april 27, 2006 using vex to supercharge your frc team
Post on 20-Dec-2015
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TRANSCRIPT
Speakers
Dan Larochelle
Engineering Manager - intelitek
FRC team #40 and FVC team #9
14 years FRC experience Donn Griffith
Engineering Outreach Director - USC
FRC team #343
9 Years FRC experience
Overview
Introductions What is Vex? Who is intelitek FVC program Software Overview Curriculum available for Vex Mini FRC video Questions
Who is intelitek?
Intelitek is a world-leading developer, producer and supplier of industrial CNC machines and technology training solutions.
Our educational solutions are the ideal choice for Pre-Engineering programs, Automation Programs and Middle School and High School Technology Programs.
Our educational and industrial product line covers subjects such as CAD, CAM, CNC, robotics, machine vision, FMS, CIM, hydraulics, pneumatics, PLC, sensors, process control and data acquisition. We also offer e-learning solutions designed to prepare students for careers in technologically advanced business environments.
For over 20 years we have provided comprehensive solutions for training in engineering, mechatronics, automated manufacturing and industrial technologies.
More than 10,500 CNC and 12,500 robots installed worldwide PLTW Skills USA
More than 1,100 CNC machines to industrial accounts World leader in industrial Benchtop VMC’s
250 CIM installations worldwide More than 500 Labs worldwide Over $250 Million installed in North America
Who is intelitek? (continued)
What is Vex?
Vex is a robotics design system that allows students to bring their ideas to life.
The Vex Starter kit has over 500 parts including a configurable chassis, programmable microcontroller, gears, wheels, hardware and much more.
In simple terms - it is like an erector set with a brain.
Why did intelitek choose Vex?
Intelitek was developing a world class robotics curriculum (REC) and needed a platform to base the content on.
After a year long search and lots of testing of various robotic platforms, Vex proved to be the most compete solution at a price point appealing to the educational market.
Educating the FRC team members
Robotic Engineering Curriculum (REC) Assumes no prior knowledge of robotics Robotic concepts are introduced and
reinforced with activities and projects. Material is web based and interactive making it
appealing to students. Content is presented in an effective blend of
text and visual materials. easyC integrated in to curriculum
The Big Test
Goals Enhance current brainstorming techniques with the
Vex platform. Rapid prototype 6 mini robots for to prove out the
validity of our ideas from our initial brainstorming session. 3 shooters and 3 ball dumpers
Limit the build to 2-3 days. Compete the various designs against each other
and see what happens. Test the robustness of the Vex platform and identify
possible limitations.
Mini FRC Video
This video can be downloaded from the intelitek website at
www.intelitekdownloads.com/MiniFRC
What did we learn about the What did we learn about the game?game?
Winning autonomous was a big advantage, it put the losing team in catch up mode.
Good shooting robots are hard to beat.
Shooters missed a lot more than they got in.
Ramp points weighed heavy in low scoring matches.
The field was littered with balls after the first few periods, picking up balls from the floor was key.
A good defensive robot can nullify a good offensive robot, especially while a shooter is shooting!
Mobility was important, the field was crowded and there were lots of places the robot could be pinned
How did it affect our FRC robot?
Focused our design on being effective in autonomous A rapid fire shooter Mobility traded off for
strength – Mechanum wheels
Use the camera to aim shooter to avoid wasting balls
Dual conveyors to harvest balls from both sides
Educated decisions were made early in the design process.
Reduced guessing!
How did it affect our team?
First project in 14 years that involved every single member of an FRC team.
Leveled the playing field enabling younger students to learn and share their ideas with their more experienced teammates.
Higher level of thinking about the game. Game strategies could be played out in real time.
Students were challenged to show their ideas It made believers out of the skeptics that felt that
MiniFRC project was a waste of time. Team bonded together and had a lot of fun.
What did the students learn?
Working in smaller groups allowed more ideas to be developed and tested.
Students not intimidated by the hardware, permitting greater experimentation and innovation.
Student experimented with autonomous programs using easyC
The competitive element of the competition drove them to keep making their robots better.
The engineering design process was dramatically reinforced through competition, especially the concept of design iterations
Shooting balls is FUN!
What did the mentors learn?
Mentors became facilitators, empowering the students. The students had to understand the Aim High Rules.
This led to a better informed team. Leveled the playing field between the boys and the
girls. Robustness of the Vex platform allowed for a direct
correlation of concepts and ideas to our FRC robot. Team spent time testing ideas and strategies in week
1 and 2 rather than week 6 when it is typically too late! Increased comfort level with trying out new ideas. Training prior to kickoff with Vex, easyC and REC
made the project run smoothly.
Was it worth it?
Absolutely!
Increased comfort level with final design Team 40’s most advanced design to date
Great team building exercise. Increased student knowledge and awareness Surprise! – BAE regional confirmed most of our
Mini FRC findings
Would we do it again?Would we do it again?
Yes! …..but
Get familiar with all the accessories and options for the Vex platform
Build and test various drive trains before kickoff
Set firm dates for mini completion – know when to end the mini robots and start the big one.
Integrate more sensors and programming into the mini designs