After some initial discussion of scoring strategy, we reached a consensus that:
- Taking time to score noodles is not really worth the effort.
- The maximum stack we can efficiently make is three totes and one can.
- Cooperation is really important - we need not spend time trying to hinder the enemy robots if we can target objectives in our own side of the field instead. The bump also extends the risk of the robot toppling over and / or needlessly getting hindered mid-field (vulnerability).
This consensus is extremely important, making sure the team doesn't overextend or get sidetracked with side goals - for example spend several days trying to get the robot to lift higher than this or try to get the manipulator to manipulate noodles.
During a limited discussion of drive trains, most of our members thought that holonomic seemed to be the best way to go. Maneuverability will be important this year, and speed - not so much.
We broke into teams in order to discuss and get started on our specific tasks.
We broke into teams in order to discuss and get started on our specific tasks.
Drive train: Debated between holonomic and tank drives further. The newer members were getting familiarized with common build tools.
Upper Body Prototyping: The team came up with a basic idea for a lift: a l-bar attached to a rail that moved up and down by a chain lift. They also compiled with a list of materials needed to actually prototype this very simple lift (20" rails, two 16" by 3/4" l-bars, 40" chain lift). They considered strategies for picking up game pieces, however they are awaiting dimensions from the drive train sub team before they come to any conclusions.
CAD: The CAD team sketched out ideas and decided on important goals. They have four major design points for the robot which must be considered in any potential design:
Upper Body Prototyping: The team came up with a basic idea for a lift: a l-bar attached to a rail that moved up and down by a chain lift. They also compiled with a list of materials needed to actually prototype this very simple lift (20" rails, two 16" by 3/4" l-bars, 40" chain lift). They considered strategies for picking up game pieces, however they are awaiting dimensions from the drive train sub team before they come to any conclusions.
CAD: The CAD team sketched out ideas and decided on important goals. They have four major design points for the robot which must be considered in any potential design:
- Ability to stack quickly effectively.
- Ability to lift a tote, or container, at least 45 inches above the ground (to make stacks of 3 totes with a container on top)
- Ability to lift at least a 30 lb payload (will likely be increased)
- A way to pull away recycle bins from the step at the beginning of a match; this will be crucial during eliminations.
They also came up with several design concepts:
- A basic forklift design
- A claw on top of a four-bar lift
- A wide robot that would be able to intake from the back or front and stack within the robot.
Another consideration is a two sided intake so we can take in bins from the front and back of the robot.
Electrical: They opened all of the new electronics, cataloged them, and began testing! Mentors and veterans reviewed all the electrical parts/tools and functions of the new roboRIO robot controller with the newer members. They also taught newer members about the differences between wire gauges, how to solder wires together, and also reviewed the different ways to crimp wires.
Programming: The programming team downloaded and configured all of their laptops with the new software for the 2015 season. [resources on the 2015 control system including software setup are here] The veterans & mentors then discussed the new libraries and some basics of robotics programming. The first week is typically the designing and prototyping week, so the programming team will focus on getting used to the new control system. The electrical veterans & heads also went over the basics of the new control system for the programming team.
One of our parents made a this bump for us to test!
Programmers to the left and electrical to the right. All of them hard at work getting ready for what's to come!
Design / CAD Team is discussing and sharing ideas.