This construction project is Part 6 in a series of projects related to the PhizzyB Computer and the PhizzyB Computer Simulator (see also the Nov 98 through May 99 issues of EPE Online).

In this month's constructional article, Alan Winstanley describes how to add a number of microswitches around the periphery of the PhizzyBot. Meanwhile, in the tutorial portion of the article, Max and Alvin discuss how to program the PhizzyBot to use these microswitches to detect collisions (say with a wall or a household pet) and perform whatever actions are deemed to be appropriate. (Note that vaporizing hamster-type obstructions with industrial-strength lasers is NOT an appropriate response!).

As part of this exercise, we employing some rather cunning programming tricks that will make you squeal with delight (so don't read this article in a public place, because we cannot be held responsible for the outcome)!