Our design began with several prototypes, of both the overall robot and its individual components. By making each major component modular we were able to tackle them in different teams simultaneously.
There were three principal stages to our design process:
Prototype
Components
Assembly
The three stages of our robot design process.
Firstly, we worked together to come up with a few initial designs. Then choosing our favourite features from each robot, we compiled them into our master prototype.
Secondly, we began prototyping each of the principal components of the robot. Namely: the chassis and wheels, the arm, and the claw.
Lastly, we began determining the layout and assembly of our components. Where they would fit and how they would interact with each other.
To construct our robot, we divided ourselves into teams, each one responsible for a different component found on the robot. Each team was briefed on the intended design and then the required tools and materials were gathered prior to construction. Often, we would use 3D printers to create a prototype of the component prior to finalizing construction.
Chassis and Wheels
Major Electrical Components
Arm and Claw
The three stages of our robot construction process.
Construction began with the chassis and wheels, as they would be supporting the rest of the robot.
Next, we began arraying and soldering the base electronic components and connecting the driving controls.
This was followed by the assembly of our arm and claw components and finally the electronics used to control them.
The RTC Robotics Teams