| Robot Rivals -- Introduction |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-101 |
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Robot Rivals -- Introduction In each episode of of DIY Robot Rivals, students from two colleges will design and build robots from scratch in a single day. When the time is up, they'll square up in head-to-head competition in their quest to become Robot-Rivals champions.
Just a few decades ago, robots were merely part of the realm of science fiction. In contemporary society, however, robots are all around us -- even if we're not always aware of it. They're used in manufacturng and on assembly lines to build cars and other products (figure A). They perform tasks in hospitals, are used in space exploration and are even used by police bomb-squads and the military to detonate dangerous explosives (figure B).
Today, robot-building and robotics has moved out of the laboratory, and into the homes and garages of robot enthusiasts. There are clubs, competitions and web sites dedicated to this growing hobby. Robot-building kits can be found at electronics stores, specialty catalogs (figure C), and even bookstores (figure D).
Enter DIY's Robot Rivals. Here's the premise: Teams from fourteen colleges from all across the country compete in a tournament of robot design and building. Each pairing of teams gets only one day to build a robot that can perform a specific task. Some of those tasks include: playing soccer, chopping down trees, retrieving an egg from behind a wall, shooting golf balls at glass target, climbing stairs, digging for buried treasure, maneuvering through an obstacle course, or serving as a dorm-room waiter. Each team receives advice and general guidance from an expert in amateur robotics.
Chris Chianelli -- host of DIY's Radio Control Hobbies -- is your guide for this fast-moving new series focused on the hi-tech end of how-to.
RESOURCES :
Robot Builder's Bonanza
Model: 0071362967
Author: Gordon McComb
Build Your Own Robot!
Model: 1568811020
Author: Karl Lunt
Robots, Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build
Model: 0070328048
Author: John Iovine
Personal Robotics : Real Robots to Construct, Program, and Explore the World
Model: 156881089X
Author: Richard Raucci
Sensors for Mobile Robots : Theory and Application
Model: 1568810482
Author: H.R. Everett
Special Thanks for Robot Rivals 100 series
The Robot Store
provided various robotic components for Robot Rivals.
www.robotstore.com
IFI Robotics
makers of the "Isaac 32" control system.
www.ifirobotics.com
NPC Robotics
provided wheels and motors for Robot Rivals.
www.npcrobotics.com
Robotic Power Solutions
provided battery packs.
www.battlepack.com
Parallax Inc.
Provided microprocessors, on-board robotic cameras, autonoumous programming.
www.parallaxinc.com
Hobbico
provided Futaba control system.
www.hobbico.com
Alloy Frame Systems
provided extruded-aluminum frame materials.
www.alloyframesystems.com
SMC Corporation of America
provided pneumatic systems.
www.smcusa.com
Team Delta
provided wiring kits and electrical wiring.
www.teamdelta.com
Radio Shack
provided component cabinets.
www.radioshack.com
Campbell Hausfeld Tools
provided pneumatic tools and compressor used on Robot Rivals.
www.campbellhausfeld.com
Delta Machinery
provided tools used on Robot Rivals.
www.deltawoodworking.com
Porter Cable
provided tools used on Robot Rivals.
www.porter-cable.com
Waterloo Industries
provided tool chests used on Robot Rivals.
www.waterlooindustries.com
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