Final Robot Projects

The class will be split into four groups consisting of three-to-four students each.

Your project may fall into one of two broad categories:

• Two robots communicating: build two robots, each using one RCX. The two robots will communicate with each other via infrared over a distance. Examples: robots playing a game of tag; robots playing hide-and-seek; one robot finding an object of some kind and then sending some sort of homing signal to the let the other robot find it. This kind of project is likely to be heavier on programming than on construction.
• A big, two-brained robot: build one robot using the two RCXs combined. This will allow you to have six inputs and six outputs for greater sensing and articulation. Of course, in order to control the inputs and outputs in a useful manner, the RCXs will have to frequently communicate with each other. This kind of project is likely to be heavier on construction than on programming, although programming will still be critical.

Each group will have at their disposal:

2 RCXs
3-4 light sensors
3-5 touch sensors
1-2 rotation sensors
5-6 motors
plus lots of other lego pieces

We also have one temperature sensor that can be used by one group. There is a limited budget available for us to acquire a few special purpose items. I have a catalog in my office.

Your projects have several due dates associated with them:

1. First, your group must submit a short document (via email is fine) describing the goal of your project by Friday, April 23. Only one submission per group. The submission should entail not only the goals of your project but also your proposed work schedule.
2. Your group must demonstrate a working version of your robot to the rest of class on Monday, May 3. This will leave us time to work out any bugs before the Science Poster Session.
3. You must have the robot in working order and be present at the Science Poster Session at 6pm on the evening of Thursday, May 6 on the first floor of the Science Center to show off your robot. You must have schematic diagrams available indicating how your robots are constructed and programmed.
4. Finally, you must have completed the robot and the written description of the robot project (details to follow) by our last class meeting on Wednesday, May 12. Each student must submit a separate written description of the project.

IMPORTANT: Several class periods will be devoted to working in the robot, but that will surely not be enough time to get the entire project completed. You will need to meet with your group outside of class to discuss your plans and goals, and also you will need to arrange times to come to the lab (our classroom) to work on the project.