Exciting learning is happening at TCS Robotics. We are gaining a better understanding of programing and building, in preparation for next Fall’s Lego Robotics Competition.

Our monthly challenges focus on the science, mechanics, and programing of our robots. Our first challenge was Robot Tug-of-War. We discussed the physics of motion, and examined how friction, toque, speed, weight, and wheels size, contributes to the overall performance of the robot.  Then, we put our knowledge to the test, and came up with a winning strategy for Tug-of-War, that ended with an exciting, edge-of-your-seat competition!

This month, we finished-up our exciting Maze Race Challenge. We learned how to use the color sensor. Teams programmed their robots to follow the twists and turns of a maze, created by blue painters tape. The science of reflective and ambient light detection was introduced, as well as the concept of variables and constants, as it relates to programming. In order to create a successful maze racer, each group measured the reflective light values between the blue tape and the white table with the light sensor for their program. The arbitrary values of reflected light between the blue tape and the white table produced a contrast that allowed the robot to accurately follow the twists and turns of the maze. Speed, the position of the sensor, and the measurement of reflective light values from the tape and table, all contributed to the robots ability to quickly and accurately to navigate the maze. Understanding each coding block in the program, helped the groups change the code as needed, to produce a faster, more accurate robot.

During our open build-time this past Friday, a flood of independent ideas and busy creative minds took over the Robotics room. We used this opportunity to make new creations or work on existing challenges, while reviewing programming skills.

 

 

 

 

Many new prototypes were built and programmed. A robot with a build-in timer was a fantastic new addition. There was no need to use my iPhone to time a Maze Race. The robots’ own digital display indicated how many seconds passed as it raced. Then there was the robot that was less practical and more nostalgic---a robot that mimics the magic of a Magic 8-ball. Apparently, I am not going to win the lottery, again.

A portable robot printer was also attempted. The group attached a small role of paper to one robot and the other end of the paper roll to a second robot. A stand was made from Lego’s to hold the marker in place, where eventually, the marker would move back and forth on the paper.

Going forward, we will continue our goal of becoming proficient at programming and building. For the Roomba Challenge, we will use the ultrasonic sensor to find and push plastic cups out of a defined square area created with tape, in the least amount of time. The light sensor will also be used to make sure the robot stays within this square area. Stay tuned for the results from this challenge.