Final Project
Overview
The final section of this course is a design project. You will work in groups
of two to design, build, and program a unique robot. The robot
should be able to accomplish some complex task. The robot should be
functional and also creative and pleasing to the eye. A brainstorming
session will be held in class to help pick appropriate projects.
Rules
- The robot must use gears in the design.
- The robot must contain at least two motors.
- The robot must be programmed to use at least two sensors of distinct types.
Using the motor encoder counters in your program qualifies as one sensor.
- The robot must be controlled by a pbLua program running on the NXT brick.
- The robot may be constructed out of Lego pieces plus any additional
materials such as paper, wood, aluminum, PVC pipe, and so forth, subject to
the following conditions:
- Lego pieces may not be permanently altered in any way
(e.g. no gluing, no disfiguring).
- Items not available in the kit must be provided at your own expense.
- There is no weight limit.
Deadlines
Project Proposal: Includes a
project description, sketches, and description of functional
requirements and behaviors for the project. It is due Tuesday, May 31
at the start of class.
Build Phase: You will have four class periods to build and
program the robot. You should be prepared to work on your project outside
of class time as necessary. The instructor will be in the lab on Tuesday,
Wednesday, and Thursday afternoons for this purpose.
Final Report: Each team will submit a final
project report. It will be due at the start of the final exam period, which
is Friday, June 4 at 9 am. The report should include the following:
- A detailed description of the mechanical design of the robot
- A printout of the control program with a detailed description of its features
- Any calculations and measurements used in the design
- Photographs of the robot
Oral Presentation: Each team will give a short
(10 minute) oral presentation to the class during the finals period for the
course. The presentation should include a demonstration of the robot's
capabilities.