(If you can't see the video, make sure you have java installed)

So what is this thing? (Updated 8/2/2012)

This is a prototype Arduino Arena, using several products and technologies to create an interactive experience controlling little robots via the web.

The control buttons fire PHP scripts using AJAX, the PHP scripts trigger events to Pusher.com, which uses websockets to send the commands to subscribed devices. An Arduino UNO R3 with Ethernet Shield is subscribed to the appropriate channel, and has bound itself to the 4 events (forward, backward, left, right) on each Hexbug Channel. The Arduino has two IR LEDS connected to it, and has been programmed to emit the corresponding IR code when the trigger events are received.

The video feed is served by a Panasonic BL-101A Network Camera, and the field is a foosball table.

Blog detailing how it was put together(with video and Arduino Code): http://www.charmcitynetworks.com/techblog/hexbug/

Tweet to @chris_whong if you like it, or if it isn't working!

I need help! Are you a talented web developer? I need to create a queue for the controls, so only one user can access a robot's controls at a time. How do I do it? Do I need to use sessions/cookies? (I'd also like to have users enter a nickname while they are connected) I don't know where to start on this phase, so please shoot me a tweet or post in the comments below if you have advice. I'll gladly plug you as this project takes off.

I still need help! Are you a talented graphic designer? I need a kickass design for the frontend. I'd like it to have room for lots more robots/controls, a real-time chat window, and discussion thread. Shoot me a tweet if you're interested.