| Treasure Hunting Robots -- Design and Construction, Part 3 |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-112 |
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Work proceeds on building the treasure-hunting robots.
Activity Log: Southern Illinois University (Hours 5 - 6)
- Using items from the beach accessories, Jeff Cummins creates a makeshift hopper that will hold valuable pucks without retaining any sand. His teammates agree that it isn't pretty, but it will get the job done.
- Buzz and Mike install the conveyor belt. The attachment chain connects to a right-angle drive motor at the front of the robot and to a shaft at the back, where collected pucks will be dropped into the Jeff's hopper.
Activity Log: Southern Utah University (Hours 5 - 6)
- Jared uses a ten-tooth sprocket on the drive motor with a forty-tooth sprocket on the shaft of the raking mechanism. This 4:1 gear reduction ratio will give the rake a slower, more controlled motion in lifting pucks out of the sand.
- Brian rigs the robot with a foam kickboard, which will provide a level platform for the electronics and excellent shock absorption.
- Jared explains in depth how he will construct the metal detector. Connections between separate components will be made via a doubled-sided circuit board. The main component of the system is an exclusive OR gate chip Jared will use to make two oscillators. A ten-millihenry inductor will provide a set frequency to one of the oscillators. Simultaneously, a ten-millihenry coil, wound around a cylindrical toilet fixture from a hardware store, will supply a frequency to the second oscillator.
- The presence of metal underneath the coil will change its inductance and thus change the frequency of the corresponding oscillator. The difference between the two oscillator frequencies will show up as an audible difference emitted by a speaker.
Expert Corner: Chris Chianelli talks with a representative of Remote Tech about some advanced robots used in military, rescue and law-enforcement applications. Companies like Remote Tech build robots that earn their keep, protecting lives and keeping people and property safe. Remote Tech's motto states that they specialize in "keeping danger at a distance." Their robots, the Mini-2 and the F-6, are used all over the world in bomb disposal, hazardous materials management, special police operations, and clandestine surveillance in hostile situations. Each robot has three antennas, which divert signals to three onboard systems: audio, video, and mobility. The F-6 is the most popular model, equipped with a night-vision surveillance camera with zoom and 360-degree movement. A reel housing 1,200 feet of fiber optics ensures that operators can maintain complete control over the robot over long distances.
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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