The Build
Just Getting Started
At the BEST Robotics Kick-Off, teams are given a specific amount of supplies that they can use to build and assemble their robots. The materials BEST Inc. supplies range from plywood and PVC, to bungee chord and nylon string. BEST Inc. also provides a list of materials teams can use in addition to what they have acquired at Kick-Off. This includes items such as duct tape and pennies. Teams must use the materials given to construct a robot that completes the requirements of the game.
At the BEST Robotics Kick-Off, teams are given a specific amount of supplies that they can use to build and assemble their robots. The materials BEST Inc. supplies range from plywood and PVC, to bungee chord and nylon string. BEST Inc. also provides a list of materials teams can use in addition to what they have acquired at Kick-Off. This includes items such as duct tape and pennies. Teams must use the materials given to construct a robot that completes the requirements of the game.
Engineering Design Process
The engineering design process is used to provide the best possible solution to complete the requirements of the game. Design processes may differ among teams, but they all have similarities. Our design process contains six steps and has proven to work in constructing a successful robot in the previous years.
Safety
The most important part of the build process, safety, is highly emphasized in robotics. For optimal safety, we began learning all the basic rules and procedures given to us by BEST robotics inside the classroom. When each person had completed a safety quiz with acceptable results, we began a more hands-on approach, beginning to physically use the tools that were inside the shop.
The most important part of the build process, safety, is highly emphasized in robotics. For optimal safety, we began learning all the basic rules and procedures given to us by BEST robotics inside the classroom. When each person had completed a safety quiz with acceptable results, we began a more hands-on approach, beginning to physically use the tools that were inside the shop.
Step 1: Design Objective
The purpose of this step is for us to get a big picture idea of what the design should be able to do. Nothing should be specific in terms of requirements and constraints, with no indication as to a particular design solution.
Step 2: IDENTIFYing CONSTRAINTS
There are two types of constraints for us to consider in this process: absolute and negotiable limitations. Absolute limitations include materials, game rules, time, and safety as well as meeting financial needs. Negotiable limitations include aesthetics, speed, and reliability. Sometimes we must make trade-offs to satisfy the absolute constraints.
Step 3: Design Alternatives
We should have multiple solutions for the design objective. These designs should be open-minded and creative. If we encounter trouble creating designs, we attempt to change our thinking and refine the objective we're trying to achieve instead. Forms of designs can range from writings and drawings to building small, cardboard-based prototypes.
Step 4: Analyze Solutions
In this step, we discuss the pros and cons of each idea. Considering each part separately such as a base, wheel, arm, or claw, we make sure that all of our solutions are scrutinized to our best ability, and that everything makes sense logistically and mathematically. The "best" solution is not always the easiest to build, the most durable, or the most reliable. This is where we as a team truly determine what "best" means to us.
Step 5: Construct the Solution
This step includes cutting, drilling, sanding, buying more wood, and waking up dreaming about robots. We finally attempt to build the solution we came up with for our refined objective. Spending as much time as possible leading up to this before we actually build anything, we verify our plan is solid and know exactly what we're doing before anything is done.
Step 6: Verifying PERFORMANCE
Now that our solution is built, we have to ask ourselves "Does the robot function the way our team wants it to?" If we determine the robot isn't up to our standards, we take the time to identify what went wrong with the process and jump back in to attempt to fix the problem. When we've went through this process several times for each part and the whole, we eventually reach a result we're more than happy to take with us to competition day.
Engineering Notebook
The purpose of the engineering notebook is to record the steps and measures taken to construct the team's robotic solution to the Problem Presented. This would include a research paper on the game theme, the engineering design process used to create the robot, the actual construction of the robot, and records of its performance.
Research
It is required that teams complete research on the game theme. Teams must explore various research labs/companies using similar types of technology that correlate with the game theme. Additionally they must find significant events in history that correlate with the game theme.
Construction of the Robot
In this part of our engineering notebook, we list in detail every step we took to build our robotic solution. This would include what tools we used, the method of attachments, and the materials used to create a part. We have to make sure to be as specific as possible.
Performance
Simply put, how well the robot functions. Personal tests on our home course, Test Drive/Mall Day results, and other statistics go here.
Research
It is required that teams complete research on the game theme. Teams must explore various research labs/companies using similar types of technology that correlate with the game theme. Additionally they must find significant events in history that correlate with the game theme.
Construction of the Robot
In this part of our engineering notebook, we list in detail every step we took to build our robotic solution. This would include what tools we used, the method of attachments, and the materials used to create a part. We have to make sure to be as specific as possible.
Performance
Simply put, how well the robot functions. Personal tests on our home course, Test Drive/Mall Day results, and other statistics go here.
Exhibit & Interview
The purpose of the Exhibit and Interview is to coordinate the theme of the overall competition into a large display in which other teams, guests, and judges can view.
Exhibit Requirements The exhibit is to be within the dimensions of 8 feet tall, 8 feet in width, and 8 feet in depth. Our team's exhibit, much like a company's exhibit at a trade show or expo, must support our publicity efforts for our team and product. |
Spirit & Sportsmanship
Spirit and Sportsmanship requires little preparation before the competition when compared to other parts of the game. Teams are judged on how well they support and cheer for their team during the robot head-to-head competition, as well as how helpful they are to other teams on game day.
To show our spirit, we make posters for our own team and in support of all other teams that are included in our Hub. Decorative Noisemakers covered in ribbons and glitter will be used to get everyone hyped for competition day. To make our team unified, recognizable, and spirited, we will all be wearing our team shirts. To spread the word and get kids excited about Robotics, we are inviting all junior high students who wish to attend the BEST competition and learn more about robotics as a whole. Also, our mascot the Wolverine will arrive to show his support of our team on game day.
To show our spirit, we make posters for our own team and in support of all other teams that are included in our Hub. Decorative Noisemakers covered in ribbons and glitter will be used to get everyone hyped for competition day. To make our team unified, recognizable, and spirited, we will all be wearing our team shirts. To spread the word and get kids excited about Robotics, we are inviting all junior high students who wish to attend the BEST competition and learn more about robotics as a whole. Also, our mascot the Wolverine will arrive to show his support of our team on game day.
Drivers
In the robot head-to-head competition, teams are required to provide a list of robot drivers. These drivers are assisted by a spotter, two in the 2018 game Current Events, who help the Driver with certain tasks and point out what's in their blind spots, Both of them staying inside their area at all times, lest they must face a time penalty.
Drivers and spotters are under immense pressure during the game, drivers needing to maneuver correctly and spotters to point out information and complete tasks so the robot may score. It's important we all do our best to support them as much as possible on competition day, and show them some of the Penelope Wolverine Pride!
Drivers and spotters are under immense pressure during the game, drivers needing to maneuver correctly and spotters to point out information and complete tasks so the robot may score. It's important we all do our best to support them as much as possible on competition day, and show them some of the Penelope Wolverine Pride!