Robot Design, Manufacturing, and Controls (2024)

Project Overview

For a final robot competition in an MIT undergraduate class within the Department of Mechanical Engineering (2.007), I created two robots. The Banana-Bot, which is the robot on the right side of the image, is fully autonomous and driven by a single servo. The Spinner-Bot, which is on the left side of the image, is teleoperated and completes four separate tasks.

Breakdown

Analysis and Planning

Characterized design requirements to systematically plan modules for my robots. This process involved multiple cycles of hand-calculations and benchtop tests; I specified required gear ratios for various servos, solved for the optimal center-of-mass to avoid slipping and tipping during movement, and

Designing and Prototyping

Modeled both robots with Solidworks to properly dimension each component for fabrication. I then used CAD drawings to machine each part using tools such as a lathe, water jet, laser cutter, Bridgeport mill, and 3D printer.

Electronics and Programming

Programmed autonomous controls using Arduino that executed a series of tasks after receiving a flash of light. I used a photoresistor connected to input pins on the Arduino to sense a specific intensity of light, triggering a varying output to a central servo to climb onto a box, align with buttons, and press them sequentially.

Outcome

Spinner Robot

Calculations for Required Gearing

2.007 Knockout - Made with Clipchamp.mp4

Video of my Final Round (Click Here for the Entire Competition)

On competition day, I made it to the round of 16 out of 200 students. My remote-controlled robot tipped a hinged weight, grabbed and spun the gear of an elevator, and pushed a hanging object. My autonomous bot drove down a slope, climbed onto a box, locked into alignment with four buttons, and sequentially pressed them. If I were to repeat the competition, I would have conducted more testing on the final game board, as slight differences in friction eventually reduced the number of points scored by my autonomous bot.

Get in touch!

jsteins@mit.edu

(909) 614-311

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse