| Treasure Hunting Robots -- Design and Construction, Part 2 |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-112 |
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With the preliminary designs worked out, work gets fully underway on constructing the components of the robots.
Activity Log: Southern Illinois University (Hours 3 - 4)
- Southern Illinois finishes the chassis and begins work on the conveyor belt. They creatively decide to use to two parallel segments of attachment chain.
- Buzz and Matt secure a sheet of metal grating to their work bench with c-clamps, bend a third of it to ninety degrees, and frame the sides in extruded aluminum. This will be their sifting scoop.
- Matt finds a foam kickboard among the beach accessories and splits it lengthwise down the middle. The two pieces will act as rails along the attachment chain conveyor belt, corralling the pucks into the hopper.
Activity Log: Southern Utah University (Hours 3 - 4)
- Tracy cuts a length of extruded aluminum that will be used to finish the chassis.
- Meanwhile, David cuts a stack of metal strapping for the rake. He tapes them together before the cut to insure each piece is cut to the same length. A threaded rod will hold the pieces together.
- Brian mismeasures a length of extruded aluminum, and some good-natured grousing ensues. However, the piece is easily trimmed to size, and the chassis is completed.
Expert Corner Buzz discusses some useful online resources for amateur (and expert) robot-builders. In the past, the best components for robotics were available only to a select few in the film and special effects industry. However, the advent of the Internet has made this equipment available to practically anyone with a computer and modem. - NPC Robotics makes some of the best motors for robots, with noise-suppression capacitors and lots of power.
- IFI Robotics carries great speed controllers that are very small and very light. Hilltop Batteries makes batteries just for robots.
- Team Delta makes switches, radio interfaces, and all kinds of specialty items.
Because of the internet, these companies and many more are able to provide robotic parts to the average consumer. (Links to the companies Brian mentioned can be found in the "Special Thanks" under Resources below.)
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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