I am learning a new language. It is not a people language. It is a computer language. Yeah, maybe a nerd thing but someone has to do it. Ha!
It’s called SPIN and is a higher level language somewhat like BASIC used to program the Parallax “Propeller” micro processor. I am no expert (yet) but I need it for the computerized control system in my RoboBoat project.
What’s nice is there are a lot of people writing examples and routines in SPIN for the Propeller so a lot of what I have to do is just borrow and hack the examples to do what I want. It’s not like starting from scratch. That is fairly standard practice so it is not illegal or cheating or anything like that. In fact it is encouraged as it helps everyone. It is also entirely free.
The little computers that use this processor are not like your desktop or laptop computer. I do need one of those “personal computers” to write the SPIN program. The Propeller micro processor then runs the program by itself and is used in what’s called embedded computing. Very much the same type computer that controls your automobile and just about every other automatic machine in today’s world.
This is very similar to the commercial control systems I am involved with in my career work where computers of this type (not the Propeller) of can manage the energy use and environment in every building in a large university. It’s called distributed computing. A lot of small computer controls communicate with each other like the Borg in Star Trek but without modifying life forms. Ha… resistance is futile.
Another big application of these computers is in amateur and probably some professional robot control systems. This is cutting edge science in many high school and college applied engineering and science courses.
We don’t (yet) use humanoid robots in my company. At least that I am aware. However robotics is a good background in any career involving embedded computer application. In my opinion far better training and use of time than say… playing video games.
Highly recommended by ME.