| Robotic Driving-Range Golfers -- The Contest |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-109 |
|
|
|
advertisement
|
Once time runs out, each team must stop work on their robot. Each team can then inspect the work of the opposing team. Next, the robot showdown begins. The teams assemble at the robotic playing field -- a target range of glass targets.
The Rules:
- Each team will be striving to have their robot smash six glass targets of varying size and shape.
- Depending on size, the targets range in point-value from 10 to 100 points.
- The robots must fire golf-balls at the targets from a designated location, and must not move from that location.
- The team that breaks the most targets and scores the most points wins the match and moves on to the next round of the tournament.
- SIU receives the advantage in the competition since they used a total of six salvaged items from the household item, while UC Berkeley only used four. In this contest, the advantage is five extra golf-balls to fire during the three-minute contest.
The Contest:
- SIU gets off to a good start by smashing a 25-point target on their first attempt (figure A).
- The UC robot aims at the 25-point target (figure B) and also successfully hits the target on the first attempt.
- SIU next hits a 35-point target.
- UC Berkeley tries for the 50-point target, but misses.
- SIU aims at the small 100-point target, and clips the edge of the target (figure C), scoring a legal hit.
- UC finally hits the 50-point target (figure D) and re-positions to aim at a 25-pointer (figure E).
- SIU's pneumatic cannon runs out of air at this point, resulting in a delay as the pressure builds back up.
- UC scores another 25-point hit.
- With the pneumatic cannon operational again, SIU smashes another 50-point target (figure F). Then a 10-point target.
- UC takes careful aim using their radio-control transmitter (figure G) as they fire their last ball, but the attempt is a near miss.
- SIU fires one more shot, hitting a 100-point target dead-center (figure H). With that last shot, SIU had smashed the last of their targets.
In the post-game follow-up, Berkeley expressed satisfaction with their overall design, but acknowledged some minor problems with aiming. The SIU team overcame problems with their initial design, completely redesigning their robot to create a final product that functioned as it was supposed to and could be aimed accurately. The varied talents of the team members contributed to the team's ability to quickly fashion a well-designed machine.
SIU progresses in the tournament, and will next face the winner of the upcoming contest between Southern Utah and Kentucky universities.
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
| 
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
