2010 Robot
The 2010 Circuit Stompers Robot is designed and built to be multi-functional as follows:
The first major function of the robot is to be highly maneuverable, fast and wirelessly controlled. Our robot is 37” across the front, 27” from front to back and 17” tall. Our robot uses 4 CIM drive motors and 4 gear boxes to power 4 independent wheels. The weight of the robot is equally centered on all four drive wheels. All 4 wheels are independent and controlled via arcade style software and wireless electronics. The addition of Mecanum wheels will allow us to move sideways. A gyro chip, accelerometer chip, and 4 encoders compliment and support the fine control capability of the robot. This allows our robot to travel over the bumps or under the tunnel to access the entire playing field.
The second major function of the robot is to herd soccer balls from the floor at a high rate of speed. Our robot utilizes 2 Fisher-price motors and a gear box to power a 20” roller which will allow the ball to backspin and stay in place with the constant movement of the robot.
The third major function of the robot is the on-board camera vision. Our robot uses wireless video telemetry with laptop computer monitor to “see” in nearly real time the playing field. The camera assists our robot in driving and positioning for accuracy. This camera may also be used to control our robot autonomously to identify, acquire, and shoot the ball into the goals.
The fourth major function of our robot includes pneumatics operation. The pneumatics are incorporated to provide compressed stored air on-board via compressor, 2 storage tanks, and the necessary controls. This compressed air is used to activate the kicker.
The fifth major function of the robot is to hang itself on the tower. To accomplish this, it uses a window motor to raise a series of PVC piping with a hook on the top that clamps onto the tower. To raise the robot itself, a CIM motor and a gear reduction transmission are used to “winch” the robot up.
The sixth major function of the robot is to deflect soccer balls from nesting into the robot’s chassis. To accomplish this, Lexan polycarbonate is used on top of the robot and on the sides.