Caption:
Switching our programming setup to a Mac laptop and beginning to extend wiring for the future carrier system.

Description:
On Monday, our team made an important change to our programming setup after Hansika brought in a new Mac laptop that we could use for coding and testing the robot. Before this, most of our work had been done on Windows computers, so we needed to switch our tools and make sure everything would still run correctly on the new system. We installed the needed software and checked that the Arduino could still connect and communicate with the computer. While working on this, we also began thinking about the wiring that will be needed once we attach the dog carrier to the robot. Because the carrier will sit higher on a second level platform, the wires from some parts may not be long enough to reach their connections. To solve this early, we tested male-to-female wire extensions so we could safely lengthen the wiring without damaging any components. Our group talked through how the wiring should be arranged so that the robot will still be easy to maintain and the wires will not get pulled or tangled when the carrier is attached.

PLTW Step:
Identify Problem and Plan because we realized that switching computer platforms and extending wires were necessary steps to keep our robot system working properly as the design becomes more complex.

Outcome:
By switching to the Mac laptop and starting to extend the wiring, our team prepared our system for the next stages of building. This helped us avoid future connection problems and made sure we can continue programming and testing the robot without technical issues.

Caption:
Collecting and organizing important parts so we can continue building and testing the robot.

Description:
On Tuesday, our group focused on gathering all the important parts we will need as we continue building the robot and the dog carrier system. Since some testing might happen outside of school, we wanted to make sure we had all the main components together and ready to use. We brought the Arduino board, which controls the robot’s electronics, along with the dog bed that will act as the base of the carrier. We also brought bungee cords that may help secure the carrier safely to the robot platform and speakers that could be added as part of the robot’s system. As we collected these items, we carefully checked that each piece was in good condition and that nothing important was missing. During this time we also filled out a required form for the church location where some of our work or testing may take place. By organizing our materials and completing the form, we made sure our team would be able to keep working without delays.

PLTW Step:
Research and Plan because we reviewed our materials, gathered important components, and prepared the resources needed to continue building and testing our design.

Outcome:
By collecting and organizing all the parts, our team became more prepared for the next stages of the project. This helped us stay organized and made it easier to continue building and testing the robot without losing time searching for materials.

Caption:
Examining the new robot and marking the correct placement for the dog carrier.

Description:
On Wednesday, our group began working directly with the robot again while also looking at some new parts that will be used for the project. One of our main goals was to plan exactly where the dog carrier will sit on the robot so that it stays balanced and secure. We carefully looked at the robot’s frame and measured areas where the carrier could be placed without blocking the wheels, battery, or other important components. After discussing different options, we used markers to clearly mark the spots where the carrier platform may be attached. This step helped us visualize how the final design will look and made sure the carrier will sit safely on top of the robot. By taking time to mark and plan the placement, we avoided guessing later and made our design more organized.

PLTW Step:
Develop and Plan because we were preparing the physical layout of the robot and deciding where major components of our design will be placed.

Outcome:
By marking the carrier placement and reviewing the robot’s structure, our team created a clearer plan for the next building steps. This preparation will help us attach the carrier correctly and keep the robot balanced and safe when it is fully assembled.

Caption:
Carefully taking apart the robot to better understand its internal structure.

Description:
On Thursday, our team focused on carefully taking the robot apart so we could better understand how its parts are connected. Since we plan to add a carrier system that will hold a dog bed, we needed to study the robot’s frame and internal components to make sure it can support the added weight. We slowly removed different pieces of the robot, including the outer frame and some mechanical parts, while making sure not to damage anything. As we worked, we paid close attention to how each piece was connected and how the parts worked together to allow the robot to move. We also kept the screws and small parts organized so that we would be able to reassemble everything correctly later. This process helped us see where there is space on the robot and where future parts, such as the carrier platform, might safely attach.

PLTW Step:
Test and Evaluate because we closely examined the robot’s structure in order to understand how it works and determine whether it can support the new carrier system we are designing.

Outcome:
By taking apart the robot and studying its structure, our team gained a much clearer understanding of how the robot is built. This knowledge will help us make better decisions when we attach new parts and ensure that the final design stays balanced and functional.

Caption:
Mapping out the wheel system to understand movement and balance.

Description:
On Friday, our group focused on studying and mapping out the robot’s wheel system. After taking parts of the robot apart the previous day, we wanted to understand exactly how the wheels connect to the motors and how they help the robot move. We carefully looked at the position of each wheel and how they are spaced along the robot’s frame. Then we mapped out the layout of the wheels so we could clearly understand how the robot maintains balance while moving. This step was especially important because adding a dog carrier will increase the weight on the robot, which could affect how the wheels handle movement and stability. By studying the wheel layout, we were able to think about whether any adjustments might be needed later to keep the robot balanced and moving smoothly.

PLTW Step:
Analyze and Plan because we studied the wheel system and mapped its layout in order to understand how the robot moves and how our future design changes may affect it.

Outcome:
By mapping out the wheel system, our team gained a better understanding of how the robot moves and stays balanced. This will help us design the carrier system more carefully so the added weight does not affect the robot’s performance or stability.