Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - New Attachments, Future Ideas

Within these few days, we have...

- Completed test runs on our claw modification : a success.

- Switched original wheels for tank treads surrounding medium-sized wheels

- Length of tank treads surrounding medium-sized wheels : 47.6 cm

- Completed many updates in our VEX Robot Saturn's Rings Booklet Log

- Latest attachment : back end wheel, with metal accessory covering left and right sides of wheel

- ^ Small-sized wheel covered in green rubbery material.

Next steps :

- Continue brainstorming idea for lift attachment

- Continue search for automated VEX Robot code

- Continue designs on TinkerCAD

- Continue experiments with VEX Robot

- Continue discussion on competition against AM Class

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - Claw Test Run

Today the team's main focus was to observe and analyze our VEX robot's new and improved claw attachment. Since the robot's original claw was unable to reach lower onto the floor, I had the idea of flipping the claw over so that it would end up upside down. Which was quite simple, I did have additional ideas but this seemed as the simplest. The test run was successful and the robot was able to finally grasp the yellow balls without difficulty.



- Took images of the VEX Robot, however was unable to upload it



Next steps :

- Continue search for automated VEX Robot code- Continue designs on TinkerCAD- Continue experiments with VEX Robot- Continue discussion on competition against AM Class

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - Replacements & Design

Today we continued to modify our VEX Robot to improve its efficiency. The smaller tank treads that we applied a few days back were now removed in order to be replaced with the wider tank treads. A few pieces of tank tread had to be removed in order to be a perfect match for our choice of wheels, but the application was overall a success. Tests were also done to observe and compare the differences between both versions of tank treads. A new addition was made to the Saturn's Rings booklet, visualizing what occurred during open lab time. Additional designs were also made on my (Jose's) TinkerCAD : 3D design VEX Robot - Jose Luis Vargas | Tinkercad. I managed to find an exact model of our original VEX Robot claw attachment and copy it into my TinkerCAD, so that I may edit it and make alternatives much easier. I also managed to find a simple frame of our VEX Robot model and copy it into my TinkerCAD. This model will help simplify the process of making designs and will help visualize what an alternate attachment would look like on our VEX Robot before it is attached.

Next steps :
- Continue search for automated VEX Robot code
- Continue designs on TinkerCAD
- Continue experiments with VEX Robot
- Continue discussion on competition against AM Class

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 120 min - Design and Modifications

Today the team worked on modifying the VEX Robot to improve its efficiency. Tank treads were applied over the original wheel and a small gear was replaced due to it being mauled during one of our tests. We have also begun searching for code that will allow the VEX Robot to be fully automated. Discussions have also been held about a future competition we could have with the AM class.

Quick design of a possible attachment modification : 3D design Smooth Lappi-Jaiks | Tinkercad
(Will continue to make more attachments and see which is best)

Next steps...
- Continue our search for code that allows our VEX Robot to become fully automated'
- Create a device that will prevent the VEX Robot from falling backwards when braking
- Continue designs on TinkerCAD

New poster for the project

Aedan-PM-20minutes-the failed tank upgrade of our robot

Me and Chris tried upgrading our tank with treads, however the treads weren't the right size so there would be no bumps. we've decided to put individual treads on each wheel.

Jose Luis Vargas - PM - 60 min - Research and Design... #2

Today, I spent about half of my time researching how we could improve our VEX Robot with physical attachments and sensors. I searched the web for modified versions of our original VEX Robot and found a variety of interesting attachments like : conveyor belts, elevators, scoops, and lift. Personally, I decided that implementing a lift would be the most beneficial due to its simplicity and accessibility.

Here is a link to just a few examples :
- 8.10: Modeling an Articulating Scoop | VEX EDR Curriculum
- vex robot lift designs - Google Search

I also researched information on sensors (however I am mostly leaning towards an ultrasonic sensor as of right now) and how to use them alongside our VEX Robot.

Here is a link to just a few examples :
- Appendix 1: Programming & Sensors | VEX EDR Curriculum

Next Steps...
- Doing some more research on other options for sensors
- Possibly starting to design what our lift attachment could look like
- Our wheels will be possibly changed into tank treads