Embedded Files
Robot Prototype
Forward, Back, Left, Right
Forward, Back, Left, Right
IMG_6682.MOV
Traverse the Path
Traverse the Path
Final Robot Documentation
Final Robot Documentation
Robot Performers -- Project Brief Updated.pdfProject Brief
This is the instructions and requirements of our remote controlled robot
Robot Resources and TimelineResource Document
Resource Document
These are all of the resources I used when assembling my robot including instructions for wiring and example code.
Onshape
Onshape
Onshape is a computer aided design platform that allows you to render and design your own creations digitally. With Onshape, you are able to configure the dimensions and design for your product that you can then print on the Glowforge, CNC, etc. For the robot, the laser cutter was essential in cutting our all of the sides, wheels, and even the exterior design such as bumpers.
This is my robot assembled on Onshape.
Digital Fabrication Skills
With this robot the two main digital fabrication tools used were the laser cutter and 3D printer. I used the laser cutter to cut the sides, front, and back of my robot with cardboard and I laser cut the wheels using wood. I used the 3D printer to print my ball-bearing caster and two servo mounts. I used finger joints to easily glue together the sides.
Glowforge Laser Cutter
Glowforge Laser Cutter
I used the Glowforge to cut all the sides of my robot, and the bumper for the wheels using cardboard. I used wood to cut the wheels.
3D Printer
3D Printer
I used the 3D printer to print the wheel bearing caster and my 2 servo mounts.
Things I made with the Laser Cutter
Things I made with the 3D Printer
How does my code function?
Functions Used: In my robot, I used movement functions like forward(), left(), backwards(), right(), and stop() for handling the navigation of the robot so that each function includes the degree angle that each servo should turn to when the arrows are pressed. Also, I used a toggle_led_strip() function that defines the colors and pattern of neopixel lights (in this case mine was red and white for the headlights of the bus). All these functions worked together to support my robot being able to function from a remote control.
If Statements Used: If statements increase the complexity of my robot by helping it make decisions. For example, my robot will go forward only if the up arrow is clicked. My robot will turn right when the right arrow is pressed. When the left arrow is pressed, my robot will turn left. When the backward button is pressed on my phone, my robot will move backward. Also the LED lights will turn on if the triangle button is pressed.
Code: Final Robot Code
white background pictures
non-white background pictures
Inside of Robot
Inside of Robot
It is very simple to open my robot. The top of my robot was made using a cardboard piece that has thin lines cut through using an X-Acto knife which allows it to bend and you can lift it up to reveal the wires, pico, and LED strips. With a large opening, it is easier for you to be able to access the hardware if something goes wrong.
Prototype vs. Final Robot
IMG_7165.movVideo of Prototype
Video of Prototype
In this video my robot is traversing the purple path and is controlled by my phone. However, it does not include any nuance such as neopixels. It does not include a switch mounted to the side. It also turns quite slow and has a little trouble with drifting
IMG_0519.movVideo of Final Robot
Video of Final Robot
In this video my robot is traversing the path and is controlled by my phone. It includes major improvements from my prototype in terms of turning speed & its ability to move straight. It also has a switch mounted to the side, making it user friendly. The colors of the robot are also well thought out to match a school bus. It also has 4 neopixels in the front as headlights that can be turned on and off
IMG_1909.MOVLantern Parade Showcase
Lantern Parade Showcase
This is my robot racing other robots at the Lantern Parade. It had a few malfunctions due to the bumpy road.
*Midway through the video a ball caster will be found on the ground and removed from the tracks! It so happened to be my caster but I didn’t realize it at the time which is why it had trouble turning at the end…
Rate your functionality:
Straight
I would say that my robot did fairly well when moving forward in a straight line. It does not drift as much as it did in the beginning in my prototype. However, it still does drift a little and one thing I would change to fix this is to make the two "fake wheels" in the front be floating instead of touching the ground when moving because it is not guaranteed that the wheels will move every time the robot moves forward and may cause the robot to drift to the side that the fake wheel does turn.
Turning
I believe that my robot turns right & left pretty well. It turns much faster than my prototype. It's not the fastest turning robot and I believe that part of the reason is due to how long and heavy the robot is because before I assembled the sides to my robot, my robot turned much faster with just the chassis. For this reason, if I were to rebuild my robot and I wanted it to be the fasted moving robot that could also turn fast, I would instead choose a smaller and not so long design.
Reflection Questions:
How has this project compared to other projects that you have done in your other classes?
My robot project compares to many of my other projects in other classes due to the design process because you have to prototype, go through a process of trial and error before you build your final product. For example, the in my Pre-calculus class we made a rocket using a soda bottle and we had to test with different amounts of water to see which would go the farthest in terms of how high the robot goes before it falls back down.
What would you change about your robot if you were to do this project again?
If I were to do this project again, I would choose a design that is not as long just because I believe that it would be faster if it was a shorter design. While I do think that my school bus design was creative, I would also like it if it was a little faster and the long design is hindering my robot's ability to move fast.
What is the top skill that you think you know well enough that you could teach others and why?
The top skill that I think I can teach others is designing on Onshape and exporting the file to the laser cutter to print. I have worked on many projects using the laser cutter throughout the past 3 years and I think I have mastered the art of laser cutting and understanding the settings of the laser cutter.
Semester 2
Skittles Sorter Project Brief.pdfSkittles Sorter Project Brief
Skittles Sorter Project Brief
We have less constraints on this project to allow us more creativity when designing our skittle sorter
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