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  • Robotic Driving-Range Golfers -- Design and Construction, Part 4
    		•
    From "Robot Rivals"
    episode DROB-109
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    UC reworks the lifting mechanism on their robot.

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    UC Berkeley refines their design.

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    UC works on their aiming controls.

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    UC conducts a successful launch test.

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    SIU tests their robot's mobility.

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    SIU attaches their air cannon.

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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

    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: UC Berkeley (Hours 7 - 8)


    • Berkeley discovers that they accidentally reversed the golf ball launcher. Now assembled, the motors are in the wrong place and they must reconstruct it to match.




    • Bart cuts a piece of eighth-inch sheet metal, marks and drills mounting holes, and attaches the speed controllers and electronics.




    • Berkeley discovers that the lifting mechanism does not work properly and must make adjustments to it as well.




    • Berkeley performs a successful test of the firing mechanism.






    Activity Log: SIU (Hours 7 - 8)

    • Jeff assembles the pneumatic system. When gluing the cylinders together, he coats them with glue and slides them together with a twist to get a good seal all the way around.




    • SIU uses two air accumulators. The small one contains enough pressure to activate the piston and open or close the ball valve. The large accumulator contains enough pressure to launch the golf ball through the barrel. Control valves and a pressure gage ensure that pressure in the accumulators do not exceed safety limits.




    • They use hose clamps, pins, and shaft collars to secure the air cannon to the base frame. Then they slide the drive train backwards underneath the accumulator where most of the weight rests.



    • The first test run is a success.



    Expert Corner: Buzz discusses some of the solderless electrical connectors used in robotics.