DIY Network

Robot Rivals: University of Buffalo vs. Colorado School of Mines From "Robot Rivals" episode DROB-203

Overview

Faced with the challenge of building a robot that can launch laundry into a washing machine, students from The University at Buffalo design a pneumatic canon. Late in the building day, the Colorado School of Mines team switches from a kicking arm to an air canon as well. While the Colorado Ore Diggers make the best of a leaking air cannon in the competition, the Buffalo Bulls take the win and advance to the next round.

The Teams

University of Buffalo:

Glen White, Graduate student, Mechanical Engineering
Yan Shtarker, Senior, Computer Engineering
Michael Licitra, Senior, Computer Engineering

Colorado School of Mines:

David Hutchison, Senior, Electrical Engineering
Monty Rivers, Senior, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Matt Krugman, Graduate student, Systems Engineering

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The Designs

Buffalo designs a robot with a simple 4-wheel-drive base and a pivoting air cannon with a high-pressure chamber and release valve to propel shirts into the clothes washer.

Colorado designs two different robots around the same triangular frame assembly. The first incorporates a pivoting arm, and the second involves a pneumatic air cannon. If the first robot proves unsuccessful, the team will have an emergency backup plan right at hand.
The Construction

Brian Nave and the Ore Diggers decide to build a kicking robot and have a design for air cannon if the kicker doesn't work, while Buzz and Buffalo design an air cannon. Chris introduces the washing machine and t-shirts that will be used in the competition.

Glen and David outline the details of their team's designs and building begins, followed by Buzz and Brian revealing the surprise household item -- a vacuum cleaner -- and the teams begin to figure ways to use it to win the 25 point head start in the competition. Both teams begin by constructing their chassis.

Buffalo divides up the labor and works to build the chassis, aiming mechanism and electronics while Buzz works on the pneumatics. Brian's Expert Corner describes current inductance and magnetic lines of flux. Colorado works on their frame, kicking arm and electronics.

Midway through the construction phase, Chris Chianelli reviews with Buzz and Brian about how their respective teams are doing so far. Buffalo begins work on their air cannon while Colorado works to integrate pieces from the vacuum cleaner and starts having trouble building to serve two designs at once.

Colorado tested their robot and discovers they have wiring problems and problems aiming the t-shirts. Buffalo on the other hand gets their cannon together and fires a t-shirt over the dividing wall. Colorado decides they will build an air cannon but it leaks and they must build a second cannon. Just before build ends Colorado successfully shoots a t-shirt into the washer. The teams make final adjustments and the door is opened so the teams can look at the other teams robot.
The Contest

Buffalo's robot performs perfectly they miss a few shots but their speed is too much for Colorado and The University at Buffalo advances to the second round.

The Winners: University of Buffalo

RESOURCES :
Mobile Robots : Inspiration to Implementation
Model: 1568810970
Author: Joseph L. Jones, et al

Personal Robotics : Real Robots to Construct, Program, and Explore the World
Model: 156881089X
Author: Richard Raucci

Robots, Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build
Model: 0070328048
Author: John Iovine

Build Your Own Robot!
Model: 1568811020
Author: Karl Lunt