Gyro Sensor Exploration

The goal of this challenge is quite simple, yet very important. We will be exploring the gyro sensor. What is a gyro sensor? How does it work? How do we program the gyro sensor to achieve specific goals?

Objectives:

1. Program robot to make robot move around a box using the gyro sensor.
2. Program robot to complete the mower challenge
3. Understand why a gyro sensor helps the robot be more precise
4. Understand why your robot should use gyro even if it already has rotation sensors

Materials

LEGO EV3 Mindstorms kit

Time Allotted

180 minutes to complete all challenges

Challenge 1: Box Maneuver

Program and make the robot complete a full lap around a square box using the gyro sensor to control all of its turns.

Maneuver around the box using gyro sensor to turn the corners.

Challenge 2: Mower Challenge With Boundaries

In this challenge, you will program your EV3 robot to do the following

1. The robot must continue to move for 45 seconds and then shut itself off, otherwise it is disqualified.

2. The robot must not leave leave the boundary area, otherwise it will be disqualified.

3. The robot should attempt to mow all parts of the enclosed area.

4. If an operator touches the robot before the 45 seconds are complete the robot will be disqualified.

Challenge 3: Mower Challenge Rows

In this challenge, you will program your EV3 robot to mow the entire yard by mowing in each square without repeating any of them. The robot is able to move freely in straight lines, using any method you want. The board is marked in a 4x4 grid so you can use plenty of different strategies to enter all squares.

Challenge 4: Mower Challenge With Mud Zones

In this challenge, you will program your EV3 robot to erase or clear the entire gameboard of the markings on the floor. The robot is able to move freely in straight lines, using any method you want. However, there are three mud zones marked on the game board. When turning in one of these areas, the robot must be picked up by hand, and placed back down.

The robot must clear the board of marks to complete its mission.

If any part of the robot is in the mud zone (red squares) at any point during a turn, it must be picked up and placed back down, as close to the same spot and facing as possible. Use overlapping paths to compensate for sensor inaccuracies.

Rules and Procedures: Hints:

• Because the robot’s wheels continue to spin in the air when it is picked up, Rotations or Time will not be reliable for turns in the mud.
• The Gyro Sensor responds only to the robot’s body turning, and is unaffected by interruptions like being picked up.
• It is unlikely that the eraser (or scoop) will perform perfectly, especially near the edges of its reach. Plan your robot’s course accordingly.
• Use an adjustment factor to compensate for the fact that the robot won’t see 90 degrees until it is past 90

Gyro Sensor Exploration

Objective

Build a robot that uses gyro sensor to complete the following. You must start at bronze and work your way up the ladder.

Bronze

Robot can move around a box(challenge 1) using the gyro sensor

Silver

Robot can enter the mowing arena #1 and remain in yard for 45 seconds.

Gold

Robot can complete the mowing challenge arena #2 by weaving back and forth in the yard without repeating any boxes.

Platinum

Robot can enter the mowing arena and remove the debris and successfully leave all three mud zones.

Tips and Troubleshooting