Hi - new Scratcher here, I started learning the ropes around noon today, and I'm impressed by the system since I was able to code up a new game in about four hours.
This is a game with no gameplay - when you run it, all you can do is sit back and watch, although I have to say I've found that somewhat addictive! The purpose of the game isn't in the gameplay, but in the programming before you hit 'start'.
This simulates a Roomba (tm) vcuum cleaner, cleaning up a floor. You have to program the Roomba to traverse the room efficiently, and cover as much of the floor area as you can before your power runs out. (Those of you who own one of these know how addictive watching the real thing can be too!)
The initial version ( http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/gtoal/1247764 ) comes with a really stupid algorithm for covering the floor area; your task is to write a better algorithm. Then when you post it, we'll see how well it does.
(You can use random numbers in the game, and you'll probably need to, but don't do anything to truly randomise them because your submission should cover the same path every time you run it. At least, for the supplied map. Other maps as yet unseen may throw your algorithm for a loop! (hint hint)).
Post your best solutions as "Roomba Remix <your nickname>"
(If you get hooked on Roombs programming, the real thing has a programmers interface that lets you drive it from a handheld computer such as a Palm or GP2X; there are even special versions with no vacuum parts specially for use in robotics experiments)
regards
Graham (an oldie, who learned LOGO back in the 70's with real robots, so this was like a weird flashback to the past!)
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