Frequently Asked Questions for potential SlugBug users.

Please contact us at info@alegrobot.com if you have other questions

How do I get a SlugBug?

SlugBug Elite can be purchased on line from Edvotek or at www.alegrobot.com . Soon there will be a toy version of the SlugBug available for younger children. Keep checking this site to find out where to buy yours.

How do I use SlugBug in the classroom?

Complete standards based, Middle School lesson plans can be downloaded here. Supplemental materials can be found here. High School and University lessons are still under development.

 

What research has been done with students and the SlugBug?

A classroom study was done with middle school students from Edison Middle School in Illinois and the University of Illinois Laboratory High School. SlugBug Robots were presented at the Society for Neuroscience conference in Washington DC.

More details about SlugBug research can be found here.

Where can I go to see working SlugBugs and to learn more?

SlugBug robot camp is held at the Orpheum Children’s Science Museum in Champaign, IL. each summer. For more information about this summer’s camp contact the Orpheum museum.

How do I learn more about how the SlugBug works?

This pdf gives detailed information about the SlugBug and how it works.

 

Frequently asked SlugBug user questions

My SlugBug seems to “freak out” when I first turn it on in demo mode. What should I do?

You have a “jumpy” robot. Remember that the SlugBugs are all built with analog circuits, so each robot will behave a little differently. If your robot is one of these jumpy ones, simply turn it on, then tap the Run Mode/Select button (at the opposite end from the “on” button). This will calm the robot down.

Why did my SlugBug kit come with two different shaped disk parts? I thought I only needed one.

We are always trying to improve the SlugBug design. If you got two different parts, try them both and use the one you like best. Then let us know which worked best for you. Sometimes we also stick extra feet in the package, just incase one gets lost!

Why does the picture in the user manual look different than my SlugBug?

Since we are constantly improving the robot, it is hard to keep all the information up to date. We apologize if you are confused. Contact us at info@alegrobot.com if you need help.

I lost two of my SlugBug feet, can I get more?

Yes, replacement parts can be ordered at www.alegrobot.com.

Why does my SlugBug stop working after a few minutes of walking?

Due to their individuality, some SlugBugs “go to sleep” after a few minutes of walking. Just shake your robot and it should wake up. If this doesn’t work, or if the robot goes to sleep after only a few seconds of activity, check your batteries. If this doesn’t help, check the solder connection on the wires that go from the batteries to the brain, they may need to be re-soldered.

Why can’t I hear the spiking neurons with my computer speakers?

First check the solder connection on the speaker jacks. It is important that you always carefully insert and remove the speaker jack each time or this solder connection can break.

My “roundish disk” body piece cracked, what can I do?

This part sometimes cracks if you are not careful when you adjust your wire legs. You can glue it or order a new one from www.alegrobot.com