Jason and I are Currently collaborating about coming up with some inexpensive robotic modules that could be made for under $40-$80 depending on components. One point of discussion we have had is the brain component.

Here is a link to the poll: What controller would you like to have in an under $60 Robot Brain?

For some background information here are some links and commentary:

Here's a neat hack that shows you how to augment a standard webcam so that you can control it from a web browser.

In true hack fashion, the remote controlled webcam incorporates a multitude of interesting pieces. The author shows you how to:

• open a socket connection from a php script on your web server
• write a simple tcp daemon in c++
• send data to a serial port in VB
• receive serial input and control a servo motor using the basic stamp microprocessor

If you're new to network or embedded programming, go check it out. It might make for a fun weekend project.