| Can-Crushing Robots -- Design and Construction, Part 3 |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-110 |
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Work proceeds on building the robotic can-crushers.
Activity Log: Southern Utah University (Hours 5 - 6)
- A preliminary test of the robot proves successful.
- Jared constructs a safety guard with a sheet of plexiglass and two lengths of extruded aluminum. He will place it above the shielding plate and the four stages of wheels. This will guide the cans as they pass from one stage to the next while allowing for external observation.
- Tracy trims the shielding plate and bends its tips up so that the cans will slide right down the center.
- Southern Utah decides to use the inclined treadmill as the base of their robot. This will provide necessary angle for cans to slide through the many stages of compression.
Activity Log: University of Kentucky (Hours 5 - 6)
- Rick fashions a flat crushing plate from three segments of extruded aluminum. He drills holes into their sides and inserts bolts to hold the pieces parallel. Brackets will be used to attach the finished plate to the two pistons.
- Casey continues work on the framing using extruded aluminum and L-brackets.
- Rick fits the crushing plate to the pistons as Buzz, Casey and Darren complete the framing.
- Kentucky decides that their pistons need to be reinforced to prevent them from bending as they extend down against the cans.
- Buzz advises them to use linear slides constructed of Delron.
Expert Corner: Chris Chianelli discusses one of the best ways for aspiring robot-builders to get started: robot kits. Children are often fascinated with mechanics, or the way things work. A good way to encourage this interest is with toy robot construction kits, such as the line of mechanical animals carried by Tamiya. Choosing from among the many kits that are available, children can build mechanical sea gulls, turtles, mice, ostriches, kangaroos, dogs, and dinosaurs. These kits are fun, educational, and incorporate many of the same systems that are used on Robot Rivals. They use basic electronics, and some even give a good introduction to some of the sophisticated systems used in robotics -- like variable geometry mechanics, bell cranking systems, various gearing systems, and even perimeter sensing micro switches.
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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