SEPTEMBER 30, 2017
Today the team did a live-build at the Makers' Fair. We improved the lift system by mounting drawer slides attached to servos and a basic pulley system. Zoë also completed most of the programming for the new base.
OCTOBER 7, 2017
After remounting the wheels and motors to improve strength and stability, we installed the newer, more compact electronics. Then, Peter adjusted the spooling on the lift mechanism to improve efficiency.
OCTOBER 14, 2017
Today the team generated possible designs for an arm that will grab the idol game pieces and built a frame for that arm. Additionally, Zoë learned to use the Vuforia system and programmed and configured the robot.
NOVEMBER 4, 2017
Today we replaced the lift mechanism's old thread with a stronger wire to prevent the line from snapping when the robot picks up two blocks. Then, we started driving! After that, Zoë adjusted some of the planning and Peter modified the placement of the servos to improve the grip of the lift mechanism.
SEPTEMBER 9, 2017
Today is reveal day! The team spent today's meeting brainstorming potential gripping mechanisms and programming possibilities with members of the Tuscan Raiders. Both teams came away from the collaboration with some really valuable ideas.
SEPTEMBER 16, 2017
We redesigned the robot's base to accommodate new Mekanum wheels and a rack and pinion system. Then, we built the rack and pinion and its elevator and attached it to a motor. Unfortunately, this system is not functioning as we'd hoped and we will likely have to make extensive modifications in coming weeks.
SEPTEMBER 23, 2017
Zoë got the new wheels programmed while the rest of us built a new lift system using 8020 slides and a few 3D printed parts. This system is not functioning ideally either, however, so this design is still a work in progress.
AUGUST 12, 2017
Week One
Today we disassembled the base of last year's robot and constructed a new base to use for this season.
