High Quality Robot Platforms and other Robotics Components