Mark

Oregon State

the curriculum at OSU follows this type of order and encompasses these activities:
and can be found more completely at:
http://eecs.oregonstate.edu/education/tekbots/classes/index.php

• build own Tekbots
• learn to use multimeter
• concepts of voltage and current
• learn about motors, BJT's and comparators
• design complex systems with digital controller board
• choose semi-autonomous or remote control or both
• IR sensing
• PSPICE simulation
• use of a frequency generator
• make microphone and receiver so robots can combine logic and sound to receive controls from the transmitter and make the corresponding movement
• camera board to make vision and distance measurements
• use Tekbot matlab so robot can count money, locate specific objects within and environment, and triangulate the position of sounds of interest
• some robots play freeze tag with each other

Mechanical Design and other advice

some recommended things to consider when building a robot according to www.societyofrobots.com

• use few and simple parts
• use few types of screws
• use off the shelf parts when available
• for frame use aluminum or HDPE (high density PolyEthylene)
• large wheels provide low torque but high velocity
• servos have good torque so you can use large wheels
• use wheels that are larger that your motor diameter for clearance underneath
• use simple differential drive
• motors: servos provide easier control, but are less energy efficient; motors can take harsher treatment and are efficient and powerful
• HDPE: cheaper than aluminum, lightweight, easily machinable, recommended for use on the base of the robot where you mount everything, do not use in wear is expected, it is soft, do not tap it is self tapping, do not use if you require highly rigid strength
• aluminum: very strong, light, resistant to corrosion, affordable, easily machinable, higher strength to weight ratio than steel

Post-it Notes

Group 3—Functions

• find its way through a maze
• spiderbot
• magnet to pick things up
• catapult
• play soccer
• play football
• play baseball
• play golf

Group 4—Materials

• lightweight plastic frame
• strong aluminum appendages
• use parts available at local hobby stores
• simple servo motors