Students in the Tools for Engineering class are currently learning computer aided design and robotics. Some of their designs will be 3D printed in our lab as class assignments and some will invent 3D printed implements (read tools of destruction) to enhance their battle bots for the end-of-semester competition.
The current project is controlling motion accuracy; robots move between two waypoints to land within a narrow marker. It’s not as easy as it sounds, as trajectory can be deviated by tire size, weight distribution, and the tolerances (or lack thereof) with individual motors. It’s the first step to advanced tasks that will happen in the coming weeks, such as the stair step climbing challenge!