DIY Network

Robo-Soccer -- Design and Construction, Part 3 From "Robot Rivals" episode DROB-101

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The Georgia Tech team works their way through a setback stemming from miscommunication. Reliable and accurate communication among team-members may be a key in the ultimate success or failure of the project. The electric motors that are used to mobilize and power the robots. Virginia Tech closes in on the final design for the frame of their robot. Virginia Tech makes use of switches and connectors from the sewing machine that was provided for salvage parts. This may contribute to a head-start in the competition.

Work proceeds on building the robotic soccer-players. A breakdown in communication creates a temporary setback for the Georgia Tech team, but the team rallies together to continue the project in a cooperative manner.

Activity Log: Georgia Tech (Hours 5 - 6)

• Casters are duct-taped to the front of the drive train temporarily for testing purposes.
  
  
  
• The batteries are wired together and secured on balsa wood.
  
  
  
• Gripping wheels are attached to the ball-chucker by placing them through an aluminum rod to form an axle. The axle is then placed through the motors and trimmed to size.
  
  
  
• A chain drive is connected to the axle and the motor.
  
  
  
• The drive train and the ball-chucker are fitted together. It is decided that the pieces can no longer be worked on separately, so they are taken apart to make further changes.
  
  
  
• A sheet of aluminum is cut down to approx. 2 feet by 6 inches for the holding bin. It is attached only to the back of the drive train with duct tape.

Activity Log: Virginia Tech (Hours 5 - 6)

• A sheet of aluminum is cut to approx. 2 feet by 6 inches for the holding chamber.
  
  
  
• Threads are put into the ends of the extruded aluminum on the drive train. This process is called "tapping" and allows for bolts to be screwed into the ends. To do, take tap and dye set and screw into ends. Take one turn in and a half a turn back to clear out shavings.
  
  
  
• The Isaac-32 speed controller is programmed.
  
  
  
• The AC switch from the sewing machine is wired to the controller. This will allow the controller's access to the motors to be turned on and off.

RESOURCES :

Build Your Own Robot!
Model: 1568811020
Author: Karl Lunt

Robots, Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build
Model: 0070328048
Author: John Iovine

Personal Robotics : Real Robots to Construct, Program, and Explore the World
Model: 156881089X
Author: Richard Raucci

Mobile Robots : Inspiration to Implementation
Model: 1568810970
Author: Joseph L. Jones, et al

Special Thanks for Robot Rivals 100 series


The Robot Store
provided various robotic components for Robot Rivals.
www.robotstore.com

IFI Robotics
makers of the "Isaac 32" control system.
www.ifirobotics.com

NPC Robotics
provided wheels and motors for Robot Rivals.
www.npcrobotics.com

Robotic Power Solutions
provided battery packs.
www.battlepack.com

Parallax Inc.
Provided microprocessors, on-board robotic cameras, autonoumous programming.
www.parallaxinc.com

Hobbico
provided Futaba control system.
www.hobbico.com

Alloy Frame Systems
provided extruded-aluminum frame materials.
www.alloyframesystems.com

SMC Corporation of America
provided pneumatic systems.
www.smcusa.com

Team Delta
provided wiring kits and electrical wiring.
www.teamdelta.com

Radio Shack
provided component cabinets.
www.radioshack.com

Campbell Hausfeld Tools
provided pneumatic tools and compressor used on Robot Rivals.
www.campbellhausfeld.com

Delta Machinery
provided tools used on Robot Rivals.
www.deltawoodworking.com

Porter Cable
provided tools used on Robot Rivals.
www.porter-cable.com

Waterloo Industries
provided tool chests used on Robot Rivals.
www.waterlooindustries.com