Caption:
Testing two design solutions to adjust the wheel height and meeting with Mr. Rojas for our January and February project updates.

Description:
On Monday, our team worked on solving an issue with the height and alignment of the robot’s wheels. As we continued developing the design and thinking about how the dog carrier will be added, we realized the current wheel structure might not provide the right height or stability once extra weight is placed on the robot. To address this, we tested two possible solutions. The first idea was recreating the base plates using materials like cardboard or vinyl board so we could redesign the mounting surface and adjust the height more precisely. This option would allow us to experiment with spacing and positioning before committing to a more permanent structure. The second solution involved making small cube-shaped supports that could be placed underneath parts of the frame to slightly raise the platform. These cubes would act as spacers, increasing the height without requiring us to rebuild the entire base. Our group discussed which approach would provide better stability while still being flexible enough to modify as we continue building the robot.

In addition to testing these design ideas, we also had our January and February meetings with Mr. Rojas to review our progress. During these meetings, we explained the work we have completed so far and discussed the structural challenges we are currently solving with the wheel system. Mr. Rojas asked questions about our design choices and encouraged us to think carefully about how changes to the base might affect the robot’s balance once the carrier is installed.

PLTW Step:
Brainstorm Solutions and Test because our team explored multiple design ideas to solve the wheel height issue and began testing different approaches to determine which one would work best.

Outcome:
By testing these two solutions and discussing our progress with Mr. Rojas, our team gained a clearer understanding of how the wheel structure may need to be adjusted. This work helped us move closer to selecting a design that will keep the robot stable and properly balanced as we continue building the carrier system.

Caption:
Selecting the baseboard redesign as the final solution to improve wheel height and create space for wiring.

Description:
On Tuesday, our team reviewed the two solutions we tested for adjusting the wheel height and improving the robot’s structure. After discussing the results from Monday’s testing, we decided to move forward with recreating the baseboard rather than using the small cube spacers. While the cube supports could increase the height quickly, we realized that redesigning the baseboard would give us more control over the overall structure of the robot. By rebuilding the baseboard using materials like cardboard or vinyl board, we can adjust the height more accurately and ensure the wheels remain properly aligned. Another important reason for choosing this solution was the extra space it would create for wiring. As our robot becomes more complex and additional components are added, the number of wires connecting sensors, motors, and the Arduino will increase. A redesigned baseboard will allow us to organize these wires more effectively and prevent them from becoming tangled or stretched when the dog carrier platform is installed. During this session, our team discussed how the new baseboard could include better spacing for both structural support and electrical connections so the system remains easy to maintain as we continue building.

PLTW Step:
Select Solution because our team evaluated the different design options we tested and decided that recreating the baseboard would provide the most stable and practical improvement for the robot’s structure.

Outcome:
By choosing to redesign the baseboard, our team established a clearer direction for improving the robot’s structure and preparing for future components. This decision will help us maintain proper wheel alignment while also creating enough space to organize the wiring system as the project continues to develop.

Caption:
Beginning installation of the redesigned baseboard and starting the wiring setup for the robot.

Description:
On Wednesday, our team began installing the redesigned baseboard after deciding earlier in the week that rebuilding it would be the best solution for improving the robot’s wheel height and creating more space for wiring. We started by measuring and placing the baseboard on the robot’s frame to make sure the wheels would stay evenly aligned and the structure would remain stable. Once the placement looked correct, we began securing the board to the frame and making small adjustments so it would sit level with the rest of the robot. While working on the baseboard, we also started wiring parts of the system back together. Because the new baseboard created more open space underneath and around the structure, it allowed us to begin organizing where the wires from the motors and other components would run. Our group discussed how to route the wires so they would stay protected and not get pulled or tangled when the robot moves or when the carrier platform is attached later. As we connected some of the wiring, we also made sure the layout would still allow easy access to the electronics if we need to adjust or troubleshoot anything during future testing.

PLTW Step:
Build Prototype because our team was physically constructing part of the robot’s structure while also beginning to reconnect and organize the wiring system that will support the robot’s electronics.

Outcome:
By installing the new baseboard and starting to reconnect the wiring, our team continued turning our design plan into a working structure. This step helped improve the stability of the robot while also preparing the electrical system so we can continue testing and building additional components in the next stages of the project.

Caption:
Finding a plastic material to create a protective display case for the robot’s wiring and beginning to shape it for installation.

Description:
On Thursday, our team focused on improving how the wiring would be protected and organized on the robot. As we continued building and reconnecting wires, we realized that leaving the electronics exposed could make the system messy and more likely to get damaged or tangled when the robot moves. To solve this, we found a clear plastic box that could potentially work as a display case to contain the wiring. The benefit of using this material is that it would keep all of the wires and components protected while still allowing us to see inside and monitor the connections. This would make troubleshooting easier in the future because we could quickly check if any wires became loose without having to fully remove a cover. After deciding that this material could work for our design, we began cutting parts of the plastic box so it could fit properly around the robot’s structure and electronics. While doing this, we carefully measured the size we needed and discussed how the case would sit on the robot without blocking access to important components like the Arduino or motor connections. Our goal was to create a system where the wiring would be safely contained but still accessible for maintenance and testing.

PLTW Step:
Build Prototype because our team began physically modifying and preparing a plastic enclosure that will become part of the robot’s structure and help manage the electronics.

Outcome:
By beginning to shape the plastic display case, our team took an important step toward protecting and organizing the robot’s wiring. This will help keep the electronics contained, reduce the chance of wires becoming tangled, and still allow us to easily observe the system during future testing.

Caption:
Regrouping as a team to plan the next steps for wiring organization and coding development.

Description:
On Friday, our group spent time regrouping and reviewing the progress we had made throughout the week. After testing different structural solutions, installing the redesigned baseboard, and beginning to organize the wiring, we realized it would be helpful to step back and clearly plan our next steps before continuing construction. During this discussion, we focused on how the wiring system should be arranged once all components are fully connected. We talked about where different wires should run, how they could be secured, and how the new plastic display case could help contain the electronics while still allowing access when adjustments are needed. In addition to planning the wiring layout, we also discussed our coding goals for the following week. Since the robot’s physical structure is gradually becoming more stable, we want to begin focusing more on programming and testing the robot’s movement and responses. Our team outlined what coding tasks we want to complete next and how we will divide responsibilities so that we can continue making steady progress.

PLTW Step:
Plan because our team reviewed the work completed so far and created a clearer strategy for how we will organize the wiring and begin focusing on programming in the next phase of the project.

Outcome:
By taking time to regroup and plan, our team created a clearer direction for the next stage of development. This discussion helped us organize our ideas, prepare for upcoming coding work, and ensure that the wiring and electronics will remain structured as we continue building and testing the robot.