Lego Robotics Challenge # 1 & 2

Lego Robotics Challenge #1

Lego Robotics Challenge #2

To complete the challenges, our group (Chris, Max, Owen) programmed the car by simply using the move blocks, and having the motors move for a certain amount of time.

It was not as efficient, but it worked out in the end. In order to get it right, a lot of trial and error was needed to find that right times when programming it.

Problems we encountered during the process.

• Our team struggled to build the actual car to hold the controller
• As a result, we missed the chance to participate in the actual race against the other teams
• We ended up having the recreate the challenges ourselves

• In the video, the car did not move straight, it would go to the right a little
• We discovered the problem was the the front right wheel was not the same size as the rest
• Once we replaced the tire, it moved perfectly straight

Revisions that could have been made

• If given more time, we would have definitely incorporated the sensor inputs when programming the car
• The ultrasonic sensor could have been used to sense an object in its path. When it gets close enough to that object, we could program it to turn. We could have used it to navigate the course.  

Lego Robotics Challenge #2

Lego Robotics Challenge #1

Triangle bridge holding weight much stronger than its own

 triangles balance the universe

Our first prototype was basically the same design. But we made a couple changes.

1) Made the height of the triangles smaller

2) Used more triangles for more support, and stability. We noticed that the taller we made the triangles, the more it leaned to the side, so we fixed that by shortening the height of the bridge.

 

this triangle was made from 51.6 grams of wood and glue and held 700batteries 20 pounds (9071.85 grams)

This makes the strength to weight ratio about 176:1

The string broke. The triangle succeeded, and does its natural wonders again.        

  the bridge of distance 

when steps are made in the mind. one step at a time.

3.1.6 Open and Closed Loop Systems

In this assignment we learned about open and closed loop systems. 

Open loop systems run without ever knowing the job they are doing.

Closed loop systems loop systems run, but give feedback to the device.

Video of our open loop system. We controlled a motor driven on a track.

 




















Our closed circuit system






















Program for circuit system

3.1.5 Variable Functions

In this packet, we were introduced into the plus block function, variable function block, and branch function block. 

Timeserver the program passes through the Plus function block, it adds a value to the block on the right block. And the variable function block keeps track of the value. 

The Branch Function Block is similar to the analog function block, except the branch retrieves information from whatever value is provided through the information node. In this case, the variable function block.

We used what we learned to turn on a lamp for a certain amount of time. 

Here is the lamp, and how it responds to the program. 

Super Advertising: 2014 Volkswagen Game Day Commercial: Wings

With the Super Bowl coming this past weekend, many companies spent big bucks securing their spots for slots on the air. For 30 seconds of air-time, a company must pay $4 million. The commercial that we chose, the "Volkswagen Wing Commercial", Volkswagen had to drop $8 million for it's minute long airing. With this, Volkswagen would have to sell 178 of it's most expensive 2014 model. (2014 Touareg coming in at $45,000) in order to make up that money. Above is the video to the commercial.

3.1.3 Basic Programming

In this worksheet, we learned to program a motor to run for a set amount of time. We were introduced to the basic program elements like Start, M1 output, Timd Delay, and End Program.

This is our flowchart, with text to show what each block does.

3.1.4 Branch Functions

As a gropu, we learned the difference between digital and analog functions. Digital is when the action is to turn off/off and analog is when there is a scale of a different values applied. We also learned that branch functions offer the program to make a decision because every branch function is a yes/no question. Programming two switches to have different jobs under the same function was something else we learned. With help from Mr. Olsen, we were able to learn how to use the potentiometer, which led us to be able to dim a light, because the potentiometer behaves as an analog device. It's important because there can be different outcomes for the same input.

This is our branch function with multiple decisions based on the value of the potentiometer, which let us dim the light.



This is our potentiometer.

3.1.1 Inputs and Outputs

In this activity, our group learned about digital inputs and analog inputs. We also learned about outputs, and how they can be used to control a buzzer and motor, by using the fischertechnik ROBO TX Controller.

 Digital Inputs

Switch normally open, no voltage present

Press switch, voltage now present. Represented by 1.

Mini Switch normally closed. Voltage present without pressing switch.

Press the switch, no more voltage present 

Analog Inputs

Using the Potentiometer to resemble analog inputs

Outputs

Motor output spinning

Test Interface allows us to control the inputs and outputs. In this case, the motor output.