Heathkit · Educational · 1982
One of the earliest consumer/educational robots — the Heathkit Educational RObot (model ET-18), begun in 1979 and released in 1982, sold as a build-it-yourself kit ($1,500) or assembled ($2,500) with ~14,000+ units shipped. HERO 1 is a self-contained mobile robot on a Motorola 6808 8-bit CPU (1 MHz) with 4 KB RAM and 8 KB ROM, driven by seven stepper motors plus a DC drive motor across a three-wheel base whose head rotates 350 degrees to aim its sensors and optional arm. Onboard light, sound, ultrasonic-motion and Polaroid sonar sensors, an optical encoder and a real-time clock let it perceive its world; an optional five-axis arm/gripper and Votrax SC-01 speech synthesizer added manipulation and voice. Programmed in 6808 machine code via a 17-key hex keypad, a record/replay Teaching Pendant, or an IBM-PC ANDROTEXT compiler, with cassette-tape program storage. It even starred on TV's 'Mr. Wizard's World'.
Price level: ★★★★★
View full interactive profile, comparisons & videos → Check price on Amazon →| Category | Educational |
| Sub-type | Educational Mobile Robot (kit) |
| Status | Discontinued |
| Year | 1982 |
| Origin | USA |
| Weight | 17.7 kg |
| Battery life | 240 min |
| Actuator type | 7 stepper motors + DC drive motor |
| Use cases | Robotics / electronics education, AI learning, Hobbyist / entertainment |
| Made in | USA |