Post on 03-Jan-2016
transcript
LEGO MINDSTORMS STATMENT
The design challenge my group experimented with is the Lego Mindstorms robot. Our goal is to use this design challenge to further learn about the use of electricity, data sensors, and programming through building a robot that can gather and collect data from sensors. The Lego Mindstorms we created is the Alpha Rex, which has the ability to move its legs and arms and employs the use of the light and sound sensors.
PROCEDURE
Using the instruction manual given, our group constructed the Alpha Rex robot.
1. Begin constructing the right leg of the robot by attaching two black and two blue pieces to the gray holder shown in Figure 1.
2. Follow the directions to build the right leg until it looks like the picture shown in Figure 2.
Figure 1 shows the first step in order to begin building the Lego Mindstorms robot.
Figure 2 shows the completed right leg of the robot.
PROCEDURE continued
3. Begin building the left leg following the given directions, which should be the same as the directions given for the right leg. The result should look like the picture shown in Figure 3.
4. Join the two legs together, following the instructions given and add the motors, allowing the legs to move. The final result should look like the Figure 4.
Figure 3 shows the end result of the left leg.
Figure 4 shows adding the left leg to the right leg, as well as the motors being added on.
PROCEDURE continued
5. Begin building the body of the robot by joining a rod with a stopper, shown in Figure 5.
6. Following all instructions, the body, attached to the two completed legs should look like Figure 6.
Figure 5 shows the first step in building the body of the Mindstorms robot.
Figure 6 shows the body of the robot attached to the legs with all three motors currently in place.
PROCEDURE continued
7. Add in the “head” of the robot if preferred to allow the robot to have the ultra-sonic sensor. Follow the instructions given.
8. Add in the two “arms” which also contain a sound and a touch sensor. Follow the instructions given.
9. On the backside, add the light sensor using the given instructions.
10.Finally, add in all the wires, making sure they are in the correct positions. Figure 7 shows the finished product.
DIAGRAM-THE BACK
Light sensorSound sensor
Ultra-sonic sensor
Gears moving the legs Motors
Gears moving the arms
Gears turning the head
35 cm wires
50 cm wires
20 cm wire
BRIEF EXPLANATION
(see word doc for a more detailed
explanation)
In this picture, the gears clearly show a transfer of
energy. The kinetic energy derived from the motor is
turning and being transferred to a gear, which in turn is being transferred to another gear, effectively
moving the legs.
Brief Explanation
The two motors located on the leg in this picture illustrate the conversion of energy from electrical to kinetic as the motors
begin moving, causing the legs to move.
Brief Explanation
The two sensors are used to gain measurements
from the robot’s own environment and allow it
to react accordingly. A difference in sound or touch in the cases of
these two sensors, create a voltage difference. This difference is detected by
the robot’s microchip and allows the robot to react.