Parallax Penguin Robot Flying High with Mega Projects

Parallax Penguin Robot Flying High with Mega Projects

by Humanoido

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage
  

Left: Smaller kites are ideal when lofting penguin boards of lighter weight

Below: the Burj Khalifa, a mega project with a height of 2,716.6-feet. The height of Taipei 101 in Taiwan is 1, 667-feet.

The Penguin BS2px motherboard on Penguin robot is powerful for many repurposed uses. I made a Penguin astronaut and launched him into space with a GPS interfaced to the extra port and did data log recording of position, height, and various parameters, then matched with Google Maps enabling the altitude feature. 

I did a lot of work with this concept in China and leasing spacecraft flight vehicles. Working with kites was also an approved method for flying to high altitudes. I've had kites out there to a 5,280-feet with special lightweight military parachute string relatively impervious to taking on moisture, but don't try that with non-approved  high flying non-Chinese rockets or it's looking for trouble!

Penguin also reached 1,555 feet altitude via one of their Mega Projects in China at a ticket cost of about $24 to go that high. You take the high speed elevator to get to the top and part way up your ears start popping! On the top level, the actual floor is made up of see-through glass, which is extremely disorientating to those afraid of heights. At Taiwan at 101 on the top ledge, Penguin reached 1,473-feet elevation and riding the Tram in Hong Kong to the Peak took Penguin up at least 1,200 feet. The actual Peak is at 1,800-feet. Penguin also visited the Great Wall in China around the highest elevation where he actually walked on the ancient Great Wall paved walkway and visited a temple (drawing a huge crowd).

Above: At the elevation of the mountains, Penguin Robot walked on the Great Wall of China pavement bricks and caused a commotion among tourists

A flying Parallax Penguin persona is not far fetched. After the Penguin Super Hero project, a Penguin Astronaut was developed for trips into space. Because Penguin robot uses the most powerful Stamp processor and already has sensors built in (compass, light sensors, infrared sensors, input switch, seven LEDs (as segments), ports for sensor add ons), it makes an ideal "working payload." As an astronaut, Penguin can control things with its two tiny and light weight leg NARO servos. 

I should clarify the operation of the Penguin Astronaut. Penguin Astronaut thus far is lifted into space by two methods. One, it's attached to and flown on a kite where it data logs information during its flight. Two, it's carried aloft miles into space as part of the Near Space Program conducted by the Lab located in the South Pacific.

There are many modern quadcopters that can loft the Penguin robot, and this makes a good astronaut, reporting compass direction, GPS coordinates of position, date, time, thermal radiation temperature, ambient brightness levels, and elevation. He also fits into a tiny space suit designed to hold the mechanics to gain servo functions for various purposes.

Near Space
https://humanoidolabs.blogspot.com/2013/02/near-space-flight.html
Repurposing Penguin
https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/140572/proposal-parallax-penguin-repurposed
Flying Penguin
https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/137688/flying-penguin

About the Parallax Penguin Robot

All About the Parallax Penguin Robot - What is it?

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage
• 
  

Penguin is a rare desktop robot introduced on the cover of Servo Magazine December 2005. The Penguin is a 4" tall precision-machined robot designed for desktop navigation.

Parallax offered 1,000 limited edition Penguin kits for purchase during Q1 2006 in anodized blue, black, red or nickel color schemes. This mini robot includes a BS2px processor, HM55B digital compass, blue seven-segment LED, infrared emitters and detectors, photoresistors, speaker, and a socket for an RF receiver or Parallax Ping))) ultrasonic sensor.

The body parts are made from 6061 aluminum, machined within a 0.001" tolerance in colors of red, blue, black or nickel. The manufacturing of the Parallax Penguin Robot was discontinued by Parallax years ago, making the robot kit extremely rare and valuable, fetching a huge price when one occasionally goes up for sale on EBAY. We are preserving history and promoting the remaining Penguin Robots by maintaining a literal goldmine of information for this precious cute little walking robot.

Humanoido took a photo to show the height of this Parallax Penguin robot at about 4-inches. Many sources reported 3.5-inches for the earlier versions. Note: when measuring, compensate for the space below the zero on the ruler.

The Penguin Robot is a precision-machined biped with an embedded BASIC Stamp 2px24 microcontroller. The Penguin walks forward with a tilt-stride action and turns by sweeping both feet on the ground in opposite directions. Individual movement segments are linked together for this robot to walk. This basic biped design functions best in the Penguin’s small scale. The Penguin mechanics have a close-tolerance fit and are designed to provide precise electronic control. Set aside four hours to assemble a Penguin.

Writing code for the Penguin is accomplished in PBASIC. First, the servo center and tilt/stride limits are set and written to EEPROM using the Penguin-ServoCalibration.bpx program. Subsequent programs use the values stored in EEPROM, making it easy to share Penguin code without having to adjust servo PULSOUT constants in each program. Sensors are added into the subroutines, and a direction of travel is executed by assigning a value to the WALK variable (forward, back, left or right). Sensors are monitored between walking movements, without the headache of linking walking movements being handled by the rest of the PBASIC program. The Penguin robot performs best on your desk or other hard surfaces. It is not designed for long-distance adventuring across thick carpet, but a tight, low-pile carpet is an acceptable walking surface.

The Penguin's electronics are fully assembled and wired to an assortment of sensors and output devices. The Revision B Penguin printed circuit board was redesigned with several major improvements in 2009. First, the board has a more robust power supply for fewer resets. Next, the seven-segment LED driving circuitry was replaced with a low-pin shift register. These improvements allowed two I/O, power and ground connection to be ported to the top of the board for expansion. Accessories like the Ping))), PIR and other Parallax sensors may be installed in these locations. Some extra surface mount solder/modifications are necessary on this version. All the necessary components (including extras) are supplied. A higher skill level is recommended.

Software

Humanoido has written thousands of software programs for Penguin, released into the public domain through Humanoido websites, the PRS website and the Parallax Forum. Many of these programs give Penguin different personas, like superheros.

Penguin Specifications
* BS2px24 module chipset
* CNC-machined 6061 aluminum parts
* Available in black, red, blue or nickel
* Hitachi HM55B Digital Compass sensor
* (2) photoresistors for light following/avoidance
* (2) infrared emitters and an infrared receiver for object detection
* Blue seven-segment LED for feedback
* (2) micro servos for tilt and stride
* Piezospeaker in body underneath battery pack
* (2) Expansion ports for the Ping))) Ultrasonic Sensor
* Parallax RF Modu 232BL mini USB programming port
* Yellow power indicator LED

Kit Contents
CNC-machined Penguin parts, main PCB board, battery pack w/ ribbon cable, 2 micro servos, (2) CR123 batteries, custom machined parts/screws, instructions & tools needed
Power requirements: 6 VDC               
Communication: Serial for programming
Dimensions: Approx 3.15 x 4.25 x 3.5 in (80 x 108 x 89 mm)
Operating temp range: -32 to +158 °F (-0 to +70 °C)
This product was made in the USA
Other input/output components - 3 position power switch adjacent to battery pack
FTDI 232BL mini USB programming port

Parallax Changes Alignment Code

Versions of Penguin software by David Carrier introduced major changes to the alignment program, creating an inability to run former code, literally hundreds and thousands of programs. Ken Gracey said they would be discussing it but the bugs were never corrected.

Revision B
The Revision B Penguin printed circuit board was a redesign with several major improvements in 2009. First, the board has a more robust power supply for fewer resets. Next, the seven-segment LED driving circuitry was replaced with a low-pin shift register. These improvements allowed two I/O, power and ground connection to be ported to the top of the board for expansion. Accessories like the Ping))), PIR and other Parallax sensors may be installed in these locations.

Revision B Bug

However, there was a manufacturing bug on the board that required the Penguin robot to be tethered to the host computer. Parallax provided a surface mount modification kit as a bug fix. Thereafter these bugged Penguins were closed out and the robot was discontinued.

You will need to identify which Penguin and software to run the correct servo alignment and calibration software. To run hundreds of Penguin programs created by Humanoido, use Humanoido's calibration program for complete compatibility.

Parallax Penguin Code Eye Skin

Humanoido Penguin Robot Code Collection

Parallax Penguin Eye Skin

Penguin Robot software programmed by Humanoido

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage

OVERVIEW
This simple robot eye mimics a human eye by approximating the distance to objects and showing a trace to the image on artificial retina skin. It can even see mirages and hallucinate under certain rare conditions. It can also report statistics
about the object in the line of vision.

' ---------------------- Titles -------------------------------------

' Title      Penguin Robot Eye Skin

' Code Name  penguin_eye_skin.bpx

' Purpose    Eye skin only version of Penguin Robot's Simple

'            Artificial Linear Ultrasonic Retina Eye (ALURE) using

'            a Parallax Ping))) Sensor

' Author     humanoido

' Version    1.1

' Begin      08 April 2008

' Update     15 May   2008

' Hardware   PING))) Expanded Penguin

' ---------------------- Directives ---------------------------------

' {$STAMP BS2px}

' {$PBASIC 2.5}

Eye Skin
This is the eye skin version of the Retina Eye ALURE. Retina has segment display reporting while this version has strictly the eye skin. ALURE is Penguin Robot's Artificial Linear Ultrasonic Retina Eye. The program uses a PING))) expanded Penguin Robot and the AUX port's pin 5. PING))) is an ultrasonic detector that determines the distance of objects. The code creates an artificial retina, the area of the eye that forms an image to show this distance in real time.

' SPECIFICATIONS

' --------------

' Debug Screen Type

'       Real Time

'       Flashing

' Segment Graphics

'       No

' Distance Reported

'       Centimeters

'       Inches

'       Feet

' Imaging Output Method

'       Visual Retina Skin

'       Numerical

'

' Retinal Range

'       0 to 15-Feet

' Reported Infinity

'       0 to 12-Feet

' Typical Operating Range

'       1-inch to 10 feet

' Retina Scaling

'       1-foot = 5 units

' Scaled Numerical Reporting

'       Yes

' Humanlike Features

'       Approximates Distance

'       Has a Simplified Retina

' Super Human Features

'       Sees in Total Darkness

'       Can Snapshot the Retina

' Weakness

'       Soft Objects

' Vision

'       Daylight

'       Night Vision

'       Mostly hard objects

' EEPROM Usage

'       55%

' Number of Registers on Page

'       Used = 3

'       Available = 10

The code is registered with the Humanoido Penguin Robot Code Collection of over 1,000 Penguin programs where it can be downloaded for free.  The original post at the changed Parallax Forum is restored by Humanoido and (currently) found intact at the following link:

https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/103566/penguin-robot-eye-skin

Parallax Penguin Robot in 2005

Parallax Penguin Robots in 2005
Penguin Robots: a Parallax mini R&D project

Fantastic Penguin Robot comments by Ken Gracey - Parallax

How it all began...

Ken Gracey 2005-05-20 21:27
https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/78698/penguin-robots-a-parallax-mini-r-d-project

This is a picture of a couple of prototype "Penguins" made here at Parallax. Same concept as the Toddler but more advanced. These robots stand 3.5" tall and have the following features:

BASIC Stamp 2px chipset
Hitachi HM55B digital compass
Mini blue seven-segment LED
   for Penguin ID in group behaviour (or for program number)
Two photoresistors in R/C circuits
Two infrared emitters and a detector for near-field objects
3-pin socket for Ping)))
Speaker within the body, on the back of the battery PCB
CR123 camera batteries for 6V power supply
Pushbutton for reset

The robots are CNC machined from AL6061 and use GWS micro servos. The stride linkage (moves the legs foreward and backward) attached to the servo horn is a broached Delrin rod turned on a lathe. These robots walk very well and precisely compared to their larger counterparts.·They're part of·ongoing R&D·at·Parallax and will now be used to test a·future wireless programming/network interface. There are no formal plans to make them as a product at the·moment. Sincerely, Ken Gracey Parallax, Inc.

2005-05-21 16:43: We could put them into production, but CNC parts are not cheap. I like things to be affordable to our customers and this is not. This would have to be some kind of Parallax collector's edition robot.

2005-05-24 04:34: The programming port is a 4-pin header underneath the battery pack, on the back. There is no DB-9 on this robot becuase it would be as big as the top PCB. Ultimately it will have a USB mini-B connector with an FTDI chip or a wireless programming interface. The other Penguin referenced by pcrobot in which a BS2/BOE is held above the Penguin's head is an earlier prototype. That Penguin never got a brain mounted on his body, so I held it above him as he walked along. By the way, the Penguin walked for about eight hours today in our office. It looks like CR123 batteries can last for a long time, making them more cost effective (in terms of milliamp hours) than AA or AAAs.

2005-09-03 04:11  I'd like to share with you the latest hardware revision on the Penguin robots. The latest design incorporates several design improvements to the mechanics. Improved precision, a new foot design and better integration with the BASIC Stamp system are some of the changes. In this picture you'll see the prior prototype (the clear aluminum one in back with the electronics) along with three new bodies. The parts are either nickel-plated or anodized red, black or blue. These new versions are not wearing any electronics yet. Meanwhile, we're working on a new PCB design which includes a USB mini-B (with a brand new FTDI chip, not even available to our customers yet!) and an RF module for PC-based control. Of interest is that everybody who sees these small robots assume they're less expensive to make than their larger counterpart, the Toddler. Actually, as a design gets smaller and more precise the cost of parts increases significantly. Machining isn't the only big expense - cost goes up with small servos, stainless steel hardware, mixed SMT/through-hole·boards, and components on both sides.·The cost of building these is almost twice that of a Toddler. Ouch.

2005-09-05 15:32  These will be available in November for purchase. We just launched production for the robot bodies and hardware and the electronics are in their last prototype. It's a limited run, too. Only 50 nickel-plated robots, 50 anodized blue and 50 anodized red. No target price yet, but under $250.

2005-10-05 03:43  I'm using aluminum because I can machine it to exact tolerances, it looks good and can be anodized a variety of colors. This is a high-quality "low-volume" desktop robot, so plastic was not considered as a material. Once you get a chance to hold a Penguin you'll see how the aluminum provides the perfect mass of well-balanced material. The update is that the Penguin hardware is in production at a local machine shop. The electronics are in a final prototype and have not gone to production. The new PCB includes an RF receiver for PC control, a USB port for programming, HM55B compass, speaker, infrared, Ping))) socket, 7-segment blue LED, photoresistors and a power switch. We're still aiming for mid-November, but no promises.

2005-10-06 00:33  We'll be selling it somewhere around the cost of materials and assembly. This should be about $250. Okay, we'll probably make fifty bucks. It's a special robot that we are making to provide as a gift to key distributors, but it will also be for sale in limited quantities (don't believe me? You will when we're out of stock :). It will be 100% manufactured in the USA, with the best QA/QC we have available. I consider it an experiment in quality, precision hobby robotics. There is one business benefit of low-volume manufacturing in the USA. Machined parts can be made in low quantities, without tooling. Minimums can be reduced with high-end products. Inventory levels can be much lower. And considering we're currently swimming in a pool of continuous rotation servos this is an important point at Parallax. Now you will want to become a distributor to get a free one.

2005-12-01 17:26   The Penguin is on the cover of Servo Magazine this month.

"Parallax will offer 1,000 limited edition Penguin kits for purchase starting Q1 2006"

2005-12-01 22:56   The small Penguin was made using a Wabeco F1210 CNC desktop mill. I use FlashCut signal generator (Mach2 with Gecko drives is more popular, though) and CAM work was done with OneCNC. I also used a Wabeco D6000 CNC lathe to turn a small part you can't see, which is the stride linkage between the legs. The specific part is 1" long and has a ball on each end which fits within the leg slot so the bottom servo can be used for stride control. Additionally, this part (which is Delrin) was drilled and broached with the shape of the servo spline. To broach it, I made a tool with a sideways-mounted rotary table. Using a small V-cutter, I machined a drill blank rod with 21 cuts to match the servo spline. Then, this tool was used to punch the shape into the Delrin.

The other tools I used include end mills, drills, and lots of coolant. I also used a benchtop sander to clean up any tabs which I left on the aluminum parts from CNC (to avoid making fixtures for the parts). The CNC tools·I used are among the more expensive for desktop machines, but·a Sherline machine could certainly do the same. A Taig mill could also make the parts. In fact, you could make them with a bandsaw and drill if you were careful (especially if you used acrylic). The drawings are posted, so·you're welcome to try to make one.

2005-12-12 01:46  The only part not shown is the 5/8" machined standoff which holds the servos in place. It's nothing more than a 4/40 5/8" long round aluminum standoff with the middle milled flat. Then, tap a 4/40 hole in the middle of the flat spot and this will be used to mount your servo.

2005-12-15 02:57  The servos mount on two 5/8" round standoffs to the 1/8" holes on the Penguin body. The DXFs should provide the exact detail you need, from which you are free to extract dimensions. We're just finalizing the PCB. As this is not a revenue-generating product we've not been in much of a rush. We're only making 1,000 units and you'll never see it again after that. The reasoning is that the product is entirely USA manufactured and machined, so the cost is truly through the roof.

Other comments

A common ACAD output format. See this, which is particularly helpful:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=what+is+a+dxf+file

Lots of free tools are available to convert DXFs to something you can read.

Feb. 2006, still waiting for the Penguin robots

https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/83652/penguin-fact-or-fiction

Ken GraceyKen Gracey Posts: 7,295 2006-02-24 06:03 edited 2006-02-24 06:03

Zax- It's for real - I promise! While you've been waiting we've been making some design improvements to Penguin's PCB. Now you have a USB mini-B for programming and a nice socket for RF/Ping additions, not to mention an HM55B compass which is no longer affected by the presence of servo motors. Not being an "official" Parallax product it has to be finished on our free time. In this case, these silly·RoHS requirements (new lead-free rules)·have caused a·delay·so we could make a few PCB updates to other products. And to answer your other question - it's really expensive to make but that won't stop us from making it available for general sale.·There was no value engineering on this product and it's all made in the USA. No release date on the kit, but I saw that the final prototype PCB was sent off today! That means I'll have pre-production units late next week. Ken Gracey Parallax, Inc.

Parallax Penguin Robot in the Movies

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage
• Penguin Robot in the Movies

A collection of Parallax Penguin Robot movies made by Humanoido with different Penguin personas

Red Nose Santa

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zDg6NfXpUo

Weightlifter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQwxJN6f-oQ

Soccer Player

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Duxpxu4Bhs

Robot Dancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpH3ZsNwBn8

Roller Skater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_H3teQdxxw

Happy Feet Dancer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9owSIXhh_Mo

Parallax Penguin Robot Persona

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage
• 
  PARALLAX PENGUIN ROBOT PERSONA

LEFT: BAT Penguin is a realtime battery monitor (BAT-MON). It reads the motherboard LED which has varying brightness depending on voltage level. The modification includes cutout patterns for a full Bat Penguin suit and all the extras.

The Following 8 Personas are in Penguin Tech Magazine

Bat Penguin
penguin-tech-3.html
PT03_FILES.ZIP
PT03.pdf

Read Penguin Tech Magazine issue #3 October 8, 2008, for the construction article. Robot with Batman persona reads battery level. Uses one light sensitive CaS photocell on Penguin's motherboard to read the power LED.

Penguin Humanizer
Read Penguin Tech Magazine issue #2 for the construction article. Penguin robot detects humans with PIR technology by wearing a top hat.

Penguin Gives the Finger

Finally the little bot can flick his big finger to the world. This sole finger is made from a Piezo Film Vibra Tab Mass sensor by Parallax, part number 605-00004, low cost, light weight, simple code, easy RC circuit, uses only 1 sensor and 2 parts (diode, capacitor). Read Penguin Tech Magazine issue #1 for the complete construction article.

www.p-robot.com/pdf/PT01.pdf
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/106195-Penguin-Tech

ASCII Penguin

Read Penguin Tech Magazine issue #2 for the construction article. Program allows the creation of ASCII Penguin robots using the code at the download site.

' {$STAMP BS2px}

' {$PBASIC 2.5}

' penguin_ascii.bpx

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Penguin On LCD

Read Penguin Tech Magazine issue #2 for the construction article. Penguin Robot is now on LCD. Robot has on board LCD for communications. Code includes all details necessary to attach a BPI-215 Scott Edwards LCD Display. This program displays two lines at the full LCD speed of 9600 baud.

http://www.p-robot.com/index.php/display.html

Pocket Penguin

Read Penguin Tech Magazine issue #1 for the construction article. Smallest form factor Penguin robot, a little single processor brain consisting of two folded boards that fit inside a shirt pocket

https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/99817/very-strange-parallax-robot

Penguin Super Robot Brain (12 Processor Brains)

Described in Penguin Tech magazine issue 4 - How I Used the Supercomputer Model to Develop a Super Robot Brain. Bonus Project: Penguin robot was added to the Super Pod Collective, using a one-wire interface on port 5. Tying into the master computer, Penguin increased from a single Stamp brain to 12 paralleled Stamp brains, all running programs at the same time, with power of all computers and all peripherals. This super robot was able to access many sensors that were running at the same time while making decisions and collecting data. For more information, follow the Parallax link. humanoido

http://forums.parallax. com/forums/default.as px?f=10&m=308600

Little Dragon Penguin Robot

Project illustrated in Penguin Tech Magazine issue 4. A red dragon with a green circuit board tail.

The Following 6 Personas are Penguin YouTube Videos
Penguin Weightlifter

This tiny Penguin robot is a great weightlifter! The competition is between two robots - nickel and blue. The little barbell plates are aluminum Chinese Fen coins. I posted the programming code free at the Parallax Forum. This video was filmed on location in China. The weights are Chinese coins stacked on one or two feet. Original video on Youtube. Watch the video and see who wins the competition, nickel or blue - it's all about the power of the leg servos and who has the most precisely conditioned body.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQwxJN6f-oQ

Penguin Happy Feet Dancer
This tiny Penguin robot is an amazing dancer! Unique programming helps it dance like Mumbles on the Happy Feet movie. Sets a new standard in biped robotic dance! Youtube removed all of the original music. Original video on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9owSIXhh_Mo

Penguin Robot Dancer

Little penguin robot does the Robot (dance). Movements are started and finished with a lock, to give the impression of motors starting and stopping. The real funk-related robot dance was started in 1969, but was popularised by Michael Jackson. Original video on YouTube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpH3ZsNwBn8

Penguin Soccer Player
Penguin Soccer Playing Robot - Trailer! This tiny robot is ready to play robot soccer. Fully capable with wireless remote. Original video on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Duxpxu4Bhs

Santa Penguin aka Rudolph the Red Nose Penguin
Appeared in Penguin Tech magazine number 4 on page 8. December 8, 2008. Christmas special. So Cute! Rudolph the Red LED Penguin Robot, just in time for Christmas! This robot is absolutely fantastic. It's the hottest selling desktop robot this holiday season because it's so adorable and just loaded with features! Just plug in a jumbo red LED Light Emitting Diode, run the software, and watch his big red nose blink! He'll light the way on Christmas day. Hahaha!!! Or tug on his white beard! (We added that... hehe...) Uses pulse width modulation programming to reduce parts to only one light! Oh, that was a really big word! OK, the cute factor just went off the scale. Check out Penguin's home for lots of free goodies, downloads and stuff at http://www.robotinfo.net/penguin/. Check out my other youtube vids making this tiny Penguin robot dance, play soccer, rollerskate, and lift weights! It's all for fun, so enjoy! Penguin robot with a programmed red LED nose, a Santa Claus beard, and Rudolph personality. Original video on youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zDg6NfXpUo

Penguin Skater
Penguin Robot with its own wheeled skates ready to roller skate. Tiny Penguin robot dances on roller skates! The skates are made from little tablet boxes with wheels made from furniture skid protectors. Original video on youtube.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_H3teQdxxw

The Following are 7 Smart Penguins

World's smartest Parallax Penguin Robot

In this project, Penguin's brain was connected to a version of the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer. This created the potential to write 16,000 instructions, added all the resources of the Basic Stamp Supercomputer, 176 controlling ports, color uOLED display, green screen LCD, ultrasonic vision, presence sensors, memory, speech in English and Chinese.

Penguin Robot Supercomputer
Twelve Penguins connected together to form an exampling Penguin Robot Supercomputer, each with one BS2px processor, operating in parallel

Penguin with 12 Brains (aka Penguin on Supercomputer)
Another version of a powerful multiprocessor Penguin Robot.

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?p=765509  (fix link)

The Brain of All Brains Penguin Robot
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?108169-World-s-Smartest-Penguin-Robot
A Penguin robot with its BS2px-24 motherboard was initially connected to the BASIC Stamp Supercomputer BSS collective of 12 computers. Then the BSS was upgraded to more computers (~20) and the Brain of All Brains was born. The brain of Penguin Robot was disembodied by tapping into and connecting it to the BSS Supercomputer through the built in PIN Port. In a kind of Brain Cortex collective extension, Penguin's brain was made into a parallel cluster of processing power, rewiring the original thought processes, creating a hive or gang of Synaptic Regio, more closer to mimicking a human's brain. Overall, the operation was a great success! The brain surgery was simple and accomplished by hand. Connect 3 wires, + to Vdd, - to Vss and S to P2 on Master Computer MC. The power of Penguin's brain became so fantastic, that accessing all the power and all the sensors and all the peripherals made it "THE BRAIN" of All Brains!

Penguin the Brain
Penguin robot with the most powerful brain

Penguin Robot with 26 Brains
http://humanoidolabs.blogspot.tw/2013/11/penguin-robot-with-26-brains.html
In this experiment, a Parallax Penguin robot has its head expanded to include more brains. It was connected to the BSS Supercomputer array of processors, the Master Offloader Machine plus a number of rogue boards and processors. The M.O.M. machine has ten processors, BSS has twelve processors, another two plus an additional Lenovo PC, and Penguin has one, making a total of 26 brains!

Memory Master Penguin
Look deep into Penguin's brain for memory observation! Penguin is a Utility, Diagnostic, and Programmers Tool. Read or write to memory with a series of utility programs to help in developing code. With this program, you can look into the brain for memory observation or do surgery. penguin_memory_master.bpx

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/99641-PENGUIN-ROBOT-BRAIN-Memory-Master-the-Code

The Following are 21 Penguin Superheros

Penguin Robot Superhero with All Powers

Superhero robot with seven super powers, articles published in Robot magazine, and Humanoido's Robot website with lots more information.
https://humanoidslabs.blogspot.com/2021/01/penguin-robot-superhero.html

Legion of 13 Superheros

Thirteen Parallax Penguin Robot superheroes, one from each of twelve countries with a special bonus USA Statue of Liberty signature Penguin. Lineup photos published at Parallax Forum, Big Brain Technologies website, Robots website, Robot magazine.

https://humanoidslabs.blogspot.com/2021/01/penguin-robot-superhero.html

Penguin Robot Superhero with Storm Power

You’re outside and a storm is approaching. Suddenly, there’s a flash of lightning. A few seconds later, you hear thunder. Press the reset button! Penguin has the power to report the storm distance on the display in miles. This may potentially save your life in the event of a tornado, hurricane, typhoon, or category storm, letting you know whether the storm is approaching or moving away, giving advanced warning and time to seek a safe shelter. penguin_storm_power.bpx

Penguin Robot Superhero with Direction Power

You’re in the deep woods on a camping trip and hiking and you get lost. Maybe you have food and water for only a couple days. The sky is overcast, so stars and the sun aren’t visible; just trees and mountains. Penguin robot will save you! He will track and report directions of north, south, east and west, and you’ll find your way back to civilization! penguin_direction_power.bpx

Penguin Robot Superhero with Time Power

The power of this time is amazing. Focus your energy, mind and body into Penguin’s precise power minute!. One minute of exercise. One minute of deep breathing. One minute of meditation and relaxation. One minute of rest. One minute of concentration. Generate Chi energy. Mind train. Create life focus. Improve health. Organize yourself. Time Power: one minute a day, or one minute throughout the day can change your life.

penguin_time_power.bpx

Penguin Robot Superhero with Sleep Power

You cannot sleep at night, but you must report to work the next day. If you don’t sleep, you could lose life or limb by being drowsy when working with heavy machinery, driving in busy traffic or even crossing the street at a busy intersection. Never fear, Penguin is here with the magical power of inducing sleep. penguin_sleep_power.bpx

Penguin Robot Superhero with Light Power

The ability to send a rescue message using light waves: SOS in light code! You’re on an outing, camping and exploring with friends and night approaches; in the darkness you get separated from your party. Use the power of light to send a repeating traceable message in the dark that your friends can see, follow and find you. Utilizing full candelabra output from the blue LED segment display output device, lighting as many segments simultaneously as possible, signals of light can be sent across space and time.

penguin_light_power.bpx

Penguin Robot Superhero with Night Power

You’re inside the house and the electricity goes off at night, or you’re outside walking at night and it’s pitch dark. You need to find your way, and there are hidden dangerous obstacles directly in your path. Penguin will use the power of ultrasonic night vision to see in total darkness and alert you to dangerous objects out to a distance of 9 feet; you’ll be saved from potential pain, injury and doctor bills! penguin_night_power.bpx

Penguin Robot Superhero with Life Power

Many people dream about life extension and longevity! It’s known that exercise is a key to better health and maintains a good conditioning that leads to a longer life. In a simple, but healthful, aerobic workout with you, Penguin will “pedometer” the lead for life extension. Can you keep up with this tiny but relentless Zen master? penguin_life_power.bpx

The Following are Bugs & Reptiles

Penguin BUG
Penguin robot takes the form of a bug eyed bug

Transformer Frog
Penguin robot transforms into a frog

Penguin Cricket
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/98302-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Transformer-the-Code
Robot transforms into an annoying cricket. Basically, as a practical joke, Penguin thinks it's cool to hide somewhere (behind the couch) and transform into a cricket, randomly chirping to drive everyone totally insane! Here's the plan: while hiding, Penguin bot will use a random number generator and Virtual Sound Synthesizer to chirp like a cricket, and do it so randomly in time that locating the sound will be difficult. He chirps, then naps an unpredictable time, wakes up, chirps again, then repeats the process! The cricket sounds coming from the peizo speaker are intentionally selected for volume and frequency to create a virtual surround sound appearing to come from every direction. Transforming into a cricket uses numerous techniques. The code includes nap, random number generation, Virtual Sound Synthesizer, virtual surround sound, volume, timing, frequency, and power consumption reduction (PCR).

The Following are Penguin Sound Personas
The Determinator Penguin
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/103690-Penguin-Robot-the-Determinator
Code Name: penguin_sound_determinator.bpx
Penguin accepts values to find the desired tone. Penguin becomes a freqout frequency sound determinator. Input values to find the right tone sound you're looking for. This is code to cycle through the values based on entered frequency numbers, and play the resulting tones.

The Following are Penguin Vision Personas
Penguin Seeing Eye Dog
Penguin robot acts as a seeing eye dog with ultrasonics, sees in total darkness, helps visually impaired navigate, has audible response based on sound.

Ultravision Penguin
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/99710-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Ping-UltraVision-the-Code
Code Name: penguin_ping_ultravision.bpx
Purpose: PING))) Expansion Enables Ultra Vision, Penguin can see from 1-inch out to 9-feet! Just plug in the Parallax PING))) and run this code. Ultravision is a unique way of seeing things, even in total darkness!

The Following are Walking/Running Personas
Carpet Shag Walker Penguin

the only Penguin that can very effectively walk on carpet, high steps to avoid snagging the rug.  penguin_shag_walker.bpx (from the penguin_program_name.bpx suite)

Penguin Old Age
Penguin robot with old age persona, walks like a very old man

Penguin Runner
The fastest running Penguin robot on the planet! This new Penguin robot persona is a motion control program that adds the function of run to penguin. Penguin will run a short distance, then stop. Push reset to repeat.

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/99946-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Run-the-Code

The Following are Dance Personas
Penguin Line Dancer
penguin_line_dance_1v6.bpx
(from the penguin_program_name.bpx suite)

The Following are AI Artificial Intelligence Personas
Penguin AI
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/98922-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Artificial-Intelligence-the-Code
See if you can outsmart the AI Penguin robot playing Tic Tac Toe. If you play a game and Penguin wins, there must be some intelligent thinking in the process. This is one form of AI (Artificial Intelligence). Though AI is a debatable field with many aspects, this demo example makes use of the ancient game of Tic Tac Toe. Pit your wit against Penguin robot. This version has it all - graphics, sound, Penguin laughter, Cats game, and winning and losing!

Penguin Virtual Persona
Virtual Gearing
A virtual gearbox

Virtual Keyboard
A virtual keyboard

Virtual Sound Chip Robot
The ultimate soundbox with a VR chip that creates fantastic sounds

Virtual Servos Robot
The first Penguin robot virtual servo, has no weight yet moves the robot in the third direction

Virtual Touchpad

Virtual Screen Compass

Virtual Human Speech

Virtual Radio

Virtual 2-Digit Display (with a 1-digit display)

Virtual 3-Digit Display (with a 1-digit display)

Virtual Transforming

Penguin Robot Wireless Remote
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?97327-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Soccer-the-Code&highlight=penguin+soccer
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?97415-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Remote-Controller-the-Code-is-Here!&highlight=penguin+soccer
3-Brain Penguin wirelessly connects three Penguin robot brains together, shares command data transmitted by a master Penguin brain on a wireless infrared communications channel. Uses stock Penguins, PBASIC programming & no added hardware necessary.

Penguin Astronaut
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/137688-Flying-Penguin?p=1191890
A flying Parallax Penguin persona. After the Penguin Super Hero project, a Penguin Astronaut was developed for trips into space. Because Penguin robot uses the most powerful Stamp processor and already has sensors built in (compass, light sensors, infrared sensors, input switch, seven LEDs (as segments), ports for sensor add ons), it makes an ideal "working payload." As an astronaut, Penguin can control things with its two tiny and light weight leg NARO servos.

Penguin BOE-BOT
Robot that's a very tiny Boe-Bot robot. You can make a tiny Boe-Bot out of a Penguin and get double the fun. Take the boards and fold one back over the other. Then modify two old worn miniature Penguin servos for continuous rotation. A couple bottle caps make good wheels.

https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/99979/penguin-boebot

Penguin Spy Bot
http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php/98521-PENGUIN-ROBOT-Counting-Eye-the-Code
This is a Penguin robot with a big watchful eye that can hide and see people walking around. The eye has purpose - count people passing by a doorway.

Scout Penguin
Boy Scouts will be envious of this scouting master equipped with a compass, light beacon, and morse code signaling device

Aerobic Penguin
Robot does aerobic exercises

Penguin Talker
Robot talks

These are 7 Penguin Superpowers

to be continued...

Parallax Penguin Robot in Magazines

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage

Parallax Penguin Robot in Magazines

SERVO MAGAZINE 2005

Parallax Bipeds and Penguin Robot On the Cover of Servo Magazine December 2005 - Parallax's early biped prototypes and the new "Penguin" are featured on the cover of Servo Magazine with a winter theme, coupled with a two-page article about their evolution. The Penguin is a 3.5" tall precision-machined robot designed for desktop navigation. Parallax will offer 1,000 limited edition Penguin kits for purchase starting Q1 2006 in anodized blue, black, red or nickel color schemes. This mini robot includes a BS2px processor, HM55B digital compass, blue seven-segment LED, infrared emitters and detectors, photoresistors, speaker, and a socket for an RF receiver or Parallax Ping))) ultrasonic sensor. The body parts are made from 6061 aluminum, machined within a 0.001" tolerance, in red, blue, nickel or black.

ROBOT MAGAZINE 2009

Penguin Robot Superhero

Software can enhance your bot beyond your wildest dreams!
https://humanoidslabs.blogspot.com/2021/01/penguin-robot-superhero.html

The article is published several places, including Robot magazine, page 44, May/June 2009 issue 16 and included Humanoido's source code, notes, charts and diagrams. The article referenced the remainder information at Robot magazine's online web site for additional necessary project detail. However, tumultuous times internally at Maplegate, the publisher, led to both the magazine and web site's demise. When a new Robot magazine website appeared under new ownership, the Penguin information was deleted.

The original article by Humanoido is published here on this website with complete information, and in fact has more information, higher resolution photos and complete software packages.

PENGUIN ROBOT SOCIETY 2009

At the Penguin Robot Society Web Site publication, updated December 2009

Complete Superhero story with code

PENGUIN TECH MAGAZINE, ISSUES 1-4   AUGUST 2008

ISSUE 1

POCKET PENGUIN

PENGUIN WITH THE FINGER

ISSUE 2

THE HUMANIZER PENGUIN

PENGUIN ON LCD

ASCII PENGUIN

ISSUE 3

BAT PENGUIN

PENGUIN HOMEBREW

ISSUE 4

https://forums.parallax.com/discussion/103548/penguin-robot-featured-in-ecn-column

2008 - John Titus' "Embedded Systems" column in the latest Electronic Component News features the Parallax Penquin under the headline "Kits for Kids".

Penguin Robot Society PRS

• Parallax Penguin Robot Homepage

Penguin Robot Society PRS

by Humanoido

The world's first Penguin Robot Society was established by Humanoido in 2007. However, the server in China was far too slow in bandwidth. To gain new faster server speed, two years later on September 16th, 2009, a partnership was formed with computer and software expert Vittorio Rossi. The result of his outstanding website design and expertise, and the speed of the server in Italy, led to a really great PRS site, seen at left.

by Humanoido

Prior to the PRS Penguin Robot Society, Humanoido created a website named the Penguin Bible. The goal was to include new and interesting info about the Penguin Robot.

With information dating back to 2005, The Penguin Robot Bible was the first private official website, developed by Humanoido, cover page seen at left.

PENGUIN ROBOT SOCIETY: PRS, founded in 2007 by Humanoido is a society of robot enthusiasts who share ideas, projects and information about the Parallax Penguin Robot. To become a member, or for more information, send an email about your Penguin Robot interests to Humanoido. Stay tuned as we plan to put up the PRS web site for access to Penguin Robot Society information.

LEFT: this Penguin Robot Society logo was established by Humanoido

HISTORICAL
Humanoido established the first Penguin Robot Society website in 2007. It was later detached and a partnership was established with Vrossi (Vittorio Rossi) in September 2009, who I met at the Parallax Forum. He offered to make a PRS webpage on a fast server, initially hosting my Penguin Robot projects, programming and content.

Vittorio Rossi placed the PRS webpage on his own company server. Advertising from his company eventually appeared to help support the web presence. The domain was left to expire nine years later on September 11th, 2017, when Vrossi ended his consulting job and closed all his servers. 

Establishing permanent web presence is a challenge. Vrossi made an outstanding Penguin robot wiki which was deleted by a Wiki administrator on September 2, 2016. We quickly learned that Wiki is rewriting history by deleting it. In addition to Penguin robot, a quick check shows Wiki also deleted iSobot, Robonova and other historical humanoids that led to great evolution in robotics.

I established a Penguin Robot Society PRS presence in Yahoo Groups where members shared postings, new software and information. It was very successful however some time later Yahoo decided to delete their groups and all the information disappeared.

Even PC computers were not cooperating. I had Penguin robot information backed up onto a PC server which crashed and all the hard drives had files eaten by a worm. 

At this time, I purchased large Google website space and a domain, and began posting Penguin Robot content there. It has since evolved into a Penguin section on my fourth website which is dedicated to robots. I will keep all my websites active and all the information will likely remain available until my passing.

Outdated Link for the Yahoo Robot Group

http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/toddler_robot/

All PRS email addresses were deleted by Yahoo.

penguin.robot@yahoo.com

The New Penguin Robot Society

We now bring the historical Parallax Penguin Robot into the year 2021 and establish future upgrades, and offer a collection of all the information currently available to bring the Parallax Penguin Robot back to life!

Story in Penguin Tech Magazine Issue 3

October 8, 2008

Check out the back cover of Penguin Tech Magazine issue number three for this story about the Penguin Robot webpage. It led to the website for the Penguin Robot Society hosting all the Penguin Robot software programs and projects developed by Humanoido at that time. The website shown below was developed with a partnership of Humanoido in Beijing China and Vittorio Rossi in Italy. Placing the CMS site in Italy was to establish speeds higher that what was available in China at the time.