1. Teacher training resource: Robotic Assembly
STEM Trifecta: 2019
Teacher training resource:
Robotic Assembly
STEM Trifecta LINK!

2. Step 1: Building a basic chassis:
Install the servos with the shaft end closest to the front of the robot chassis.
From the inside of the chassis, align the servo with the hole and push into the hole. The servo should be installed from the inside while screws run from the outside – in.
Fastener Chart - Fastener Basics Chart
Utilize 6/32 X ½ Inch screws. It would be good to use a lock washer when putting these together as they often work loose due to vibration. Push the screw through the hole from the OUTSIDE so the head of the screw is seen from the outside.
Because of the tight space, its often good to hold the nut still on the inside with a pair of pliers while you turn the screw from the outside to tighten.

3. Step 2: Plan a rear wheel or skid
A few options are:
A “Castor” is a good rear wheel attachment as it is easy to mount and generally swivels as needed. Be sure to allow clearance for the wheel to swivel 360 degrees otherwise, when backing up, the wheel will impede travel. Be sure it is mounted so the bot is level.
A “skid” is also a good universal fix on the arena. The skid just slides over the wood or flat surface and keeps the robot level. Two to three screws are generally all you need to attach a skid as long as the screws are tight.

4. Step 3: Battery pack mounting:
The battery pack should be strategically placed on the chassis to be stable. Since power plugs must be connected to it on one end, be sure the end is open enough to connect/disconnect the wires as necessary. The length of the USB cable is also a factor in placement since it must reach the power port on the Pi.
Options for mounting:
Velcro strap or sticky back Velcro - easiest
3D printed bracket – most difficult, but very efficient with a good design.
Vex strips across battery – A little time consuming but pretty basic
Velcro pic
Maker bot bracket
Vex strips
Velcro Strap

5. Step 4: Raspberry Pi mounting:
It is recommended that the raspberry pi be mounted on top of the robot since constant connections to the pi may be necessary such as the HDMI adaptor, Keyboard, Mouse, Hat Board and power connections.
Options are:
3D printed holder – student designed – (Most difficult)
White board or Wood base – easy (Use spacers under each screw to avoid issues)
Direct bolt on – time consuming and tricky to lay out
White board base
Bolt on pic
3D holder pic

6. Step 5: Design and layout: Plan around “your” design
Although the basic forms of attachment are the same, the location and arrangement of the Pi/Microbit do matter.
Things to consider;
Where will you place your arm/gripper and or other attachments?
Will the placement of the arm make the parts universally accessible?
Will the placement of the Pi or Microbit allow electrical connector access or will the arm interfere?
Will the placement allow “fast” access
Or Microbit Mounting

7. Step 6: Arm / ball striker design:
An arm/gripper will be necessary to meet the demands of the challenge. As a general rule, servo motors are used as source of rotation for an arm, gripper and or striker.
Servos have a very small amount of torque: (43 in oz) and as a result, careful design must be implemented.
Things to consider:
Length of arm from the center of rotation – the farther away, the more difficult for the servo to lift.
Gripper must generally be simple and very light since a servo motor is often attached to the end of the arm with the gripper mechanism. 3D printed objects are good for this task due to light weight and structural strength.

8. Gripper Ideas:

9. The foam cargo containers will require a gripper/grabber.
Things to consider:
The containers will need retrieval from a location given by a scanning and coding procedure. The gripper will need to pick up one..or multiple containers and move them without dropping them.
The arm will need to be able to stack the containers and still grab and
“Place” the containers in the appropriate location.
Will your gripper or scoop drop the cargo container directly down or will you have to be careful to literally place the cargo container on the spot before slowly opening the gripper and moving away?
Would you want a storage container on your robot to hold multiple cargo containers for movement and placement? Will this make moving them faster??
(Design of grippers or scoops will matter!)

10. How to make a bucket scoop easily!

11. USB battery connections
The 5Volt battery has two ports for power. One will go to the Pi or Microbit and the other to the hatboard or 16 servo Driver board.

12. These connectors need a wire input for +5 Volts and Ground
The green arrow points to the tiny wires which need to be stripped of insulation and plugged into the screw ports. ONLY the RED and BLACK wires are used!
Tinning them with solder helps!

13. Questions…..
How can we help guide you and your team to success?