Caption:
Establishing the second base plate and securely attaching the Arduino Uno along with the battery pack to prepare for a more stable and functional robot system.

Description:
On Monday, our team focused on strengthening the physical structure of our robot by successfully establishing the second base plate, which will serve as an elevated platform for additional components in later stages. This step was important because our design is becoming more complex, and we needed a stable and organized way to separate different parts of the system. After positioning and securing the second base plate, we attached the Arduino Uno and the battery pack onto the structure, making sure both components were firmly placed to avoid any movement during operation. We carefully considered placement so that the Arduino would remain easily accessible for programming while the battery pack could efficiently power all connected parts without causing clutter. While working on this, we also began thinking more deeply about how power distribution and wiring will function as we continue adding components, especially with the added height of the second level. Our team discussed how improper placement could lead to loose connections or difficulty troubleshooting in the future, so we took extra time to organize wires neatly and ensure that nothing was under tension. This process also helped us better understand how mechanical structure and electrical systems must work together, since even a small placement decision can affect the robot’s overall performance and reliability.

PLTW Step:
Create and Test because we physically built and assembled a new part of our robot while also checking that the Arduino Uno and battery pack were properly connected and functioning within the updated structure.

Outcome:
By establishing the second base plate and attaching the Arduino Uno with the battery pack, our team created a stronger and more organized foundation for future development. This step not only improved the stability of our robot but also set us up for more efficient wiring, easier programming access, and smoother integration of additional components as we continue building.

Caption:
Completing the first-floor wiring to establish a fully connected and functional base system for the robot.

Description:
On Wednesday, our team reached an important milestone by finishing all of the wiring on the first level of our robot, ensuring that each component was properly connected and ready for operation. This process required careful attention because every wire plays a role in communication and power flow, so even a small mistake could prevent the system from working correctly. We systematically checked each connection, making sure that the Arduino Uno was correctly linked to motors, sensors, and the battery pack, and that all wires were placed in the appropriate pins. While completing this, we also focused on organizing the wiring in a clean and structured way rather than just making it work temporarily, since messy wiring can lead to confusion, disconnections, or difficulty when troubleshooting later. As we worked, we began to see how the entire system comes together, with each part depending on another, which helped us better understand the logic behind both the physical setup and the programming. We also tested connections as we progressed to confirm that power was being distributed correctly and that no wires were loose or incorrectly placed. This step pushed us to think more critically about precision and planning, because completing the first layer is not just about finishing it, but about creating a reliable foundation that will support all future additions like the second level and the dog carrier system.

PLTW Step:
Create and Test because we completed the physical wiring of the first level and continuously checked that all components were properly connected and functioning as intended.

Outcome:
By finishing the first-floor wiring, our team established a dependable base system that allows us to confidently move forward with building and adding more complex features. This accomplishment reduces the risk of future errors, improves organization, and ensures that our robot can operate smoothly as we continue developing the upper levels.

Caption:
Programming the robot to control wheel movement and achieve smooth, consistent motion.

Description:
On Wednesday, our team focused on coding the robot so that the wheels could move properly and respond accurately to our commands, which was a major step in bringing the robot to life. We worked with the Arduino Uno to write and upload code that controlled the direction and speed of the motors, making sure each wheel moved in coordination rather than randomly or unevenly. At first, we ran into issues where the wheels would not spin at the same rate or would move in unintended directions, which showed us how sensitive motor control is to both wiring and programming logic. To fix this, we carefully adjusted our code, tested different values, and made small changes until the movement became smoother and more controlled. We also checked our wiring connections again to ensure that the problem was not coming from incorrect pin placements or loose wires, reinforcing the idea that both hardware and software must align perfectly. As we improved the motion, we started to understand how precise coding directly affects physical performance, since even a slight error in the program can lead to noticeable issues in movement. This process helped us think more critically about debugging, testing, and refining rather than expecting the system to work perfectly on the first try.

PLTW Step:
Create and Test because we developed and implemented code for the robot while continuously testing and improving wheel movement to achieve the desired performance.

Outcome:
By successfully coding the wheels to move properly, our team transformed the robot from a static build into a functioning system capable of controlled motion. This progress sets the foundation for more advanced features, such as navigation and carrying the dog carrier, while also improving our understanding of how programming and mechanical systems work together.

Caption:
Finalizing the robot’s code and successfully connecting the remote control for full operational control.

Description:
After getting the wheels to move properly, our team worked on finishing the rest of the coding and making sure the remote control was correctly connected to the system. This step was important because it shifted the robot from basic programmed movement to user-controlled operation, which requires more precise communication between components. We reviewed and completed our code to ensure that all commands from the remote would be recognized and translated into accurate motor responses, such as moving forward, backward, and turning smoothly. During this process, we faced challenges with inconsistent signals and delayed responses, which made us realize how important it is for both the code and wiring to be completely accurate. To fix this, we debugged our program line by line, double-checked pin connections, and tested each control input individually to confirm it worked as expected. We also focused on making the controls feel consistent rather than unpredictable, since reliable movement is critical for future tasks like carrying the dog safely. This stage pushed us to think more deeply about how systems communicate, because even if each part works on its own, they must interact correctly to create a functional whole.

PLTW Step:
Create and Test because we finalized our programming and continuously tested the connection between the remote and the robot to ensure accurate and reliable control.

Outcome:
By completing the coding and properly connecting the remote, our team achieved full control over the robot’s movement, allowing us to operate it with precision. This milestone not only confirms that our system is functioning as intended but also prepares us for more advanced features, since we now have a stable and responsive control system to build upon.