Engineering
Overview
In engineering, we work to design a functional robot with parts from multiple suppliers. We work hard to solve problems and create the ideal robot for competition.
The Department:
Responsibilities
The engineering department is responsible for:
Designing the robot functionally
Creating specific functional systems for the robot
Maintaining the Promobot if necessary
Identifying specific parts requiring custom development and working with the design to create them
Development of the Robot
A robot's letter name is an abbreviation of its primary or most effective function(s). The numerical name denotes which version of construction the robot is currently (or in the case of past robots, ended) in. Numerals signify completed versions, while lowercase Greek letters signify prototypes. A prototype is any version that does not have functionality.
PIPS-α
The Alpha, or blueprint, version of the robot is created in order to collect our thoughts on what the robot should be able to do and compile them into a feasable design.
PIPS-β
The Beta phase of construction is simply a very rudimentary skeleton, but it is still capable of moving around. In fact, its first test can be seen below!
PIPS-γ
This Gamma phase of construction is still a rudimentary skeleton, now with the addition of a functional arm. It is based on a different frame than PIPS-β, but it is still part of the same design evolution.
PIPS-δ
In this Delta phase of construction, the robot sees the changes made in PIPS-γ carried over to the PIPS-β chassis design.
PIPS-ε
In this Epsilon phase of construction, the robot receives the all-important pixel intake system and hanging hook.
Milestones
First Drive Test
First Arm Test
Development of Specialized Parts
Throughout the season, it is common for the team to require a part to be specially designed. Oftentimes, the engineers will provide a rough prototype and ask the C.A.D. department to design a more efficient and compact part. The design process usually takes many stages, especially when small adjustments must be made.
Pictured here is a visualization of the development process for our robot's hook. It was first constructed as a crude prototype in order to determine the best placement on the robot, as well as how it might interact with other elements that need to be placed on the arm. After that was figured out, the engineers created a sketch to present to the design department. The design department then used the sketch to create a digital design that could be 3D-printed or plasma-cut.