Vex Robotics

1. Vex Robotics

2. Introduction • Over the next 4 -5 weeks you will design and build a robot to accomplish a series of challenges. • You will work in teams of 4 or 5 for the duration of the VEX unit. • All team members will have an equal share in designing, building reporting and evaluating your robots. • Examine your Vex kits.

3. Research Questions • 1) What was the first useful/practical robot? • 2) Where was it designed and by whom? • 3) List 5 current uses for robotics and the technology they replaced. • 4) What is meant by the term artificial intelligence? • 5) Explain why a robot such as the ones you will build are not considered to be an AI even if they are pre-programmed and function without the remote. • 6) List two interesting facts from the Vex Robotics official website. • 7) What are the different subsystems of a vex robot? Explain in detail the importance of each one.

4. Problem • Design, construct and test a remote controlled vex robot that will be able to compete against another robot in a game of soccer. • It will be able to control the ball while travelling and delivering it into the net.

5. Specifications • You must use the basic platform design (You may make modifications to it as you proceed) • It must be controlled remotely • Have a ball control device that does not prevent another robot from taking it away. • Have a push limit switch on the back and front bumper. • You may use metal, wood or plastic in addition to the material in the Vex kit. You may have to bring it from home.

6. Design Brief • All necessary components of a design brief must be completed for this challenge. • This include the problem, research questions, ideas/sketches, final design, life-cycle analysis and evaluation questions.

7. Rules • 4 Minute Games • ½ pt if you go into net with ball • 1 pt if you shoot the ball into the net • Everybody plays at least two games • Contact allowed if playing the ball • If a foul is called, a pt will be given to the opposing team