1. Robotics Design Challenge # 5
C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab
Michael May, Instructor
Robotics Design Challenge # 5
March 1, 2010

2. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Domestic robots are available on the market today to
take care of basic household chores, yard work and
swimming pool maintenance.

3. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
One company even makes a robotic cat litter box that frees cat owners
from the unpleasant chore of scooping out the cat’s litter box.

4. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
So many chores to do, so many domestic robots to assist us.
Self propelled robotic floor mops.
Robotic swimming pool cleaners.
Robotic vacuum cleaners.
Robotic companions for the elderly.

5. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
The iRobot Corporation makes a very popular autonomous
robot vacuum cleaner called the Roomba.
With over 3 million Roombas sold since 1990, iRobot has created
the best selling consumer robot in history!

6. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
The Husqvarna Corporation makes a robotic lawn mower called
the Automower.
They even make a solar powered robotic lawnmower!

7. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Who knows what the future will bring. Wouldn’t it be nice if same day
someone would invent a domestic robot that served refreshments?

8. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
The future is now!

9. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Your assignment is to design, build, and program a robot
that will serve your teacher a beverage.
That is the easy part. The difficult part of this assignment is that the robot
must pour the beverage all by itself using an autonomous program that you
write. Humans may not assist the robot in accomplishing this task.

10. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Design Criteria and Constraints
Students will be working in teams of 3 to accomplish this challenge.
You may pre-load a beverage can or bottle onto the robot.
The robot must locate the teacher’s cup by itself, and pour the beverage
without human intervention or help.
You may add weights to the teacher’s cup to keep it from tipping over.
You are encouraged to use digital bumper sensors or digital limit switch
sensors in your robot design.
You must design your own chassis which can include single or multiple motor
modules, tank treads, omni-wheels, or any size wheel that we have in the
parts bin.

11. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Special Warning!!!!!!
Electronics and water do NOT mix! Your robot design
must incorporate safety measures to prevent the robot’s
electronic components from getting wet. This especially
applies to the Micro Controller module.

12. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Grading and Assessment
To receive full credit for this assignment your robot must:
Be completed on the due date.
Successfully pour a beverage into the teacher’s cup.
Run an autonomous code that accomplishes the task without human
assistance or intervention.
Use a sensor to locate the teacher’s cup and position the arm to
pour into the cup.

13. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
An example robot that successfully conquered this challenge:
Pre-loaded bottle
Micro Controller
protected from water
Teacher’s cup
Limit switch sensor
Single motor module with 2” chain driven wheels

14. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
An example robot that successfully conquered this challenge:
Pre-loaded bottle
Micro Controller
protected from water
Bumper sensor to
start autonomous
program.
Four motor modules driving 4” direct drive wheels

15. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Due Date
Friday March 5, 2010

16. C.A.R.T. Robotics & Electronics Lab Robotics Design Challenge # 5
Any Questions?