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COMPUTER HARDWARE 3

Before getting into the nuts and bolts of choosing the computer hardware to include in
the robot, let’s take a step back. What are the reasons for putting a computer inside the
robot? Even experienced engineers choke on this question. It seems, after all, to be a
natural decision. Yet when we look at any one particular reason, there always seems to
be yet another underlying reason behind it. At the beginning of any one phase of the
robot project, it makes sense to analyze the options. Often, a better solution is at hand.
Let’s look at a nontechnical example.
You and your friend are in an open field and are confronted by a hungry lion (see
Figure 3-1). The lion starts to charge and it is clear you must run. What should your
immediate goal be? Some say, “Outrun the lion.” Others say, “Outrun your friend.”
Clearly, it can be difficult to think in stressful situations. If we have time to think, a
better solution can usually be found that will save us much time, effort, and pain. Do
not, however, get trapped in endless rounds of thinking and planning. This too is a good
way to get eaten by the lions.
This survival scenario is a good example of how larger questions always reside above
the immediate question. Did the second answer above make you smile? If so, why?

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