In the initial phase of the study, we developed and tested an energy conversion system designed to effectively measure work and power. The system utilized a spinning wheel connected to a voltage source powered by a yellow diameter. As the wheel rotates, it lifts the string attached to a mass. We collected data by measuring the voltage and recording the time it took for the string to be fully lifted with the mass, while also determining the current flowing through the system.

To calculate energy, we first converted the mass from grams to Newtons and measured the distance of the string traveled in meters, which allowed us to determine work in Newton-meters (N·m). We then divided the energy by time to calculate power. Additionally, we calculated power by multiplying current and voltage. Finally, we assessed efficiency by dividing the two power measurements.

Overall, this assignment enhanced our understanding of calculating work and power in engineering, ultimately helping to minimize energy losses in electrical components. It also aims to understand how to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, enhance performance, lower production costs, and make vehicles more appealing to consumers.

The project aimed to explore various types of motion, including the conversion of rotary motion to linear, reciprocating, and oscillatory motions. My group, Michele Tong, Mike Morocho, and Samuel Ramnauth, focused on rotary to reciprocating motion. Over 12 days, we programmed a range of sensors while differentiating between analog and digital inputs and outputs. This work allowed us to control motors using sensor data, manage variables, and apply our programming knowledge to meet the class challenge.

Throughout the project, our teamwork and communication were strong, but we particularly excelled in problem-solving. Initially, our robot was unevenly balanced, which caused it to move diagonally. However, by collaborating and brainstorming solutions, we successfully resolved this issue. Ultimately, we built a well-balanced robot equipped with a distance sensor to initiate a chain reaction with another robot, which activated it using an optical sensor.