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 employ 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.
Creativity
In addition to following the rules above, part of your grade will be based
on how creative your project is. Creativity is assessed along the
following lines:
- Degree of difference between the project robot and the most similar lab robot, assessed both in terms of physical build and programming.
- Degree of experimentation. In the process of developing the project,
there may be a number of failed experiments. It is important to document these;
credit will be awarded for the process of tinkering.
Deadlines
Project Proposal: Includes a
project description, sketches, and description of functional
requirements and behaviors for the project. It is due Friday, April 18
at the start of class.
Build Phase: You will have five class periods to build and
program the robot. You should be prepared to work on your programs outside
of class time as necessary. You may make appointments with the instructor
to have access to the lab outside of class time for the purpose of building
your robot or testing your programs. The build phase will be complete at
the end of class on Friday, May 2.
Final Report: Each team will submit a final
project report. It will be due at the start of the final exam period, which
is Monday, May 12, 2-5 pm. 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.