What do you need to know about Robolab?

1. RoboLab was adapted by Carnegie Mellon University and LEGO Mindstorms from the LABVIEW language created by

National Instruments in1986. This program was developed to

interface with a wide variety of scientific devices and record data output and is a copy of the

software used by NASA to operate the Mar's Pathfinder mission.

2. RoboLab is an upper level computer language based on G Code or the graphical programming language. This language uses a built in compiler that translates the ICONS that

humans understand into executable machine code. Machine code, aka binary code, is

written in 0's and 1's which the computer reads as a + / - value. RoboLab reads and writes data

to a runtime file. This interactive operation means that the program can receive and process

data as it operates.

3. RoboLab opens with three menus. a. The Administrator Menu allows you to download software, troubleshoot

communication problems, unlock program slots and check the battery status.

b. Programmer opens to allow you to write code. There are 8 levels. Pilot 1 is the beginner level and Inventor 4 is the highest level.

c. Investigator is for data gathering. In this part of the program, the RCX can receive data and graph the results.

4. RoboLab Version 2.5.4 is an Object Oriented Language that uses a "drag and drop" feature to manipulate icon's. An icon is a picture of a block of code that performs a function. A

function is an action item because it:

a. produces an action event, i.e., moves something

b. makes a decision

c. adds value to an action or decision

d. collects and logs data

5. Parameters define a function. They are the modifiers that limit the action. For example, a motor needs direction, a port and a power level.

In RoboLab, the values used to define functions are located in the

Modifiers Menu.

6. RoboLab is a hierarchical language. Magenta wires connect the top level functions. Modifiers are located below the functions. Different color wires indicate what type of connection is made.

7. Commands in RoboLab are executed in order from left to right. A complete program ready to run is called a string of code. When wired together, the program follows the wired path to

complete the program.

8. Specific behaviors in RoboLab are organized by tiered menus. The Functions Menu contains action icons. The Wait For Menu describes a set of conditions the program "waits for" to be true before it executes the command to proceed with the program. More complex programs

can be created using the Structures Menu. In this feature filled menu, you can build routines

and string them into modules.