To drive the User-Interface portion of the robot, we used an Atmel AT89C55, which is an 8051 derivative. The Atmel AT89C55 is an 8-bit microcontroller with 20K bytes flash.
The AT89C55 microcontroller is available for about $7 from Jameco Electronics.
To program the Atmel chip, we used a program called µVision2 from Keil Software
The clock of the AT89C55 is driven by a 32 MHz Oscillator from Fox Electronics.
To drive the sensory components of the robot, as well as the movement, we used a BASIC Stamp (BS2-IC) from Parallax, seated in one of their prototype boards, called the Board of Education.
The Basic Stamp and the Board of Education are available together from Parallax for approximately $100. (Note the BASIC Stamp (BS2-IC) can be purchased at an educational price of $42.00).
To program the BASIC Stamp, we used a program from Parallax, which is available for download.
The motors of the MAXX are actually 2 modified servos. Regular servos can be purchased from your local hobby shop in the price range of $12-$20.
For wheels, we purchased two large wheels to mount (via screw) onto the servos, and a small wheel to mount on the back for stability. The large wheels were about $7 for the two, and the small wheel was approximately $2.
For the MAXX project, we purchased this equipment at Webster's Hobby Shop in Seattle.
(NOTE: easily modifiable servos are available from Parallax for $12 each)
We used two infrared transmitters (in heat shrink tubing). These usually cost about $5 each.
We also used 2 infrared receivers. These are approximately $3 each.
Both of the above items are available for order from Parallax.
We used two infrared receivers, same models as above.
One universal remote control. These are available from Radio Shack for about $15.
We used two three-prong headers. Cost is about $0.50 each.
Also required were two large paper clips.
We used a simple push button (about $1.50), and two LEDs (about $0.60 each). Available from a local electronics store.
We also used a piezo speaker, available from a local electronics store for about $2.
Although this was not implemented as originally intended, these components caused the greatest frustration, and thus are worth mentioning.
The LCD display, still included in the final robot (only displaying a single message, unfortunately) is based on the Hitachi HD44780 standard. The particular LCD we were using was made by Sharp, and was 16 characters by 2 lines. LCDs of this size and using this standard, can usually be found for about $6.
The keypad that we are attempting to incorporate was a 16-button keypad by Digitran. These can be purchased for approximately $30.
Items that are used to connect the above components (described in the building section):
4 AA batteries (and battery pack)
Various Resistors
1 Capacitor
Wires
Breadboard for the underside of the robot. (Cost is about $12 at Radio Shack)
Chassis (we used a piece of cardboard and a couple of Lego pieces for our chassis).
TOTAL COST OF THE COMPONENTS FOR OUR ROBOT: approximately $200.00