| Robotic Driving-Range Golfers -- Design and Construction, Part 3 |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-109 |
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Work proceeds on building the robotic golf-ball launchers.
Activity Log: UC Berkeley (Hours 5 - 6)
- Eric uses oil-lite bearings on the six-inch shaft connecting the base frame and the golf ball launcher. These bronze bearings have pores filled with oil, which is released to reduce friction
- A chain connects the main sprocket and the drive motor, allowing the robot to aim in any horizontal direction.
- Berkeley uses a golf club as a linear plunging device. Golf balls will be stacked vertically above the club. The club will retract, allowing one ball to fall into the barrel. Then the club will move forward, pushing the ball into the spinning wheels where it will be propelled towards the glass targets.
Activity Log: Southern Illinois (Hours 5 - 6)
- Because the robot must operate within a small, triangular area, Mike fits the drive wheels very close together. There is a corresponding loss of stability, so Matt fits two castors to the chassis in such a way that the assembly is adjustable and can slide back and forth depending on where the center of gravity happens to be.
- Buzz drills a hole into the handle of the ball valve, so that it can be fit to the clevis of the piston actuator. This way the valve can be opened or closed in one rapid motion.
- Matt builds the golf ball feeder for their robot. He cuts a narrow strip into PVC pipe and fits the four-spoke arm of a servo into the hole. This design allows the robot to index the golf balls: as the servo arm rotates, the spokes allow one ball to pass while keeping the others in holding.
Expert Corner: Chris Chianelli discusses some advanced robots that are making their way into the hands of consumers. Robotics have become so sophisticated that some robots are able to closely mimic the social behavior of living creatures. One example is Sony's Aibo, the first robotic domesticated dog. He is equipped with, among other things, onboard programming, multiple motors, articulating joints, and a "dog's-eye-view" camera. With all these tools, Aibo can do things like sense color, fetch a ball, sit, lie down, wag his tail, shake off, and respond to his owner's voice. If he is turned upside-down, he can go through the necessary motions to right himself. That's just one example demonstrating Aibo's ability to know -- not only what to do -- but when and how to do it.
RESOURCES :
Robot Builder's Bonanza
Model: 0071362967
Author: Gordon McComb
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
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