The TempRat is going to be a little device to switch things off if the ambient temperature rises above a definable level. A certain time before switching off, a message is sent down the serial link to the host computer telling it how long until the power will be switched off.
http://www.progsoc.uts.edu.au/~timj/temprat/
Control software for Khepera, Koala or Hemisson robots. Connects to robot via PC serial port. Provides a graphical representation and a powerful and easy to use BASIC editor. Commercial, proprietary software for MS Windows.
http://www.mobotsoft.com/botcontroller.htm