Status Report 3/4

Unfortunately, I have not been able to complete the blade design because my partner PA has not been in class.  I hope to accomplish our plans next week.

Status Report 3/3

This Friday, we hope to have the claw blade accomplished.  In addition, we hope to make some minor adjustments to the robot to make sure that pieces don't become loose or get stuck.  Then, after the robot is completely done, we want to take it out into the dunes for a test run to make sure that it works.  Finally, my partner PA and I will construct the camouflage suit for the robot to help it blend into the environment.

Status Report 2/22

Welcome back Mr. Alfonse!!!  In the past week, my partner PA and I have made HUGE strides in our project.  We were able to successfully implement the camera arm into the robot.  Now, the robot can in any direction (up/down and left/right).  In addition, the claw has been successfully mounted.  Now, we will be able to grasp samples.  We still have to put a blade for cutting and and the scoop on the camera.  By Friday, I anticipate being 85% done with the project.  Hopefully, the scoop will be on and operational by that time, leaving only the blade part of the claw until next week.

Status Report 2/14

Today, we have accomplished much!  We have changed our robot's propulsion system from wheels to tank treads.  As noted in our earlier blog, we would perform tests to see which system worked better in the sandy environment.  We took our robot to the sand dune behind the systems lab and tested our robot's climbing ability.  Finally, we added rubber grips to the tank treads to help it maneuver through the soft sand.

Status Report 1/25

I finished my presentation but I am not happy because I don't think it was well received by DA and CM.  They said I lacked pictures so I added a even more pictures to the blog showing explicit detail of the construction process.

Status Report 1/23

Much progres has been made!  A huge portion of the robot has been completed and we have achieved movement throughou the building.  We have still het to determine whether tank treads or wheels will be the best choice for the the buggy.  Once the snow melts, PA and I plan on holding tests.

Status Report 1/18

Today will be a day to get caught up on my blog.  I plan on adding pictures of the robot and getting an outline ready for the upcoming presentations on friday and monday.  In addition, I will be submitting mentor contacts.

Status Report 1/14

We have life!  After charging the batteries for both the controller and robot, we were able to maneuver our robot around the shop.  Next, we will begin construction of the claw, camera arm, and scoop.

Status Report 1/14

 We are into our second week of constructing and our progress is going very well!  We have wheel on our dune so far and we've yet to determine whether wheels or tank treads will be a better decision.  Once the snow melts, we can begin our testing.

Status Report 1/7

Today marks the third day of construction.  The VEX Robotic kit is a success so far and we hope to achieve movement by next week.

Status Report - 12/21

Today, the Press Release is due.  Basically, it is a news article describing all of the facets of the project.  After this, hopefully some of the preliminary construction can begin.

Status Report 12/16

The press release is currently in progress and is due on Tuesday, December 21.  It is a critical portion of the project and it is important that I make sure it does done thoroughly.

Status Report 12/15

It has been confirmed that the VEX Robotic Kit has been approved and is currently in transit.  Mr. A made contact with the company today and we should be expecting the kits and parts to arrive by Friday.

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY T MONEY!!!!

Status Report - 12/14

Today is Tuesaday! My partner PA and I are eagerly awaiting the VEX Robotic Kit.  Once we abtain it, we are going to to pick a secure spot to put it during class.  The kit is very expensive so it is crucial that we keep track of all the parts and keep it locked up when not in use.

Status Report 12/2

Today is Tuesday!  The marking period is starting off relatively slow, but now I'm trying to concentrate on edi6ting my blog and making sure it has all of the accurate information needed.  In past emails from my mentor, i have received a huge amount of advice and helpful tips for my project.  I will be sure to incorporate them into the design of my robot.

Status Report 12/1

The order for the VEX Robotic kit has been created and sent out to the Board of Education for approval.  We ordered the standard classroom kit, in addition to a few extra parts that will be critical for the completion of the project.  These items included extra gear sets, chain sets, and servomotors.

Status Report - 11/24

Today starts the first day of work of the second marking period!  I am still doing documentation on all of my work and recently finished a proposal for the dune buggy parts from VEX Robotics.  Once the parts arrive, we should begin building the real project.

Status Report - 11/12

Today is the last day of the marking period!  I was able to finish my presentation for the 1st Marking Period about the dune buggy.  I was happy to have been able to say everything I wanted to my class and answer any questions on the floor.  Today, I also put up images of my models and provided explantions for them. 

Status Report 11/8

I haven't logged in the past few days because we have been presenting in the media center.  So far, I have delivered my presentation to the class about the status of my project.  In addition, I successfully completed the construction of two important models: the claw and the scoop.  Both designs were created out of Lego pieces and had movable parts to that the audience would have a better understanding of how the components would actually work.  Finally, I was able to take apart two remote controlled RC cars to see how they worked.  Doing this allowed my partner and I to get a better feel of how to incorporate certain designs into our final product.

Status Report - 10/28

This week, I was able to get my hands dirty by experimenting with some real servomotors and motors.  In addition, my partner PA and I were able to take apart old RC cars to see how they worked.   By doing this, we can incorporate this into our product.  We also completed the construction of our models.  Using a Lego kit, I was able to create models of the claw and scoop mechanisms.