| Can-Crushing Robots -- The Contest |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-110 |
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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.
The Rules:
- The contestants must gather and insert as many aluminum cans as possible into their respective robots
- The robot that crushes and deposits the greatest number of cans into the recycling bin is the winning robot.
- The time limit is 3 minutes.
- The team whose robot produces the most crushed cans moves on to the next round of the tournament.
- Kentucky receives a one-dozen can head-start in the timed competition since they used a total of 27 salvaged items from the household item, while Southern Utah used 26.
The Contest:
- At the start signal, both teams begin frantically feeding cans into their robots (figure A). Both crushers are working effectively. The Southern Utah "Ruthless" makes immediate use of its multi-wheel crusher.
- The Kentucky "Slammer" design, with its conveyor-belt feeder (figure B) appears to be slower than Southern Utah's design.
- Southern Utah makes amazingly fast progress as the bin begins to fill (figure C).
- Kentucky has to be cautious as they feed the cans through the powerful pneumatic crusher (figure D).
- Southern Utah's design offers the advantage of allowing all team members to keep continuously loading the can feeder.
- Kentucky's robot periodically has a problem with a single can getting stuck in the entrance to the crusher, causing a "traffic jam" (figure E).
- Southern Utah's members keep loading the cans, practically as fast as they can pick them up (figure F).
- After the clock has run out, Southern Utah emerges as the clear winner (figure G).
In the post-game follow-up, despite the fact that they were edged out in the competition, the Kentucky Wildcats expressed satisfaction with learning about the use of pneumatics and with the sturdiness and accuracy of their machine. Buzz was impressed with the team's ability to work robotic components into the original structure and even the existing electronics of the treadmill. The Southern Utah team designed an extremely efficient robot . They acknowledged that the competition was well matched and intense, but were thrilled with the speed and effectiveness with which their robot performed its functions.
Southern Utah now progresses in the tournament, and will next face the team from Southern Illinois, which previously defeated Berkeley in the robotic golf-ball shootout.
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
Sensors for Mobile Robots : Theory and Application
Model: 1568810482
Author: H.R. Everett
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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