Editing BEAM robotics (section)

==Mechanisms and principles==
The basic BEAM principles focus on a stimulus-response based ability within a machine. The underlying [[Mechanism (science)|mechanism]] was invented by [[Mark Tilden|Mark W. Tilden]] where the [[Electronic circuit|circuit]] (or a [[Nv network|Nv net]] of [[Nv neurons]]) is used to simulate biological neuron behaviours. Some similar research was previously done by [[Ed Rietman]] in 'Experiments In Artificial Neural Networks'. Tilden's circuit is often compared to a [[shift register]], but with several important features making it a useful circuit in a mobile robot.

Other rules that are included (and to varying degrees applied):

# Use the lowest number possible of electronic elements ([[KISS principle|''"keep it simple"'']])
# [[Recycle]] and reuse [[E-waste|technoscrap]]
# Use [[radiant energy]] (such as [[solar power]])

There are a large number of BEAM robots designed to use solar power from small [[Photovoltaic module|solar array]]s to power a "[[Solar Engine]]" which creates autonomous robots capable of operating under a wide range of lighting conditions. Besides the simple computational layer of Tilden's "[[Nv network|Nervous Network]]s", BEAM has brought a multitude of useful tools to the roboticist's toolbox. The "Solar Engine" circuit, many [[H-bridge]] circuits for small motor control, [[Sensors#Mechanical sensors|tactile sensor]] designs, and meso-scale (palm-sized) robot construction techniques have been documented and shared by the BEAM community.<ref>[http://www.solarbotics.net BEAM community]</ref>