| Earth-Moving Robots -- The Contest |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-111 |
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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 teams must drive their robots to a pile of mulch and pick up the mulch to be delivered to a wagon.
- The team that moves the most mulch wins the match and moves on to our final round of the tournament.
- The team that makes use of the most functional parts receives a 10-second head start in the competition.
- The time limit is three minutes.
- Virginia Tech receives a five-second head start since they used a total of 13 salvaged items from the household item, while Purdue used only nine.
The Contest:
- The robots are off, and Virginia Tech lifts the first scoopful of mulch (figure A).
- Purdue, meanwhile, has some trouble with its untested paddlewheel, which is throwing dirt in several directions (figure B).
- At just slightly more than half a minute into the competition, VT's Hauler reaches the wagon, and the mulch hits home (figure C).
- Virginia Tech delivers its second load while Purdue is still struggling to control its robot, which is still spraying wide (figure D).
- The Mulch Master-P takes on a serious load of dirt and dumps it -- wide of the mark (figure E).
- Suddenly VT digs up an enormous scoopful -- and nearly tilts over from the weight (figure F)!
- Virginia Tech deposits its third load of mulch , followed closely by Purdue with nine pounds delivered on the money (figure G).
- The clock is winding down as VT moves in for its final scoop. Purdue's paddle wheel has stopped working, and they are unable to lift any more mulch as their opponents make one last deposit (figure H) to win the mulch-moving competition!
In thepost-game follow-up, Purdue expresses satisfaction that the paddle wheel, although failing to work all the way to the end of the contest, nevertheless performed the function it was designed for. An ambitious, complex design, the paddle wheel was well thought out and well built but ultimately suffered from the team's lack of time to test-drive it.
Virginia Tech, which ended up with more than 50 pounds of mulch in its wagon, was able to credit much of its success to the organization with which they approached the challenge. They were able to utilize a four-bar linkage that they had recently studied in a class, as well as CAD drawings, a working kinematic structure on computer and a full working mockup -- all of which helped steer the Hoakie Hauler to victory.
Virginia Tech now progresses in the tournament to face the winner of the competition between Southern Illinois University and Southern Utah University, who will be designing and building a treasure-hunting robot.
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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