Our first NXT assignment was to build a robot that would demonstrate the capabilities of the NXT and impress the instructor and the class. After some discussion, my teammates (two guys from my dorm, Eric McLaughlin and Elijah Lofgren) and I decided to build a catapult that would shoot one of three targets.
We would set up three targets: one directly in front of it, one 90 degrees to it's left, and one 90 degrees to it's right. Using the MLT (machine language trainer) or Computer Detective, we would tell the NXT which target to shoot. We would press a certain button on the MLT and it would blink a sequence of lights. The NXT would know which target to aim for by counting the number of blinks. It would then move into range and shoot.
Building and programming the robot took less time than we thought it would... but working out the bugs took quite a while. We worked a total of 27 hours on this project, that's including preparing and practicing the presentation. The day before the presentation, we stayed up until about 2:00 in the morning practicing our presentation in the room we would present it in the next day. It payed off though, our presentation was about as smooth as it could've been. Here's a recording of one of our practice runs. I know, I need to look up more.
And here's some pictures.
Here's a cool shot of the MLT and the NXT's light sensor, which we used for counting the number of blinks.
Here's the NXT launching the ball. It launched the ball into boxes, as opposed to simply hitting a target.
Not the most compact robot... but it worked flawlessly... almost.
I just now realized how it kinda looks like a bunch of junk on tank tracks...
The useless but still very awesome floating gear. (i.e. it's only held up by the chain and really serves no purpose.)
2 comments:
Dear Diego,
Those are very good pictures ! It's great that you and Elijah and Eric can work together with the legos. Glad to hear the due date is extended for the current project.
I enjoyed your website and hope we can meet your family sometime.
BLESSINGS to you ABUNDANTLY !
Sincerely, Elijah's mom
Hi Mrs. Lofgren!
I must admit I was a bit surprised when I saw who left me that comment. I never thought important people like parents would ever look at this blog. :)
Working with Eric and Elijah has been very fun. I've been extremely blessed by God to have such good teammates.
That'd be really neat if our families got to meet sometime. My family is only 15 minutes from campus, so if you ever come to see Elijah here it's a definite possibility.
-Diego
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