2.S007 is the New Engineering Transformation Education (NEET) Autonomous Machine Thread version of the Department of Mechanical Engineering's famous 2.007 class. 

2.S007 develops students’ competence and self-confidence as design engineers. It emphasizes the creative design process and the application of physical laws. As is the tradition, the class ends in a final robot competition, in which students compete against each other to see whose robot can win the most total points. Lecture topics include idea generation, estimation, concept selection, visual thinking, computer-aided design (CAD), mechanism design, machine elements, basic electronics, technical communication, and ethics.

I challenged myself to build a completely autonomous robot. Although the competition did not require it, I wanted to test my ability to predict and plan against failures, conquer the challenges, and move quickly.

• My final robot uses custom dual line following sensors. I used two line following sensors to give myself twice the range of a regular sensors, enabling me to follow lines while not necesarily driving directly on top of them. This feature allows me to roam the entire game board without losing track of my position.
  I used encoder wheels to determine distance traveled and control my wheel speed during rotation.

• I used an IMU to judge orientation in three dimensions. This feature was useful when I needed to climb up the ramp. I could slowly raise my velocity to ensure I maintained traction on the slippery surface.

• I used two 19 RPM DC motors mounted on a custom plate to turn a pinion.

• I designed a gripper that is actuated using a rack and pinion. The prototype was made with a 3D printed pinion and rack, cardboard, and styrofoam. The latest version is completely 3D printed.

• Two force sensors are built into either sides of the gripper. This feature allows me to stop and start based on the force felt on the grippers.