| Earth-Moving Robots -- Design and Construction, Part 2 |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-111 |
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With the preliminary designs worked out, work gets fully under way on constructing the components of the robots.
Activity Log: Virginia Tech (Hours 3 - 4)
- Chris extracts a metal bar from the washer that he will use as a twenty-four-volt ground bus, or termination and grounding point for the wiring and electronic of the robot. Buzz prepares the bar by stripping paint from the ends.
- Ian attaches two right-angle drive motors to the back of the chassis, and Graham builds the chain and sprocket assembly that will link the motors to the four-bar lifting mechanism.
- Chris lays out the electronics so that he clearly understands how the receiver will shunt various signals from the transmitter to the many speed controllers and motors. He knows that the robot must be wired efficiently and properly as the final competition approaches.
- Graham uses a chain breaker to loop chain from the right-angle drive motors to the lifting mechanism.
- Chris wires the robot with electronics and speed controllers.
- Virginia Tech performs a successful test of their four-bar linkage.
Activity Log: Purdue (Hours 3 - 4)
- Chris assembles the frame of the robot, while Joe builds the paddle wheel mechanism using extruded aluminum, angled brackets, Allen wrench bolts, and wings nuts. He constructs two square frames with crossing diagonals that form two Xs. The two squares will be linked by a central shaft and four strips of sheet metal, each strip attached at either end to a corresponding arm of the two X frames. A chain and sprocket attachment will link this paddle wheel assembly to a drive motor.
- Because Purdue has chosen the Futaba control system rather than the IFI system they used previously, Chris organizes the electronics and familiarizes himself with them.
Expert Corner: The building of a finished robot involves several specific design stages, which Buzz Dawson explains here: First, establish the function of the robot, or what exactly it is supposed to do. Next, determine the parts and materials that will be necessary for construction. Then, begin the creative process. Use graph paper to draft a plan of its exact size and shape (figure A). CAD, or computer-aided design, is another powerful design tool. Now that the robot has a definite form, build a mock-up and test it (figure B).
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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