The Logitraxx Robot Runs Without Software or a Processor!

How do you build an autonomous robot that has no CPU and doesn't run software? SL Interphase plans to build the Logitraxx by using a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) circuit and is running a Kickstarter to bring it to life!

While most hobbyist robotics platforms are based around something like a Raspberry Pi or an Arduino, the Logitraxx robot will use an FPGA, a circuit that can be programmed at a lower level than microprocessors. Instead of loading an operating system and abstracting away the robot's controls through software, an FPGA is programmed via low-level logic controls, which can be faster at processing input and making "decisions" based on simple logical flow.

Products actually being delivered from Kickstarter projects can be a bit of a problem, but there's a good chance Logitraxx's creator knows exactly what he's in for: Shane Lewis designs electronics for a living and is already working through the revisions to the system, aiming to deliver the crowdfunded orders by November/December 2014.

(Image via Logitraxx on Kickstarter)