Robot Assistance Project Group 2
The task of this project was to build and program three robots and to program two others that would aid those trapped in a single story building after a disaster. This project primarily made use of the fields of biomedical engineering and computer science, however it also used components of mechanical engineering. The types of robots that built and programmed were the Vex, the Lego, the iRobot, the Scribbler, and the Vex IQ.
Group 2’s Members
Mario Blanco
Landon Fadel
Ryan Lau
Daniel Pefley
Juliette Smotrys
Sandy Yohan
Biomedical Engineering
The application of engineering that uses the principles and design concepts of medicine and biology for healthcare purposes. This field of engineering bridges the gap between engineering and medicine to advance healthcare treatment. Types of engineering within the sphere of biomedical engineering include tissue, genetic, neural, and pharmaceutical engineering. There are currently over 19,000 biomedical engineers in the U.S., with a growth of 27% expected from 2012-2022.
Computer Science
The scientific and practical approach to computation and its applications. This field is relatively new, as it is only about 60 years old. This field requires thinking in both abstract and concrete ways. It is strongly connected with other disciplines, such as those dealing with science, engineering, health care, business, and any other areas that solve problems with computers. Forms of computer science include computer architecture, software systems, graphics, artificial intelligence, computational science, and software engineering.
Our Robots
Vex
The task of our Vex robot was to be able to pick up a water bottle and clear it out of a designated path. This original model of our robot was able to do that, but the weight of our claw was far too heavy for our motors to support, so we had to redesign our claw with lighter parts.
Pictures of Our Original Vex Robot Claw Design:
Closed
Opened
Here is a picture of our Vex robot with a lighter claw made out of plastic parts. We were unsuccessful in programming the robot due to two damaged brains and many faulty cords that would not transfer the code to our robot correctly.
Lego
The task of our Lego robot was to be able to follow a predetermined path to escape a building after a disaster. This robot had to be remodeled four times before our group got it to perform its task successfully.
iRobot
The task of our iRobot was to search a room for any survivors who would then press a button to indicate that they were still alive, and then it would return to home base. This robot was already assembled, yet it contained very complex programming that our group had a little trouble with.
Scribbler
The task of the Scribbler was to be able to follow the path of the iRobot back to its home base so that the survivors would be able to follow the robot out. This robot was difficult to work with because of its slow speed; the iRobot has one set speed when traveling back to home base that the Scribbler was simply too slow for.
Ryan encounters some issues while programming the Scribbler.
Vex IQ
The task of the Vex IQ robot was to be able to follow a black line drawn in the room and to carry supplies to survivors in the room. Our Vex IQ robot did not look quite as complicated as this, but it still completed its task well.
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