JIMMY WATSON - His mother, Marion, teases her son about his dreams to build a large robot ant with a drawing of her son riding on the ant's back. Then it comes true.

<< CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14 - COMPUTER CODING EXTRAVAGANZA (MINEFIELD)

What is the best code to use for a robot? Jimmy had struggled with than conundrum for months. Years, if you include his time at school, learning how to program simple robots. Happy days.

Jimmy had asked his robotics teacher, Mr Rippengall, who although surprisingly helpful, did not know the scale of his pupil's project, and was somewhat wary of Master Watson, since the lad was way more advanced in programming than he could ever devote the time to be. He had though taken quite a shine to young Jimmy Watson and his ambitious endeavours.

Other pupils took the mickey out of Mr Rippengall, calling him 'Reggie' and 'Rippers' behind his back. Jimmy did not like that. But tolerated it, since his science master was very strict and somewhat feared. He admired this teacher, who quite often featured his technical drawings on the board in his classroom, where gold stars were awarded for good work.

As another IT lesson drew to a close, the other pupils as always, made a beeline for the exit, while Jimmy lingered pretending to be slow in packing away. As if the teacher was not wise to his tactics, Reginald patiently arranged his papers awaiting the inevitable broadside of questions.

"All stowed away Jimmy?"

"Yes Sir. ..... Mr Rippengall, I wondered if you could help me with just a little more steerage?"

"Surely Jimmy. How can I help you this fine Friday afternoon? I do need to get home fairly soon"

"Sir, as you know, I'm working on a hexapod robot, theorizing about the components and combinations of programming languages."

"Yes, we spoke about that at length. I believe you gained a reasoned grasp of the current state of the art."

"I have Sir. And, thanks to your help, and some from my Dad, I've finally decided on the hardware."

"I thought your father was in the Army."

"He is sir, a General, but I'm not quite sure exactly what he does. He did though teach me how to cut metals and weld them together. I designed and built a frame, or chassis - if you like. Could not have done that without his help."

This was another revelation, putting Rippengall reservedly on his guard; a bit more off balance. Though an IT teacher, he did not weld or get involved in anything very large. No custom vehicles. His wife would not allow such fancies. But he was spellbound that one of his pupils was making such strides, apparently unrepressed. What an imagination. Jimmy should work in the film industry perhaps.

"Welding and fabrication eh. Just what dimensions are this robot Jimmy?

"About twelve feet long Sir."

"Twelve feet! ..... Twelve feet. ..... Three point six meters. ..... I was thinking twelve inches." For a moment he sounded like Dr. Emmett Brown in 'Back to the Future.'

WELDING - Reginald Rippengall was not skilled in welding fabrication, or car repairs. This is a picture of Jimmy's Dad fitting new sills to Marion's beloved VW kombi van. Her surfing bus for holidays to Devon and Cornwall.

The IT teacher paced the classroom. Walking a distance of four short strides, back and forth. Then looking back at the distance covered. That gave him an idea of the enormity of scale.

"And you have built this?"

"I have Sir."

"Your mother and father allowed you to build it?"

"They actually helped quite a bit too Sir," replied Jimmy"

"Really.  ....  Is that so. But, where is such a giant machine parked for heavens sake?"

"He's in a shed in our back yard."

"Oh He." Exclaimed the science sage, trying hard to imagine what Jimmy's robot might look like, the IT teacher continued.

"Considering the nature of a robot hexapod, a combination of languages and hardware would probably be best - as we've discussed. Then what sort of size and capabilities are we looking at?"

"Well Sir," Jimmy replied. "It has to carry a man, and be safe to operate. And respond to voice commands. And be able to speak intelligently, and work out things for itself if required. It also needs a self preservation agenda; a survival mode."

"You are not asking for much then?"

Jimmy laughed out loud. He did not mention wishing for it to come true last Christmas. He would have sounded crazy. Ghosts and goblins.

Rippengall enjoined in mirthful spirit, relishing the opportunity to brainstorm with someone on his level.

"Well, programming Languages. Ah, there's another minefield. It's like we all speak English in England, America and Australia. The same language spoken differently all around the globe with broad difference in accent so great, a Southern gentleman would not understand a Scotsman. And then Italian and French are such beautiful languages, often associated with magnificence and emotive hand gestures. French and Italian possess a certain elegance, fluidity, and expressiveness. They are rich in literary traditions and often used in artistic endeavors."

Jimmy looked a little confused. "Are you with me Jimmy?"

"So far Sir, I think. In terms of computer code, these languages might be likened to aesthetically pleasing, well-structured code that is efficient and a joy to behold. An orchestra in harmony, rather than a single musician."

"Nearly there Jimmy. German, is known for its precision and orderliness, could be compared to structured, efficient, and reliable code. Just as German emphasizes clarity and logic, well-written German code would be characterized by its clear structure, logical flow, and attention to detail."

"Then what of Japan, Sir, home to imaginative robotic creativity?"

"The Japanese language, Jimmy, with its intricate writing system and emphasis on nuance, might be likened to complex, expressive, and efficient code. Of course, Japanese has no alphabet. Japanese uses pictographic characters called kanji. Similar to how Japanese can convey subtle meanings through its writing system, well-written Japanese as a computer code could be highly expressive and efficient, even if it may appear complex to those unfamiliar with the language and symbols."

"Are you with me Jimmy? 

"Sort of Sir, though unclear how coding might be undertaken in pictorial fashion."

"Me too Jimmy. Just to continue then, the Russian language, known for its literary tradition and its ability to convey complex emotions and ideas, could be compared to powerful, expressive, and versatile code. Just as Russian can be used to write everything from poetry to technical manuals, well-written Russian code can be used for a wide range of applications, from simple scripts to complex software systems."

"Never thought of programming in those terms before Sir. I think what you mean in essence, is that while each language has its own unique qualities, they can all be seen as tools for communication and expressive variety, or culture. Just as a skilled artist can use a variety of techniques to create beautiful and meaningful works, using different brush sizes and paint textures, a skilled programmer can use different languages to write efficient, expressive, and reliable code."

"Couldn't have put it better myself Jimmy, but what of practicality, forsaking art for efficiency in real time."

"That is my weakness Sir. I don't have much time. A leap of faith is required, not a thesis, mere acceptance for now - sleeves rolled up. Hammer hitting the anvil time. I think we agreed when we last spoke on the subject that the Android operating system is the best umbrella for the level of AI I'm hoping to integrate."

"Yes Jimmy, Google recognized the advantages of using a proven, open-source kernel for its mobile operating system. The Linux kernel's reliability, flexibility, and community support made it an ideal platform. Into the ether of choices and decision making, and back to the world of action, as efficiently as possible. Well then, Python is a versatile and easy-to-learn language that is well-suited for robotics and automation. Its readability and large community make it a good choice for prototyping and developing complex algorithms.

"Sir, as you know from Robot Wars, I used Python and C++ already with some success. C++ for performance-critical tasks, such as controlling the robot's motors and sensors, where C++ provides fine-grained control over hardware and can be used to optimize code for speed."

"Jimmy, think of Android as a versatile toolbox. It's designed to handle a wide range of tasks, from simple apps to complex systems. It's like having a Swiss Army knife for your digital world."

"So, it's like a do-it-all operating system?"

"Exactly! It's based on Java, which is a language known for its flexibility and ease of use. This means you can create all sorts of applications, from games to productivity tools. Unlike traditional computer operating systems, Android is specifically designed for mobile devices. It's optimized for smaller touch-screens, and it's designed to run multiple apps simultaneously."

"That I don't need, Sir. I need the interface to respond to audio or wireless inputs, understanding vocal communication rather than screen touch commands. I need the robot to respond to voice commands, and radio transmitted mission parameters. But how does it compare to something like Python or C++?"

"Okay Jiimmy, and sorry to be less than clear for you. It's been a long day. You could create an app that uses machine learning to recognize objects or understand natural language. Python or C++ are more powerful for certain tasks, especially when it comes to performance-critical applications. But Android is excellent for building user-friendly interfaces and integrating with hardware components."

I'm still buzzing Sir. I wanted to speak with you all day." His teacher was visibly flattered. "So, if I want to create a complex AI for my Dinobot, should I use Android or one of those other languages?"

"That's a great question Jimmy Android can certainly be used for AI, but it might not be the most efficient choice for extremely complex tasks. You could consider using a combination of Android and a more powerful language like Python for certain parts of the AI."

"That makes sense Sir. So, Android is kind of like the foundation, and then I can build on top of, or under it, with other tools?"

"Exactly Master Watson. Think of it like building a house. Android is the foundation for AI, with Python for the base machine function. and then you can add different rooms and features as needed."

"Okay, I think I'm starting to get it, Mr Rippengall. So, if I want to create a sophisticated AI that can learn and adapt, I might need to combine Android with other tools and languages."

"That's right lad. But remember, the most important thing is to focus on the overall functionality and user experience. Don't get too caught up in the technical details."

"Sir, my Dad used to rave about his Amiga computer, and something called Cloanto. What's that all about?"

"That's something else. Out of my league. Better ask your father about that one. You'd best be getting along. Mum will worry. Nice to chat gain Jimmy. Please keep me up to speed on your project. It sounds quite remarkable."

"Thank you Sir, likewise, if anything else crops up...."

THE BUS RIDE HOME

Jimmy scampered off home, his mind awash, suffering information overload. He liked the bus ride home. The low grumble of  the diesel engine and whine of the gearbox. Somehow it was soothing, gave him time to think.

He caught up with his best friend Julia, also on her way home. "You look worried Jimmy, a bit of a mess."

"You look pretty Julia. A breath of fresh air."

"That bad is it?"

"Just robot stuff. I need to speak to Dad about something. I am a bit disheveled, sorry."

"Trouble?

"Just robot stuff. Programming decisions, my brain is in La-La, land at the moment. You know me. I cant' operate properly in a confused state."

"But you enjoy the bus ride home?"

"For sure," he breathed outwards slowly, "and more so with good company."

They continued on the journey, admiring the scenic countryside, marred from time to time by building sites and road works. Julia did not like so many houses being built in her neck of the wood. It was causing mayhem with the tarmac breaking down from all the additional traffic. She'd also heard about raw sewage overload being pumped into the English Channel. It made her fume. She shared these concerns with Marion, who became a councillor for a time to try and understand what was going wrong.

When they got off the bus, Julia gave Jimmy a hug and kiss on the cheek. He needed that. For the first time ever, Jimmy gave her a kiss on the cheek back and they held hands meaningfully for a time, just gazing at each other. They were genuine allies and cared for each other.

"Thanks Juliet." She blushed a little. "Romeo, where for art though."

Jimmy and his father loved the home produced sausages from Hackhurst Lane.

THE DINNER TABLE

Jimmy was first at the dinner table. "Hi Mum. Smells delicious."

Marion shouted into the lounge, "come on Tim, get it while it's hot."

Tim was surfing on his laptop for a battery hedge trimmer, while half watching the news.

"Dad, we're waiting." One or the other were always late to the table.

Finally Tim came through. "Sorry Mum," said Tim, with an apologetic nod of the head. "Think I've found a bargain trimmer at Homebase."

Marion mouthed "Thankyou," then aloud, "thought we'd have bangers and mash tonight. What have my boys been up to?"

"All the usual Dear. How was your day? Ummmm, smells great."

Marion carried in their plates, loaded with home made cheesy mashed potato and real pork sausages from a farm at Upper Dicker.

"Oh my, are those from Hackhurst Lane. The really meaty ones."

Jimmy was salivating. These were his favourites. His stomach was gurgling. Tim also looked mighty hungry.

"They are. Just some broccoli and beans." Marion dished out the vegetables. Then sat down herself. "Ohhhh. On your marks get set."

Jimmy was first into the mashed potato. Oh how he loved Mum's cheesy mash. Tim went straight for the sausages.

"How do they do it? And your mashed potato, Dear, uummm."

There was little time for talking. Even Marion was a little hungry, almost keeping up with her boys in the Herstmonceux Eating Stakes.

"Delicious Mum." Jimmy stuffed in another mouthful, barely having the time to chew before swallowing.

"Don't forget the broccoli son, and chew for a little longer," said his father. Jimmy giggled.

In only a few minutes the feast was over.

The family sat at the table absolutely bloated for a while. All laughing at each other. Jimmy had mashed potato on his chin.

"In answer to your question, darling, it's a family business. They rear their own pigs, and make their own sausages from the finest pork cuts."

"Whatever, they hit the spot."

"Sure did Mom, my jaw aches from eating so fast. I couldn't stop."

"Coffee or Banoffee?" Marion motioned to the kettle.

Just coffee for me darling."

"Nothing for me Mum." There was a long silence, then Jimmy struck. "Daaad .... ?"

"Jimmeee."

"Didn't you once have an Amiga computer?"

"Now don't get me started .... " A minute passed in silence as Marion's lads gathered their thoughts, digestion systems working overtime.

"But Dad, Mr Rippengall said you were the person to ask about Cloanto. What is that, he didn't have a clue."

"I suspect he may have son. You probably exhausted him."

A DIGITAL TIME MACHINE

Tim thought about the question for a moment. He still remembered his Amiga fondly. A very advanced machine for it's day. Way ahead of PCs and Apple. But fortunes change directly in proportion to R&D and the sales that fund research. There was a battle royal between Personal Computers based on the Hewlett Packard format, and Apple. Indeed, Apple invented the Windows operating system where Microsoft then had MS DOS (Disc Operating System), then copied the Window system of Apple, which ended up in Court, but Microsoft's version was sufficiently varied to avoid Apple's copyright. Apple lost that legal battle.

"Imagine you have an old video game console," Tim began. "You love playing the games on it, but your new TV doesn't have the right inputs."

Jimmy nodded, understanding the analogy. "So, you need a way to play those old games on your new TV."

"Exactly," the General continued. "That's where emulation comes in. An emulator is like a translator that allows software designed for one system to run on a different system and patch into new interfaces."

"So, the Dalvik Virtual Machine is like an emulator for Android apps?" Jimmy asked.

"That's a good way to think of it," Tim replied. "It translates the Java bytecode that Android apps are written in, into machine code that can be understood by the device's processor." Tim breathed in, "you can draw a comparison between the Dalvik Virtual Machine (DVM) and Amiga Forever/Cloanto programs."

"Both the DVM and Amiga Forever/Cloanto programs serve as virtual environments that allow software designed for one platform (Android for DVM, Amiga for Amiga Forever/Cloanto) to run on a different platform." 

"So where does Android Runtime come in?"

"In later versions of Android, the Dalvik Virtual Machine was replaced by the Android Runtime (ART), improving application performance and reducing battery consumption."

"Oh nice one. But why do we need an emulator?" Jimmy wondered, saying it out loud.

"Because Android apps are designed to run on a specific environment," Tim explained. "The Dalvik Virtual Machine provides that environment, regardless of the underlying hardware. It's like having a time machine that allows you to run old software on modern devices."

Jimmy thought about this for a moment. "So, it's like playing a classic video game on a new console?"

"Exactly," Tim replied. "The emulator provides a compatibility layer that allows the old software to run on the new hardware."

Jimmy nodded, understanding the concept. "That's really cool. I never thought about it like that before."

The Army General smiled. "It's a fascinating concept, and it has a lot of practical applications. The 'Dalvik Virtual Machine' or later 'Android Runtime' is just one example of how emulation can be used to preserve software and enable cross-platform compatibility."

"I think I get it now. Thanks Dad." Jimmy got up and hugged his father, then his mother.

"I hope that helps your Dinobot choices," said his father with a knowing wink, and tap on the nose of his right hand index finger.

JIMMY'S PROJECT DIARY CHECKLIST

Android is a versatile operating system designed primarily for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. While it doesn't have the same raw power or performance capabilities as languages like Python or C++, it is well-suited for a wide range of tasks, it is based on a Linux kernel, so provides a solid foundation for running various applications and services.

Most Android apps are developed using Java, which is a high-level language similar to Python.

Android is the most popular mobile operating system, and there is a vast ecosystem of tools and libraries for developing Android apps.

Android can also be used for embedded systems, such as smart TVs, wearables, and automotive infotainment systems.

Android can be used to create Internet of Things (IoT) devices, enabling them to connect to the internet and communicate with other devices.

While Android is not as well-suited for highly critical tasks that require extreme performance or low-level system access, it is a powerful and flexible platform for many applications. Its open-source nature and large developer community make it a popular choice for developers working on mobile and embedded systems. Compared to C++, Android provides less direct control over hardware resources, which can limit its performance in certain scenarios.

Android is not as well-suited for the most critical tasks as C++, it is a versatile and powerful platform that can handle a wide range of applications. Its Java-based development environment and extensive ecosystem make it a popular choice for mobile app development. But then, the critical mechanical functions are dealt with by the Pi and Arduino, with feedback to the AI Android ether.

Android is a versatile mobile operating system developed by Google. While it's not primarily designed for critical tasks like real-time systems or embedded devices, it can handle a wide range of applications and functionalities. It doesn't have the same raw power or performance as languages like Python and C++ for highly critical tasks. He compared Python and C++.

PYTHON

Scripting language: Primarily used for scripting and automation tasks.

Interpreted language: Code is executed line by line, making it slower than compiled languages like C++.

Good for prototyping and rapid development: Easy to learn and use, making it suitable for quickly building and testing applications.

Not well-suited for critical tasks: Due to its interpreted nature and potential for performance overhead, Python is generally not recommended for time-sensitive or resource-constrained applications.

- Python has English syntax and fewer complex rules than other languages.

- Python can run on multiple operating systems, including Windows, Mac, and Linux.

- Python can build a wide range of data visualizations, like line and bar graphs, pie charts, histograms, and 3D plots.

C++

Compiled language: Code is translated into machine code before execution, making it faster and more efficient than interpreted languages.

System programming language: Often used for developing operating systems, device drivers, and other low-level systems.

Suitable for critical tasks: C++'s performance and control over hardware resources make it well-suited for time-sensitive applications.

More complex and difficult to learn: Requires a deeper understanding of programming concepts and memory management compared to Python.

HARDWARE COMBINATIONS

Raspberry Pi: A versatile single-board computer that can handle complex tasks like image processing, machine learning, and network communication. It's a popular choice for robotics projects due to its low cost and abundant resources.

Arduino: A microcontroller board designed for physical computing. It's excellent for controlling motors, sensors, and other electronic components. It can be used in conjunction with a Raspberry Pi to create a powerful and flexible robot platform.

Smartphone Processor: Modern smartphone processors are incredibly powerful and can handle complex tasks. However, they may be overkill for a smaller robot and might consume more power than necessary.

A potentially winning combination for the Magic Dinobot could be:

Raspberry Pi: As the main control unit, handling tasks like navigation, decision-making, and communication.
Arduino: For controlling the robot's motors, sensors, and other physical components.
Python: As the primary programming language for developing the robot's software.
C++: For performance-critical tasks, such as real-time motor control or sensor data processing.

Jimmy thinks to himself:

"By combining these elements, I could create a powerful and versatile autonomous robot hexapod with a comprehensive range of AI abilities. But the programming will take time. A quiet room for days on end, I'd wager. Blessed tranquility, if only."

>> CHAPTER 15

BEGIN AGAIN OR READ JIMMY'S PROJECT DIARY

This website is Copyright © 2023 Jameson Hunter Limited