DIY Network

River-Crossing Robots -- Design and Construction, Part 4 From "Robot Rivals" episode DROB-107

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Hoping to take advantage of the bonus head-start, Harvard incorporates elements from the "surprise household item" in their design. Harvard incorporates caster wheels from the exercise machine. Brian integrates the control unit into the robot. Harvard has a successful test as they check the extension action of their design. Harvard incorporates a portion of the exercise machine's frame to serve as ballast for their robot. Kentucky makes some final refinements to the chassis of their robot. With their robot operative, the Kentucky team indulges in a little robot-skiing. Kentucky works out the operation of the "drawbridge" portion of their design.

As the clock begins to run out, both teams must finalize their robots and add any finishing touches. After time runs out, the competition will soon follow.

Activity Log: Harvard (Hours 7 - 8)

• Harvard considers adding a pair of casters to the center segment to compensate for a balance problem. However, with Brian's guidance, they decide to incorporate wheels from the exercise machine.
  
  
  
  
• Brian uses a metal box from the exercise machine to fit the electronics within a compact space. This housing will be mounted above the center segment of the robot.
  
  
  
  
• Mike uses a battery and two short wires with clips on each end to test the extension assembly.
  
  
  
  
• The wire used in the electronics is a light gauge so that, in the event of an electrical malfunction or short, the wire will burn up before the motor does. The systems are checked and are working properly.
  
  
  
  
• He then attaches metal framing from the exercise machine to the robot. This piece will act as a ballast.
  
  
  
  
• Trevor and Rick connect the wires on the outer segments of their robot and finish installing the electronics.

Activity Log: Kentucky (Hours 7 - 8)

• Casey tests the electronics and attaches it to Rick's housing with velcro, making installation and adjustments easier.
  
  
  
  
• Darren and Rick test their robot to determine roughly how much torque it can produce. The results are reassuring, as the robot pulls Rick on his exercise skates across the laboratory floor.
  
  
  
  
• Kentucky cuts and mounts a piece of plywood that will serve as their bridge. Initial testing of the drawbridge mechanism provides positive results.
  
  
  
  
• As a precautionary measure, Casey reprograms the electronics so that the motors can be more sensitively controlled.

RESOURCES :
Robot Builder's Bonanza
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Author: Gordon McComb

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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