Sentry Bot Final

UNDERSTAND

Challenge Overview

For this challenge, we were asked to build a sentry robot capable of moving efficiently while maintaining stability. The robot must navigate within a designated area without colliding with obstacles like fences. It should also balance speed and torque using a gear system and be able to make sharp turns smoothly.

Approach & Solution

To solve this challenge, I designed a compact and stable robot using six gears and two motors to drive the wheels. The gears are arranged to optimize both speed and torque. After assembling the body and wheels, I installed the brain and connected the wiring to ensure proper functionality. The design choices focus on efficiency, durability, and manoeuvrability within the challenging environment.

Make

On Day 1, we focused on building the robot's body, ensuring it was sturdy and compact while leaving enough space for the essential components. We then carefully assembled the frame, keeping balance and stability in mind.

Day 2 was all about mobility—we attached the wheels and integrated the gears to create an efficient system for movement. We paid close attention to the gear arrangement, balancing speed and torque for optimal performance.

On day 3, we brought the robot to life by installing the battery and brain brick. This step was crucial, allowing us to test the electronics and ensure everything was connected properly. With power and control now in place, the robot was finally ready for fine-tuning and testing.

Day 4 was dedicated to coding. We programmed the robot’s movements and responses, adjusting to ensure it performed smoothly and accurately. It was rewarding to see the robot follow commands seamlessly, bringing together all the hard work from the previous days

Evaluate

1) How have you enjoyed the process thus far?

The process has been a mix of excitement and challenges. It’s been great seeing the robot come together step by step, but there were moments of frustration when things didn’t work as expected. Overall, it’s been a rewarding experience, especially when I see progress and improvements in the design.

2) What were the problems you faced with building your robot?

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring the gears were correctly aligned to balance speed and torque. There were also some issues with tightly securing parts so they wouldn’t come loose during movement. Another challenge was organizing the wiring properly to avoid interference with the robot’s mobility.

3) What's a positive experience you've had thus far?

One of the best moments was when I first tested the wheels. The robot moved smoothly without any major issues, and it was satisfying to see the planning and assembly come together successfully.

4) What more would you hope to do with your robot?

I want to improve its navigation system, possibly adding sensors to help it detect and avoid obstacles more effectively. It would also be interesting to experiment with different gear ratios to optimize its speed and torque further.

5) How effective was your work with your partner?

Working with my partner was productive. I focused on assembling and securing the parts while they handled some wiring and testing. We communicated well and helped each other troubleshoot issues. One thing we did well was dividing tasks efficiently, which made the process smoother.