Tetrix Robotics Kit
Other names | TETRIX |
---|---|
Parent theme | Lego Mindstorms |
Availability | 1997–Present (joined to Mindstorms in 1998) |
Total sets | 2 |
Official website |
TETRIX Robotics consists of two robotic kits by Pitsco, Inc., intended for educational purposes and competitions such as the FIRST Tech Challenge. The sets are TETRIX MAX for high school and TETRIX PRIME for middle school.
Building system
The main structural TETRIX MAX pieces are aluminum channel with a trademarked hole pattern that enables connections at multiples of 45°.[1] The pieces are attached using bolts. Other building elements include gears, wheels, motors and servos.
TETRIX MAX can interface with the Lego Mindstorms NXT kit to allow the NXT intelligent brick to control TETRIX motors and servos.[2] The connection is not just mechatronic, but also organizational: in the USA, LEGO Education North America is a joint venture between Pitsco, Inc. and the educational division of the LEGO Group.[3]
TETRIX PRIME was developed for middle school use but can also be used with TETRIX MAX components. The systems can also be used with R/C controllers or a variety or programmable options such as myRIO and Arduino.
Uses
FIRST Tech Challenge robots are built using the TETRIX building system and controlled by Lego Mindstorms NXT. For the 2011 FIRST Robotics Competition season, the 'minibots' were constructed using TETRIX[4] and other materials.
References
- ↑ "Building System". TETRIX. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
- ↑ "Using the LEGO® NXT Intelligent Brick". TETRIX. Retrieved 5 June 2011.
- ↑ "Lego Education (see footnote)".
- ↑ "2011 FRC Game Manual" (PDF). FIRST. Retrieved 5 June 2011.