| All-Terrain Robots -- The Contest |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-108 |
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Once time runs out, each team must stop work on their robot. Each team can then inspect the work of the opposing team. Next, the robot showdown begins. The teams assemble at the robotic playing field.
The Rules:
- Robots will be placed at the start of the course and must navigate over the obstacles without leaving the course.
- Obstacles include water, sand, stone, logs and balls.
- The first robot to cross the finish line wins the competition, and that robot's team moves on to the next round of the tournament.
- Purdue receives a 5-second head-start since they used a total of nine salvaged items from the household item, while Utah only used one.
The Contest:
- Purdue takes advantage of the five-second head-start and advances immediately from the starting line to the first section of the obstacle course -- the section containing balls of varying sizes (figure A).
- As Utah attempts to get started, the Purdue robot begins to use the claw mechanism to climb over the first obstacles, into the section containing wooden logs and limbs (figure B).
- Utah's robot clearly is having difficulty, as it is unable even to move from the starting point (figure C).
- Purdue utilizes the claw mechanism once again to advance into the water barrier (figure D).
- Utah's robot remains stationary (figure E). Problems quickly grow worse for Utah as the electronics of their robot begin to emit smoke.
- With the claw mechanism performing as designed, the Purdue robot climbs from the water barrier into the sand pit (figure F).
- Utah's robot continues to smoke (figure G).
- Purdue makes a final advance across the rock barrier (figure H) and crosses the finish line with ease.
- Utah's robot continues to smoke (figure I).
In the post-game follow-up, Utah acknowledged that their elaborate design and complex linkage did not allow them time to test their robot. According to Buzz, there wasn't a low enough gear-ratio. The motors apparently stalled in attempting to pump the legs. With a low electrical resistance set, the powerful batteries burned through the wires. The Purdue team designed a robot was simple and almost crude in design, but nonetheless effective in accomplishing its mission. Though the wheels served little purpose on the rough terrain, the claw mechanism proved to be the savior in the competition.
Purdue now progresses in the tournament, and will next face the team from Virginia Tech, which previously defeated Georgia Tech in the Robo-Soccer competition.
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
Mobile Robots : Inspiration to Implementation
Model: 1568810970
Author: Joseph L. Jones, et al
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