Interview with a Mission Specialist

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What was the mission you were trying to achieve? 

The mission that I worked on was Mission #2: “The Solar Panel.” To complete this mission, you need to push the solar panel away from your mat for 18 points. I wanted to create an attachment that could be left on the mat which would prevent the other team from pushing the panel back.

 

What challenges did you encounter along the way with the mechanics and/or programming? 

• Finding something to grip the mat so the attachment doesn’t slide away from the solar panel if the other team tried to push it.

• Finding a way to move my attachment so the wheels don’t drag on the mat. At first, the immobile wheels were dragging on the mat, which caused the robot to move unpredictably due to friction.

• Programming the robot so the attachment accurately hits the solar panel.

• Programming the robot so the grabber releases cleanly, leaving the attachment in place leaning on the solar panel to keep it pushed away so the other team can’t push it back. 

 

How did you overcome the obstacles to successfully complete your mission?

• I used LEGO tires mounted on their sides to grip the mat. The rubber created a lot of friction, which prevented sliding.

• I used a claw attachment to grab it and carry it above the mat. I tried several different designs using a variety of shapes and LEGO materials for where the grabbers grip the attachment, eventually stacking tires to provide sufficient friction on the tips of the grabber, while not obstructing the grabber’s release.

• I reduced the weight of my attachment so that it was easier for the claw to carry it. 

• I used a “My Block” program that my teammate designed called “Go Straight with Gyro” to make the robot move precise amounts so it hits the middle of the panel.