Can Can Challenge - the Challenge!

On 16th august 2011, Me, Jonathan and Daniel was full of tense, as we step up to the final testing. We ran into some mishaps, as shown in this video here.Luckily, we managed to fix some of these problems by changing the batteries in the robot and adjusting the program. We managed to get 22 cans in 2 minutes and got first! Though that was a very good effort, we still think hat the arm could be improved. For instance, maybe if we have an actual hand made of rubber, rather than 2 fingers, maybe the can will not slip off the hand occasionally. If possible, we could try to get better materials to use for the arm, so that the arm will not whip around occasionally.

Can Can Challenge - testing

Hooray, the arm worked! :D Not as we entirely expected it to work, but it worked never the less. We might have to change the program so that the arm goes behind the robot with the can.

Can Can challenge - programming

Johnathan has finished the set of commands for the robot to follow during the challenge. These set commands make the robot move forward, grab the can, and move back. When the button is pressed, the robot will move a certain distance for 1.5 seconds, and then the arm will rotate from the back of the robot towards the can, stop and then move again, grabbing the can, towards the back of the robot and the robot will move backwards towards the starting line, bringing the can with it.

Can Can challenge - base fabrication

Daniel and Tan You started fabricating the base of the arm. We took the base design in the ItoE notes and extended the length of it and stated making the base. We also fillet one end of the base for the arm to go through when the arm swing behind the robot.

Can Can challenge - Arm fabrication 2

With a new design of the arm, we went to fabricate it. It was then we found out that the workshop had wires, and can be used. The wires, though flimsy, are strong and light. So Jonathan suggested we use wires instead of sheet metal will holes punched through. So, our arm design has changed from sheet metal to 2 wires bundled together.

Can Can Challenge - Arm fabrication 1.5

We figured that one finger for the arm to grab the can wouldn't be enough, so we think that having to fingers, one near the top of the can and the other at the bottom, would be better for the arm to grab the can.

Can Can challenge - Arm fabrication

Jonathan has finished the autocad drawing of the arm. Me, Tan You, Didn't realize what is wrong with the drawing, but Daniel did. However, it was only when the drawing was printed then we realize that the arm was too big. So unfortunately, Jonathan had to do the arm all over again.