During the first weeks of the meetings with Mr. Politis, we were practicing our ideas into place from various members. Our main idea was a launcher, which included the following components such as catapults, sling shots, friction wheel launchers and organic arm tossing.

 

Ideas that came up from our minds but weren’t as useful include the bulldozer, slide and the U-shaped friction wheel launcher. Once the brainstorming was finished, we started to create and test these ideas in the long run. Some of the tests became successful as a result, especially the sling shot, friction wheel launcher and slide.

 

There were certain problems however with all three systems. The slingshot was both accurate and powerful, but we had a lot of issues getting the loading mechanism working. This was our main system for approximately 2 months.

 

The next system, which is the friction wheel launcher, was quickly developed and got played with many problems such as reliability and range. We attempted different wheels, but not one of them had enough grip. Our last and best device ever produced was pretty simple to construct. It was the slide. The slide went through many alterations. At first, it was designed as an angled flat board. This evolved into a fragmented board, to a board with rail guides and finally to a rail with slots and held together with friends.

 

After setting the slide as our main system, we started planning our reloading mechanisms. We also brainstormed many ideas including conveyors and arms. We eventually designed and toss a rotating arm, with a wrist and a claw.

 

For our base, we decided to add our sturdy VEX frame, which consists of four mechanism wheels, so that there are easy and precise movements to be made. The slide will run parallel to the base, in the middle and the end of the ramp (which signifies the front). The arm and claw run perpendicular.

 

The slide has a capacity of the 2 maximum spools. The loading arm is perpendicular to the top of the slide. The arm picks up a spool, twists it and releases it onto the slide. On the slide, there is a pin to control the robot when to release the spool. Development of this system is still ongoing still. We are still currently thinking of a drop pin mechanism as well.

 

At this moment, the assembly of the robot is taking place. We are installing the base, arms and slide. As we are coming near the end, I am noticing how much we have come together as a team. We can safely call people in our teams, as good friends. Ever since the robot has been progressing in construction, so has our friendship from the LSA team. Go LSA Go!