So I got to lead a Robotics team...

Serendipity
Serendipity Posts: 6,975
edited October 2008 in The Clubhouse
Basically my Engineering professor gave me the position to supervise a bunch of kids competing in the 2008 B.E.S.T. robotics competition...

Has anyone (esp. college students) done this before? It's similar to the FIRST robotics competition but a little harder. I think it will be a challenge but I think I'll enjoy it.

I'm excited!!
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  • Fireman32
    Fireman32 Posts: 4,845
    edited September 2008
    Congrats man im sure it will be a fun time.
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  • phoneisbusy
    phoneisbusy Posts: 867
    edited September 2008
    Good luck. Keep us posted about your progress.

    Dave
    Time is the best teacher. Unfortunately it kills all its students.
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited September 2008
    Cool, I was the captain of my schools SAE walking machine compitition back in '97. Do you have your own machining capabilities? What's the "goal" of the comp? I don't know that I can help as I've been out of robotics since completing my ME degree.
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited September 2008
    jdhdiggs wrote: »
    Cool, I was the captain of my schools SAE walking machine compitition back in '97. Do you have your own machining capabilities? What's the "goal" of the comp? I don't know that I can help as I've been out of robotics since completing my ME degree.

    Yes, we have our own shop thanks to my professor. The goal is to build a robot that can assemble a model airplane. Since we had difficulty assembling the model airplane BY HAND, I'd have to say that it's going to be a tough task for anything to put it together...
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  • haimoc
    haimoc Posts: 1,031
    edited September 2008
    Very cool...
    -?¿-
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited September 2008
    Yikes! That's a PITA... Can you use human input or is it all autonomously? The problem is , depnding on the complexity of the model, you'll need a 4 axis robot and at least two arms... This is for middle school students? Wow....

    My company has a couple robotics experts that can probably point you to some local experts if you want the assistance.

    Or you could just do this and watch the kids puke: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9PMCiMij0kQ
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited September 2008
    Looks like it's a radio controlled robot, so human input is allowed.

    "Each school is provided kits of equipment and parts, a set of game rules, and given six weeks to design, build, and test a small Radio/Controlled (R/C) robot that outperforms other robots."

    I have my BS in Robotics (Machine Automation) so I know a few things here and there. Once you receive your kits and rules, I might be able to give a few pointers but not too much to stay within the rules of the competition. :)
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  • steveinaz
    steveinaz Posts: 19,536
    edited September 2008
    Do you have any idea how nerdy that sounds? I'm kidding brotha--I kid 'cause I care. Congratulations man!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited September 2008
    Sami,

    I would appreciate your help but as far as I understand, it's mainly the kids that should be doing the work. I don't know if it's considered "cheating" if you have someone else help your team???
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  • Sami
    Sami Posts: 4,634
    edited September 2008
    I think the main thing is to get them involved and get excited about creating something and solving a problem. If they get stuck, I think it's your job to help them get over the obstacle (themselves solving it, with your help). The similar projects I've been in, outside consulting has always been welcomed as long as it's not them doing the actual work. You'll find out once you receive the complete details.

    Good luck and have fun!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited September 2008
    Thanks, I'm looking forward to it!!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited October 2008
    Just got back from the competition...

    We won FIRST PLACE for presentation, THIRD PLACE for team spirit, AND got into the finals! YAY!

    :)
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  • audiobliss
    audiobliss Posts: 12,518
    edited October 2008
    That is awesome, appadv! Congratulations to you and your team! Oh, and we definitely need pictures and video! And details on how the build went!
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  • MrNightly
    MrNightly Posts: 3,370
    edited October 2008
    Wow.... way to go man! Good luck at the finals!
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  • obieone
    obieone Posts: 5,077
    edited October 2008
    Congrats! Can you post pics/ vid of your project?
    I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited October 2008
    Thanks, will get some pics up!
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  • NotaSuv
    NotaSuv Posts: 3,845
    edited October 2008
    Way to go.............good luck in the finals
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited October 2008
    Here ya go...thats my team :)
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited October 2008
    Here's a pic of our robot in action :)

    I wish I had taken more pictures though...
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  • jdhdiggs
    jdhdiggs Posts: 4,305
    edited October 2008
    WOW! I gotta say, it's amazing the turnaround was that fast... Absolutely amazing! Congrats and good luck!
    There is no genuine justice in any scheme of feeding and coddling the loafer whose only ponderable energies are devoted wholly to reproduction. Nine-tenths of the rights he bellows for are really privileges and he does nothing to deserve them. We not only acquired a vast population of morons, we have inculcated all morons, old or young, with the doctrine that the decent and industrious people of the country are bound to support them for all time.-Menkin
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  • Serendipity
    Serendipity Posts: 6,975
    edited October 2008
    jdhdiggs wrote: »
    WOW! I gotta say, it's amazing the turnaround was that fast... Absolutely amazing! Congrats and good luck!

    Thanks!

    We should have our own Club Polk robot wars (like the video Keiko posted). Now THAT would be fun :D

    ;)
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