SE2 RR Dune Buggy

Specifications and Limitations

Specifications:

1. Must possess a video camera to send real time video data to the operator -- This feature would be given 5/5 because there was almost no trouble working it. The picture was clear and almost never was affected by static.

2. Must be able to travel easily through the dunes -- this would be given 2/5 because the robot could travel easily on flat sand or hard sand. In reality, dunes are mostly composed of soft, steep sand which gave the robot trouble when traveling.

3. Must be able to be wirelessly operated by a field researcher or marine biologist -- 4/5 because it easy to work the controller, but does take some practice to perfect all the controls

4. Must be able to operate at lease 50 feet away -- given 5/5 because it operated longer than this distance

5. Must operate for at least 10 minutes -- given 5/5 because it operated longer than this time

6. Must be able to return to operator -- given 2/5 because sometimes, it got stuck in the sand the operators had to retrieve it; defeating the purpose of the project

Limitations:

1. Cannot exceed 1 cubic meter in size -- completed

2. Cannot weigh over 30 pounds -- completed

3. Must not be threatening in appearance -- in progress

4. Must be operated using standard rechargeable battery or car battery -- completed

5. Must be made out of VEX robot parts or parts found is systems lab -- completed

Testing Procedures and Results

There were many successes with the robot:

The claw was not only able to cut the plant samples, but also hold onto the sample and bring it back to the operator.
The scoop compacted the sediment sample which allowed it to maintain the integrity of the different layers.
The camera are was able to swivel in any direction of a half sphere.

However...

The propulsion system has to be improved as it dug holes in the ground, causing the robot to get stuck as seen below.

Testing Procedures and Results

The location of the test was Sandy Hook's North Beach. The reason why we chose this location was because it possesses many primary and secondary dune systems. In addition, there is a large variety of plant life and sediment composition in this part of the hook.