Need help to Build Simple Robot's for a Competition.

[Mistgun_Zero]

I will cut right to the topic. I need help to build various robots for an upcoming competition that I am planning. Initially a friend who has already done this was supposed to teach us (us referring to me and my teammate) how to do this, but he betrayed us by saying that he wouldn't help us and that I was on my own (he even refused to get me the materials required for making a robot even though I was paying for him)

    Well, that's that, so I am left on my own and have no idea on how to make robots by myself. Yes, I am complete novice to making any kind of robot, so here's what I want:

 A complete guide to how to build a robot. Even though I am a complete novice, I have enough knowledge to apply theory to practical (I am a third year Electrical Engg student).

Well the competition is gonna consists of the following events, check them to get a better idea of what I am looking for.

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DUSTBOT

OVERVIEW:-

This event is inspired from the culture of "Dust Bots" in European Countries and the animated movie "WALL-E". The main idea is to design a robot that can perform as the Urban Hygiene Master (Garbage Collection, Segregation, and Disposal).

General Rules:

Max Base Area = 20x20 cm.
Max Power Rating = 12V and 10 Amp (Teams should Bring their own Eliminators/Batteries)
230V power Supply will be provided.
Robot must be Manual (Wired/Wireless).
Wires should be slack at all times.
Any damage to arena by robot will result to Disqualification.
For All the 3 rounds teams should use the same Robot (only one per team).
Robot modification after technical inspection is NOT permitted.
Total points = Points(Round1+ Round2 + Round3)
In Case of a tie, Design will be the deciding factor as evaluated by the judges.
Judges Decision will be final.

Round 1:

TRASH COLLECTION:

The robot will be placed at the Dump Site (START). It has to traverse through obstacles to reach the Trash Site (Garbage) from where it has to collect trash and bring it to the Dump Site.

Specifications:

.

Time Allotted = 3 minutes.
Maximum ONE service Break of 2 min is allowed on request against 15 points deduction.
Evaluation Scheme:

Completion of Each marked portion of track (Dump Site to Trash Site) = 10 points.
Completion of Each marked portion of track (Trash Site to Dump Site), only if the robot carries at least one piece of trash = 10 points.
Each Item Dumped Successfully = 15 points.
Penalties
- Crossing the Boundaries of Arena.
- Physical Assistance to Robot.

Each Penalty = 15 points deduction
More than 3 Penalties = Disqualification



Round 2:

SEGREGATION:

Two teams will start from their respective bases .They will compete against each other to collect the most amount of recyclable trash from the Trash Zone and bring it back to their respective bases.

Specifications:

Time allotted = 5 minutes.
Trash consists of recyclable materials and non-recyclable material.
Maximum ONE service Break of 2 min is allowed on request against 15 points deduction.
Evaluation Scheme:

Successful Segregation of Each recyclable material = 10 points.
Successful Segregation of Each non-recyclable material = 10 points deduction.
Successful segregation means bringing back the material and dumping into the collection bin.
Penalties
- Crossing the Boundaries of Arena.
- Physical Assistance to Robot.

Each Penalty = 15 points deduction
More than 3 Penalties = Disqualification



Round 3:

LANDFILLING:

Two teams will compete against each other to dispose maximum amount of biodegradable material. Robot should dump biodegradable material followed by sand. Final step should be covering of biodegradable waste by sand.

Specifications:

 

Time allotted = 7 minutes.
Evaluation Scheme:

Points for dumping biodegradable waste = 10 * amount of waste.
Points for covering with sand = 40 points (One time only)
Penalties
- Crossing the Boundaries of Arena.
- Physical Assistance to Robot.

Each Penalty = 15 points deduction
More than 3 Penalties = Disqualification

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RoboGP

The event checks the skill of the participants in designing a “Robo-mobile”, which is basically a robot (Mobile Controlled / wireless R.F.) modelled on the various mechanisms of an automobile such as Braking, Suspension, Traction, Drag etc.
The robot will have to complete a set of different arenas to test their Control, Suspension, Braking, Drift, etc in given time.

Round 1:

The robots will have to complete a set of Tests to check their Control, Suspension, Braking, Drift, etc.
TESTS
1. Traction Control Test
A muddy surface will be presented and the robots will have to pass through it. Robots will be given a minimum time to pass through the test; the extra time will lead to penalty.
2. Suspension Test
The robots will have to cross through a Rough Terrain. A minimum time will be given to pass through the test; the extra time taken will lead to penalty.
3. Hill Test
The robots will have to produce power enough to climb a hill. Each team will be given two attempts at this test. A minimum time will be given to pass through the test; the extra time taken will lead to penalty.
4. Manoeuvrability Test
The robots will have to pass through all obstacles without obstructing them within a limited time. There will be ten obstacles setup and each team can only hit a maximum of three obstacles. A minimum time will be given to pass through the test; the extra time taken will lead to penalty.
5. Drift Test
The robots will have to break a maximum number of barriers in their path. Each barrier constitutes a paper with wooden frames.

Round 2:

The bots that perform the above tests successfully and gain the required no. of points for qualification, compete against each other one on one in the given arena.

JUDGEMENT CRITERIA

Round 1:

Will be judged on the following basis- Technical verifications will be done on the bot such that it complies with all the design parameters. Tests like RPM verification will be done by sensor based mechanism.

Round 2:

The arena contains all the types of terrains which include all the tests of Round 1 in a series. Scores will be rewarded for each obstacle and finally, the team with the maximum score wins.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The size of the bot should be less than 3/4th of the track
The bot should be wireless controlled
Slots on the bot should be free such that power supply mounted
Wireless Control could be based on Bluetooth, WIFI, RF, mobile and IR(Infrared) also.
The bot can have a maximum of 500rpm at 12v drive

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ROBOMATRIX

SOLVE CALCULAS WITH ONE BLOCK AT A TIME. THE GENIUS LIES IN YOUR CREATIVITY

EVENT DESCRIPTION

This is a robotics event that takes you right into the fun part of mathematics. Through the course of two exciting rounds, the bot will have to compete against one another to solve a simple mathematical equation in minimum time.

EVENT DETAILS

Robomatrix is an event in which two robots will be against each other. The robots have to pick/drag the desired cubes of dimensions 10x10 cms. Placed in the competition arena and have to place them in the correct position so that it agrees a mathematical equation.

For instance, if the teams are given a number 3, then they can satisfy the equation by picking the cubes marked with

1, 3 and the mathematical operator X , so that it satisfies 1X3=3
Else they can do the same by picking the cubes marked with
5, 2 and the mathematical operator -, so that it satisfies 5-3+1=3,
Or 7-4=3 and so on whatever they desire.

There will be 2 rounds.

In the 1st round teams will be adjudged according to the minimum time taken to
solve the expression.

For the 2nd round 15 teams will be selected. There will be some obstacles in the
arena. If these obstacles are touched then there will be some time penalty.

Team with minimum time will we adjudged the winner. Certificates will be given to all
the Participants.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

ROBOT SPECIFICATION:-

i) Each robot is allowed to have a maximum of 24V D.C. power supply.
ii) The BATTERY should NOT be connected in parallel or series.
iii) Maximum weight allowed is 5 kg.
iv) Dimensions of the robot should be 30*30*30 (length*breadth*height).
vi) No limit on current.
vii) Managements decision would be final.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Round 1 -:

Two bots will compete against each other .The bot completing the given task in minimum time with proceed to the second round.
16 teams will be selected for the second round.

Round 2-:

In this round the bots will perform the task individually. The team with minimum timing will be adjudged as the winner.
MANAGEMENT DECISION WILL BE FINAL.

OPTIONAL EVENTS: (I would take part in them if I get enough info on how to make them)

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GRID FOLLOWER

Problem Statement

Design and construct an autonomous robot which is capable of traversing the grid from one end to the diagonally opposite end following an allotted path.

Specifications

The robot should fit in a box of dimension 200mm x 200mm x 200mm atevery given point time.
The weight of the robot should not exceed 5 kg.
Ready-made parts should not be used. However, ready-made microcontroller development boards can be used.
The voltage should not exceed 12V between any two points in the circuit.
The robot must have an on board power source. No external power source will be provided.
The robot must be fully autonomous with all powering and motoring mechanisms self-contained.
The autonomous robots should have only one power switch which can be used to power on/off the robot.
Human operators are not permitted to enter any information into the robot during the event. The robot must not communicate with any wireless device also.

General Rules

Any team that is not ready at the time specified will be removed from the competition automatically.
The machines would be checked for their safety before the run and would be discarded if found unsafe for other participants and spectators.
Participants should not dismantle their robots before the completion of the whole competition as the machines might need to be verified by the judges at a later stage to ensure that the participants have not violated any of the rules.
Judges' decision shall be treated as final and binding on all.
Arena

The competition platform has been designed with white lines on a black surface.
The grid will consist of 8 horizontal parallel lines and 9 vertical parallel lines as shown in the diagram below.
There will be in all 72 possible coordinates, from (0,0) to (8,7) as shown. The teams can get any one/two (depending upon the round) out of these. This coordinate will NOT be changed under any circumstances.
The line width will be 29±2 mm.
The entire arena will be set up outdoors in ambient lighting conditions. No complaints regarding the lighting conditions will be entertained.
An approximate size of the arena is given below. The distance between two parallel tracks will be 220±2 mm.

Fig. 1: The Arena



Allotted Path

Round 1 - Single Coordinate Round

Each team will be provided a random coordinate on the arena. The coordinate can be anything in between (0,0) and (8,7), thus making 72 distinct coordinates. Please refer the arena diagram for clarity.
Now, the robot has to start from the starting point, go to the allotted coordinate, stop there for some time, and then find a way and reach the finish line.
For example, if a team is allotted a coordinate of (2,5), then their robot should follow the following allotted path:
Start at the starting point and reach (1,0).
Then go from (1,0) to (2,5) by following any path, but the robot should not deviate from the path in any case.
Stop at (2,5) for some time, minimum 2seconds.
Then go from (2,5) to (7,7) by following any path, but the robot should not deviate from the path in any case.
And finally, reach the finish line from (7,7).

Round 2 - Double Coordinate Round

For this round, two coordinates will be given to each selected team randomly.
The first coordinate will be given from the purple region (refer to the diagram below) i.e. in between (0,0) and (8,3) i.e. 36 coordinates.
The second coordinate will be given from the red region (refer to the diagram below) i.e. in between (0,4) and (8,7) i.e. 36 coordinates.
Now, the robot has to start from the starting point, go to the first coordinate (in purple region), stop there for some time,then go to the second coordinate (in red region), and then find a way and reach the finish line.
The colours shown in the diagram are only for description. The actual arena will have completely black surface (as shown above) with white lines on it. The same arena will be used for both the rounds.
For example, if a team is allotted the coordinates of (5,1) and (1,6), then their robot should follow the following allotted path:
Start at the starting point and reach (1,0).
Then go from (1,0) to (5,1) by following any path, but the robot should not deviate from the path in any case.
Stop at (5,1) for some time, minimum 2 seconds.
Then go from (5,1) to (1,6) by following any path, but the robot should not deviate from the path in any case.
Stop at (1,6) for some time, minimum 2 seconds.
Then go from (1,6) to (7,7) by following any path, but the robot should not deviate from the path in any case.
And finally, reach the finish line from (7,7).

Fig. 2: Double Coordinate Description. The colours are only for description purpose. The actual arena will be totally black and the same for both rounds.



Rules of Game Play

Pre-Game Rules - Allotment of Coordinates

Coordinates will be allotted 24 hours before the actual game play. This means that the coordinates of the first round will be given to the teams a day before the actual event. After the completion of the first round, the selected teams will be given the coordinates for the second round, which will be held the next day.
For Round-1, one coordinate will be allotted, whereas for Round-2, two coordinates will be allotted.
Each team will be given one/two (depending upon the round) random coordinates (on the arena) a day before the round.The procedure of giving coordinates will be totally random. Complaints from the participants regarding this procedure will NOT be entertained.
After the teams get their coordinates, if required, they will have to re-design or modify their code as per the allotted path. The details of the allotted path are given above.
Theallotted coordinate(s) will NOT be changed under any circumstances. The team has to accept the given coordinate or stand disqualified.
The robots are supposed to traverse the arena from the start line to the finish line in the lowest time possible. The time for which the robot waits at the allotted coordinate(s) will not be calculated.
Sufficient calibration time will be given to the participants before their run.

Round 1 - Single Coordinate Round

In this round, only one coordinate is allotted. This means that the robot has to start from the starting line, go to the given coordinate, stop for some time (minimum 2 seconds), and then resume its journey towards the finish line.
The robot must stop at the coordinate for at least 2 seconds or else it won' t be counted.
The timer starts as soon as the robotcrosses the start line and stops when it crosses the finish line. The timer will also stop momentarily when the robot waits at the allotted coordinate.
The robots can follow any track on the grid to follow the allotted path, but the path must not deviate from the grid. In other words, only the tracks specified on the grid should be followed.
A maximum of 5 minutes will be given to each team for their robot to complete the run.
The rules of penalties and disqualifications will be strictly followed.
The overall time will be equal to the original amount of time taken plus the extra time added due to penalties and restarts.
After the completion of this round, top 16 teams will be selected to proceed to the next round. These teams will be allotted two coordinates for the next round immediately.
Internal and external participants will be judged separately for this round.

Round 2 - Double Coordinate Round

In this round, two coordinates are allotted. This means that the robot has to start from the starting line, go to the first coordinate, stop for some time (minimum 2 seconds), then go to the second coordinate, stop there for some time (minimum 2 seconds), and then resume its journey towards the finish line.
The robot must stop at the coordinates for at least 2 seconds or else it won' t be counted.
The timer starts as soon as the robot crosses the start line and stops when it crosses the finish line. The timer will also stop momentarily when the robot waits at the allotted coordinates.
The robots can follow any track on the grid to follow the allotted path, but the path must not deviate from the grid. In other words, only the tracks specified on the grid should be followed.
A maximum of 7 minutes will be given to each team for their robot to complete the run.
The rules of penalties and disqualifications will be strictly followed.
The overall time will be equal to the original amount of time taken plus the extra time added due to penalties and restarts.
Internal and external participants will be judged together for this round.

Disqualifications and Penalties

A robot will be penalised if
Any member of the team touches it.
Leaves the path and goes haywire. However, if the robot catches up with its path or some other part of the grid on its own, it won' t be considered as a penalty.
Any robot not conforming to the specifications provided will be instantly disqualified.
Any robot that damages the arena will be disqualified.
A member of the team will be allowed to touch the robot only thrice and have a maximum of two restarts. After that, the robot will be disqualified.
Any team not present at the allotted time will be disqualified by default.
Any team not ready to accept the allotted coordinate will be disqualified.
For each penalty, 10 seconds will be added to the final time and for each restart, 20 seconds will be added to the final time.

Judging Criteria

The total time (running time + penalties) will be calculated for each team in both the rounds. After Round-1, based on that, Top 16 teams will be selected for Round-2. The lower the total time, the better it is!
Internal and External teams will be judged separately for Round-1, but not for Round-2.
In case of a tie, the two teams will be given another chance to prove their calibre in the same arena, with same/different (it depends) allotted coordinates.

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Mirrors

The event is fun blend of the traditional remote controlled car racing and an Exiting twist. The track or the arena would be a maze which wouldn’t be visible to the racer.

Round 1:

This round will be based on the technical verifications to test whether every participant has followed the technical specifications perfectly while designing the bot.

Round 2:

In this round the participants have to manoeuvre their wirelessly controlled bot through the mirror maze based on the feed coming from the camera.
The walls of the maze could be made using ply wood of dimensions 2x2x2 ft. The inner walls of the maze would have mirrors plastered over them making the maze more complex and impossibly difficult to solve. The entire structure would be covered by a sheet such that the racer isn’t able to see the turns or solve the maze externally. The racer would have to steer a motorized remote controlled car through the arena in a given period of time. A wireless camera would be attached on the front bumper of the car giving the participant a field of view. Since the tunnels of the maze would be lacking light, a sort of mini head lights would be attached on the car. The racer with the shortest lap record would be declared winner. The maze will be designed in such a way that there are 5 different entry points and only one exit point, but the path from each entry to the only exit will be symmetrical hence equal probability of getting through the maze first.
Suppose there are 100 registrations, we divide them randomly in batches of 5. The races are conducted batch wise, from every batch one participant qualifies for the next round.
We get 20 participants, again they are divided into four batches and the race is conducted.
We get 4 participants, now the race is conducted but the maze will contain some surprise obstacles. And this time they will find the lone exit blocked, and a written instruction which says:
“The Gateways are closed which you entered through and so is this exit!
Find the only way out which is at a distance you have already travelled! ”
The event gets even more interesting if we put exciting music during the races.

JUDGEMENT CRITERIA

Based on the 1st round results a BEST BOT DESIGN prize will be awarded to the bot which follows all the parameters without much deviations.
The Design of the bot will be decided on the following parameters:
Range of the bot during wireless communication, Dimension limits, Smaller the size more the points, Resistance through Interference and Jamming, Enabling Security in wireless network
The 2nd round will be judged on the basis of the time taken to complete the maze of mirrors.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

The bot designed should be wirelessly controlled
The bot could use RF, Bluetooth, WIFI or mobile control but Infrared is not allowed.
The bot cannot have a lighting mechanism of any kind
Slots should be made such that maximum of 12 V and 2 amp power sources can be mounted on the bot.
Dimensions of the bot cannot exceed 15cm3( 15 cm X 15cm X15cm)
No limit on the RPM and the number of motors
The Bot can have a maximum turning radius of 10cm
Exceeding by 1 cm will lead to disqualification as priority will be given to design of the bot first
A slot should be free for the camera to be mounted.
Incase of any issues regarding the conduction of the event , the judgement of the Event Coordinator shall be final.

The offical site for this event : http://www.vitgravitas.com/. Click on the RoboTIX on the left column to see the available events I want to participate.

I know it's looks a lot, but it isn't. If I can make robot for the first event then I can make the robots for the first three events. The only problem could be the grid follower that requires a rather advanced AI.
 
   So if you guys have done this kinda stuff, or know how to do this stuff give me a idea or post a link to where I can find help to build these stuff. Anything will do, from simple advice on what equipment's to use, which is preferable, thinks that I should keep in mind, or some of the problems I might face.

  Also links to relevant material that give a procedure to build a robot will be helpful. If you have ever built one for yourself, post the videos or pics of your robot in action/being built.  

  Also, since I am complete novice at this a step by step guide could be helpful, but that would be asking too much. I am ready to do all it takes to make this work and hopefully I will be able to participate in this event (and also show that lil' bastard he is not the only one who knows how to do it  )

    The event takes place from 16-18 Sept, 2011. I have at Max. two weeks to collect all the guides and start the preparation for the event, so I would request help as fast as possible since I haven't been this desperate for help my entire life (also the fact that I am still angry at that idiot isn't helping  ). Thanks in advance you guys.  
EDIT:

Well some might be confused on what kinda robot I would need. The one I would need doesn't need to walk on two legs or have a head,, pair of arms etc. etc.  
   The robot i am planning to build is a simple one, like a toy car, with enhancements to be able to perform the required tasks, like having some pincers to lift up the required stuff, carry them, and drop them etc.

examples would be something like this (this too are quite a bit complex as the one I am planing would be quite simple)

[AceHigh]

Since I have been working in fully automatic industrial complexes, this is what the word "robot" means to me:

[Mistgun_Zero]

Since I have been working in fully automatic industrial complexes, this is what the word "robot" means to me:

The one I am building is called a robot , a simple one though

[AceHigh]

Yes yes.... I guess since it is an anime forum, this was my way of making an "inb4 mecha" post.

[rkruger]

I know it's looks a lot, but it isn't.

If you say so, I would have run away screaming if a project manager at work gave me something like this with that time limit.
But hold on to that enthusiasm, you'll need it.

The only problem could be the grid follower that requires a rather advanced AI.

Well, that's basically just a software problem, so you'd better writing and testing programs right away.
Since you already have the rules laid out, you should be able to do everything in a simulated environment.

So if you guys have done this kinda stuff, or know how to do this stuff give me a idea or post a link to where I can find help to build these stuff. Anything will do, from simple advice on what equipment's to use, which is preferable, thinks that I should keep in mind, or some of the problems I might face.

I haven't been involved in anything like that, but if I had, I would probably buy a shitload of Lego Mindstorms components for the "mechanical" stuff.
That is, if you are even allowed to that kind of "off-the-shelf" components. (I was overwhelmed by the amount of content in your post, so I did not read through it all regarding rules and such.)
And I would use a microcontroller chip and a fistful of wires to handle the rest.

[Lupin]

wrong forum dude, this is an anime forum, not a robotics forum.

try your luck on 4chan (good luck), or try your luck signing up to  one of these.

but seriously, it'd be great if someone gives me "where is your god now" post and help you out.

your post doesn't contribute anything. don't act like a mod. you're not one.

To the OP, try looking for the book Robot Builder's Cookbook Build and Design Your Own Robots by Owen Bishop.

Good luck to you

[kitamesume]

http://forums.parallax.com/forumdisplay.php?53-Robotics

read through the posts, should have some that`ll interests you.

you`ll need to program it to do that. at worst, you wont make it.

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extra: if you really want to win, ask your cousin to buy a robot suit and pretend to be your robot.
OR, buy a toe-truck and paint it optimus style. it can pull stuffs, carry stuffs on it's trunk, its fast and runs on diesel.

[gamesfreak26]

I know it's looks a lot, but it isn't.

If you say so, I would have run away screaming if a project manager at work gave me something like this with that time limit.
But hold on to that enthusiasm, you'll need it.

The only problem could be the grid follower that requires a rather advanced AI.

Well, that's basically just a software problem, so you'd better writing and testing programs right away.
Since you already have the rules laid out, you should be able to do everything in a simulated environment.

So if you guys have done this kinda stuff, or know how to do this stuff give me a idea or post a link to where I can find help to build these stuff. Anything will do, from simple advice on what equipment's to use, which is preferable, thinks that I should keep in mind, or some of the problems I might face.

I haven't been involved in anything like that, but if I had, I would probably buy a shitload of Lego Mindstorms components for the "mechanical" stuff.
That is, if you are even allowed to that kind of "off-the-shelf" components. (I was overwhelmed by the amount of content in your post, so I did not read through it all regarding rules and such.)
And I would use a microcontroller chip and a fistful of wires to handle the rest.

I'd also recommend you use a microprocessor chip.  I see this robot has to be autonomous, right? 

I can think of three chips off the top of my head: MicroPilot, Papparazzi and Ardu-pilot.  MicroPilot being the most expensive and Ardu-pilot being the least. 

For the autonomous UAV my team and I are building for uni, we're using a Papparazzi though it depends on what you want to do. 

As for a structure, I'd say go for something study but cheap.  Lego for example.  :3

Hope that helped. 

[kitamesume]

@OP the "Mirrors event" seems to be the easiest to built a robot for it, it only needs a pair of wheels and wireless controller to control it, a camera to see where the bot is or a radar(more effective on this event).

http://forums.parallax.com/showthread.php?86110-Ping%29%29%29Dar-a-Radar-Style-Display&highlight=sonar+radar

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again, check this forums.
http://forums.parallax.com/forumdisplay.php?53-Robotics

parallax itself sells microchips and full DIY kits for certain projects as well.
http://www.parallax.com/ - Main site
http://www.parallax.com/Store/tabid/60/Default.aspx - Main products list
http://www.parallax.com/tabid/524/Default.aspx - Robot page

you have less than 20days, i suggest you hurry up and start making one as you`ll need a lot of time to tinker everything. not to mention shipping takes days...

As for a structure, I'd say go for something study but cheap.  Lego for example.  :3

acrylic comes to mind