Initial+Disign


 * THE ASSIGNMENT**: This week is to navigate an obstacle course, pick up a golf ball, navigate the golf ball to a designated location, use only three motors in the process, and to do this in the fastest time possible.


 * Functions**: Our robot needs to be able to pick up a golf ball from a height of six centimeters, be able to move forward, move backwards, turn to the right, turn to the left, and finally put a golf ball back on a brick six centimeters high.


 * Systems**: Our robot will be utilizing three motors to power two wheels, and one grasping device. They will be connected to our NXT block using a series of "NXT connectors".


 * Integration**: We will use similar sized large wheels directly attached to two different motors to achieve our robot's motion. In terms of the grasping mechanism we are hoping to develop a type of gear network that will raise and lower our grasping devise.


 * Pseudo-Code**: Move Wheels Forward - Stop Forward Motion - Raise/Grasp Golf Ball - Stop Grasping/Raising Action - Reverse Backwards - Stop Backwards Motion - Turn to the Right - Stop Turning Action - Move Forward - Stop Forward Motion - Turn to the Right - Stop Turning Action - Move Forward - Stop Forward Motion - Lower/Release Golf Ball Action


 * First Thoughts**: We would like to navigate underneath the obstacle and use a claw design to relocate the golf ball. We will use two of our motors for the purposes of navigation/movement and the third one for the claw feature. We are using the largest tires available to attain a fast speed, sacrificing some accuracy in the pursuit.

Above - The Wheel Design

To the Right - The Claw Design

Below - A picture of the obstacle course