Somerset Berkley Regional High School Robotics Engineering with LabView

1. Engineering Design Central Concepts: Engineering design involves practical problem solving, research, development, and invention/innovation, and requires designing, drawing, building, testing, and redesigning. Students should demonstrate the ability to use the engineering design process to solve a problem or meet a challenge. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

1.1Identify and explain the steps of the engineering design process: identify the problem, research the problem, develop possible solutions, select the best possible solution(s), construct prototypes and/or models, test and evaluate, communicate the solutions, and redesign. Identify the problem Research the problem Develop solutions Select the best solution Construct a prototype Test and evaluate Communicate the solutions Redesign Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

Step 1 Identify the problem The original problem was to build, design, and program a robot that would win in a sumo match. In other words we were told to build a robot that could push the other robot out the sumo circle The constraints placed on our team is that we had to be finished building our first prototype by 1/17/13 and steps 1 through five also had to be completed. The only other restraint we faced is that we could only use the pieces in our kit. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

Step 2 Research the problem Site 1: Site 2: Site 3: Research A.) From our research we learned that we needed a robot with a strong gear ratio and it had to be heavy. B.) We also learned that if you make a device to flip the other robot it will be very helpful C.) Lastly we learned that to keep other robots from damaging your robot or pushing them you should use Lego’s to create protective walls to keep other robots away. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

Step 3 Develop solutions BRAINSTORM COLLABORATION Ideas 1. Our best idea was to create a device using the bars that when powered by a motor could flip the opposing robot. This was Kevin’s idea. 2. Nick had the idea of building a wall made of Lego’s to block the opponents from hitting our gears or damaging the robot in anyway 3. I had the idea to use a strong gear ratio in order to have strength and to make the robot slightly heavy so we don’t get pushed around, but are still able to move with a sufficient speed

Step 4 Select the best Possible solution(s) We decided to incorporate all our ideas into the robot. We placed the flipping device in the front of the robot. We used a strong gear ratio on the two gears that were being used as wheels and made the robot sufficiently heavy. Lastly we placed the wall on the back of the robot to protect our gears. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

Apperance To build our first prototype we first made took two of our motors and placed two gears on each of the motors. The little gear powering the big gear made the robot strong Secondly by using two curved blocks and about five straight blocks to create a device that could flip other robots. This was strategically placed on the front of the robot and we used our third. The battery pack was placed on top of all the motors. We used the Lego blocks to create a wall that would protect our gears from damage. We also placed gears all over our robot so when other robots crash into our they will damage their robot more than they damage ours. We also build a compartment to hold our Lego man for display. We placed to wheels on the bottom of our robot so it would be able to navigate more efficiently. We also used four big wheels to allow our robot to perform better. Lastly we used Lego blocks and long black pieces to connect the motors to the battery pack to make it secure.

Step 5 Construct a prototype Build a robot with your NXT lego kit Create a computer program for your robot. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006 Use the next slide(s) for the digital pictures of your prototypes and computer programs.

1st Prototype picture and computer program Step 5 evidence

Step 6 Test and Evaluate the solution(s) 1.Does your robot work? 2.Did it perform as expected? 3.What changes are necessary for the robot and the program? 4.Does it meet the original design constraints? 5.Is it safe? 6.Lab work- Modify your robot project and use the next slide to post a picture of your improved robot project. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

1 st modified prototype picture and computer program Step 6 evidence

2 nd modified prototype picture and computer program Step 6 evidence

3 rd modified prototype picture and computer program Add additional slides as necessary

Step 7 Communicate the solution(s) Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006 Provide the YouTube link of your video that shows how your robot meets the challenge. YouTube video link :

Redesign Overhaul the solution(s) based on information gathered during testing and self-assessment activity. Ma.Science and Engineering Framework 2006

Demonstrate the ability to use technology for research, critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication, collaboration, creativity, and innovation.