OverviewTeams from Princeton University and Ohio University are asked to design and build a robot that can traverse a military-style obstacle course consisting of a seesaw, a door, a sand and barbed-wire pit, another door and a set of monkey bars. Princeton designs a four-wheel-drive robot with articulating suspension and a retractable two-stage pneumatic actuator to raise the door, while Ohio designs a four-wheel-drive robot that uses a hooked lever with gear reduction to raise the door with considerable torque and smooth control. Both robots test well during construction, but Ohio's Sergeant E-Bob falters early in the competition. That's all Princeton's "P Bomb" needs to conquer the course and take the win. Princeton advances to the next round of Robot Rivals and one step closer to the J. F. Engelberger Trophy.
The Teams
Princeton University
Ben Essenberg, Junior, Mechanical Engineering
Brian Beck, Junior, Aerospace Engineering
Tyler Mincey, Senior, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Ohio University
Dominic Capretta, Senior , Mechanical Engineering
Matt Decker, Sophomore , Mechanical Engineering
Doug Bowlus, Senior, Electrical Engineering
The DesignsPrinceton designs a four-wheel-drive robot with articulating suspension and a retractable two-stage pneumatic actuator to raise the door.
Ohio designs a four-wheel-drive robot that uses a hooked lever with gear reduction to raise the door with considerable torque and smooth control.
The "Household Item" Component
The teams are given a household item from which they may source parts for the construction of their robots. The team that uses the most parts from the household item receives a pre-determined advantage in the final competition. The household item for this competition: An electric range oven.
Construction
Host Chris Chianelli introduces The Ohio University and Princeton University to their challenge: to build a robot that can traverse a military style obstacle course. Buzz and the Ohio University decide to build very simple 4-wheel-drive robot with an aluminum arm to open the doors on the course. Brian and Princeton developed a much more complex robot with articulating suspension and pneumatics to open the doors.
Buzz and Brian revealthe surprise household item: an electric range. Dom and Brian outline the details of their team's designs and building begins. Both teams begin by constructing their chassis.
Ben and Brian complete the suspension while Tyler works on the pneumatics of the Princeton robot. Monty and Dom work on arm and motor that will become Ohio's door opener.
Mid-way through the construction phase, Chris Chianelli talks to Buzz and Brian about how the teams are progressing. Doug installs Ohio's electronics and they are able to test the team's robot. They discover where they should make changes to the design. Princeton works to fit the pneumatics and electronics on their robot.
Ohio adds an L-bracket and second gear to the arm and is able to successfully go through the door in a test run. Princeton struggles to get their robot assembled but just before building ends they are able to test their robot. The pneumatic system works very well and both teams are ready to compete.
The ContestOhio wins the 5-second head start but runs into trouble at the first door. Princeton has no major problems and sails through the course. Ohio is never able to get the door open and Princeton wins easily.
The Winners: Princeton
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