During this unit, students will learn about electronics, mechanics, electronic control, as well as some basic construction concepts.
Sumo Wrestler Robot
- A robot, by definition, is reprogrammable, multifunctional, and a manipulator.
- Reprogrammable means that a new program can be used to make the robot do a different job.
- Multifunctional means that a robot can be used to move different types of things.
- Robots can be used to load and unload materials. They can handle hot, corrosive, or toxic materials. Robots can also be used for welding, painting, and sanding.
- Advantages of robots are that they do not need sleep, they do not get sick, and they do not need time to eat.
- A disadvantage of robots are that they cannot think for themselves.
- The sumo car operates using human input.
- The objective of the sumo car was to push the opponent vehicle completely outside the ring.
- Caster wheel: serves as a wheel that will swing freely
as the other wheels are maneuvered.
- Piano wire: can be bent, attached and used as a mast to
hold the electrical wires out of the way.
- Motors: provide power to move the wheels in a given
direction
- Wheels: provide motion to the vehicle, either forward,
backward, or in making a turn
- Gears: used to transfer motion energy from the motors to
the wheels
- Terminal Connector: used to attach the sumo car to the
controller box
- Steps in making the car:
1. Assemble the wheels
2. Attach wheels to body with axle
3. Attach the caster wheel
4. Attach wires and gears to motors
5. Attach motors onto body
6. Solder motor wires to terminal connector
Steps in the Design Process
(If you compare these steps to the Scientific Method, you will see some
similarities...)
1. State the objective (problem) - decide what is to be designed and state the
problem as clearly and specifically as possible. (NOTE: Answer the who, what,
where, when, and how questions at this time.)
2. Gather information - Research the problem by reading, discussing, and
thinking about it.
3. Find solutions - Think of all the bits of information you have gathered and
decide on different ways of solving the problem.
4. Evaluate solutions - Examine the possible solutions, then decide on the best
possible solution. (NOTE: Decide if it is a cost effective solution)
5. Refine ideas and present the best solution.
We did make a video file a couple
of years ago, click here to see it.
Page updated 12 May 2009