Anti-Theory Music Robot: BenderBot

BenderBot is a musical instrument which generates sound suitable for sampling and recording just as with any instrument. However, this instrument is like no other. You program and play it however you wish. The slate is clean (aside the sample programs and ideas) for you to create your own music. The bot can be set to run autonomously or can be operated manually. You program it as you wish. Viewers may notice (or knob-up your PC speakers until you do) the wild sound track segments near the start and end of the video. These segments are the results of a home recording studio production of BenderBot, an electric guitar, a sound processor pedal, and a Circuit Bent Texas Instruments Speak & Spell. These instruments were used to create sound samples which were then assembled into a nice track. Breaking it down further concerning BenderBot...with your PC and some freeware you can create a short sound sample, convert it for use in the NXT and NXT-G software, crank out some NXT sounds, record samples with your PC when you are jammin'out, mix'em around and produce your own 'noise'. What you see in the video is only a very tiny example of what can be produced using BenderBot. Different equipment combinations or a lone BenderBot can be used to achieve nice tracks. Grab a copy of 'The LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Idea Book: Design, Invent, and Build' and give BenderBot a spin!

What kind of music will you create with your NXT instrument? Let us know! Visit TheNXTStep.com and our informative forums.

Category:

Howto & Style

Tags:

• Idea
• book
• lego
• mindstorms
• nxt
• robot
• music
• circuit
• bending

[wolfox170]

dude get the lego infared link sensor you'll be able to control that train in the backround

[michielnxt]

wow..

[thaGuardians]

...wow!

I'm gonna try this! :D

[digitl]

I like. Clever using the wheels as controls. I just did a little lego-synth work myself.

[robofett]

Very Cool! A robotic band member!

[blu3shock]

Wow man this is pretty awesome great job and congrats for bending something that everyone hasnt already bent.