When teams started each group got together and brainstormed designs for their robots. After many alterations and initial designs teams began prototyping. Everyone had the opportunity to explore and learn about each aspect of robotics as each subgroup was divided and had to work on things outside of their own subgroup. As for new students that were thinking of joining our team were able to explore and find out what they are interested in doing on the team.
Much of the prototyping revolved around how to score the game piece. While many teams worked towards a claw, others also tried to create a part that would allow them to score a high beaker in auton. Everyone had their own unique designs for the arm with varying materials that ranged from wood, polycarb, and metal. Once every team had their drive base and “final” designs for their robot they got to work.
Members circulated through other teams teaching and helping each other do things that others couldn’t, two of the most common wiring and programming. Students in business were able to learn how to use multiple machines in the shop and assemble parts of the robot along with programming and new students. Everyone had the opportunity to learn and work hands on with the robot no matter what their experience in the subject is.
With 3D printed parts claw prototyping started and many designs were circulated as some were too complicated or just didn’t work. With a tight schedule students also started to build off of their drivebases to make an arm, some took longer to build while others were quick but a bit unstable each team tackled the issues that their designs presented. As parts were being laser cutted and others 3D printed, teams started to assemble their claws after their prototypes. For some teams attaching the claw to the arm was a challenge but they continued to problem solve and find new ways whether that was screwing in the part or creating a new one as a connection.
The Robot Rodeo was getting closer and closer as designs were being finalized teams rushed in the last three meeting teams were rushing to tweak and fix last minute programming and parts or even trying to get a whole arm working as the matches started.
The Robot Rodeo has come and gone. Our teams did an amazing job competing and cooperating with each other and working with other teams to help everyone learn new skills that they can use moving forward into the year. The competition was full of great matches and problem solving between rounds. As the Rodeo ended and awards were handed out each and every team did an amazing job accomplishing the goals that they set for the robot and themselves.
