Design Requirements

The restrictions and constraints of the project have been outlined below by the OSURED team [1].

 

A. Specifications
The robot must meet the specifications below. No exceptions will be allowed. If any question exists, the decision of OSURED will be final. In some cases, the spirit of the contest will be a deciding factor.
1) Size/Shape: In its starting configuration, the robot must fit within a footprint no larger than 9” x 9” and must be no taller than 12”. A box for testing the robot’s dimensions will be available near the course throughout the project. In the starting configuration, the robot’s QR code must be completely visible to the RPS system. See item 4 for an explanation of the QR code.
2) Controller: Each team will be loaned a programmable Proteus microcontroller. The specifics of the controller, programming language, and environment will be addressed in class and can be found at https://u.osu.edu/fehproteus/. Any physical modification to the controller is strictly prohibited. Teams must not attempt any repair work on their controller. Controller repair request forms can be submitted through the Company Store website. The list below details other constraints when using the Proteus. A team found in violation of any of these constraints will be subject to penalty or disqualification at the instructors’ discretion.
a. Adhesives on Proteus: No adhesives may be used on the Proteus, with the exception of Velcro. Velcro may be attached to the sides or bottom of the Proteus case, but may NOT be attached anywhere on the face containing the screen.
b. Proteus as Sensor: The Proteus screen or button board may not be used as a sensor of any type. The Proteus may NOT be used as a mechanism to interact with any of the course tasks. However, use of the accelerometer is permitted.
c. Proteus as Structure: The Proteus may never be used as part of the structure of the robot, and cannot be used to physically support any components of the robot.
3) Automation: The robot must be self-propelled. All movements must be made independent of outside signals, except those signals purposefully generated by the course. Any intentional outside interference may result in immediate disqualification. Robots may not perform any action that could potentially harm another robot or the viewing audience. Contest officials will have the final determination in settling any disputes over automation.
4) QR Code: To insure proper communication with the course control systems, each team is responsible for providing a QR code. It must be mounted at 9” above the course’s surface during all performance tests and competitions following Performance Test 2. Specifications will be provided at a later date.
5) Adhesives and Paint: Adhesives, such as hot glue or duct tape, are not intended as primary structural materials and should be used sparingly. Since unanticipated design modifications may require some disassembly, standard removable fasteners are used to facilitate assembly and disassembly. An example of an allowable use of adhesives is the mounting of some sensors. No adhesive materials may intentionally contact any course surface at any time. A team in violation of this rule must immediately leave the course and remove the adhesive materials in question. Repeat violators will be subject to penalty at the discretion of OSURED. The Company Store will usually have hot glue, wood glue, PVC adhesive, and common white glue available for use at no cost. Adhesives available for purchase include lengths of solder and small packets of epoxy. These items and any other adhesives or paint may be independently obtained by a team as it deems appropriate. If adhesives or paint are independently obtained, the cost will not be charged to the team budget but must be shown in the robot’s parts list. If it is deemed that an adhesive material has been used as a structural element, the team’s budget will be charged accordingly.
6) Budget: Each team has a budget of $160 to spend at the FEH Company Store in HI 208. Details on how to acquire parts are below and in the store policy document.
a. Cost–Performance Bonus/Penalty: Any robot that exceeds the $160 budget will lose 1 point for each $0.50 increment over budget. Following the final competition, bonuses will be awarded to teams that have remaining funds in their budgets. The bonus amount will be determined by multiplying their best final competition score by 0.005 point for each dollar remaining in their budget, up to a maximum of $40. This means the maximum number of cost-performance bonus points is 20 (0.005 * 40(max dollars remaining) * 100(max score) = 20).
B. Construction
This section details robot construction criteria and guidelines. Team members must perform all robot construction. No outside help is allowed, except for approved consultation or direction. Consult with the FEH Program staff before soliciting outside help. Use of unauthorized outside help may result in team disqualification.
1) Acquisition of Parts: Each team will be issued a set of basic sensors, in addition to the Proteus. All other parts must be obtained through the online purchasing system set up by the Company Store, which will automatically charge the cost to the team’s budget. Certain items will be in stock and available for immediate purchase, while others may have to be obtained by special order. When parts are ordered through the Company Store, only the cost of the parts (not the shipping) will be charged to the team budget. The Company Store is not responsible for shipping delays for specially-ordered parts, so teams should take this into consideration. If the team feels it is necessary to obtain parts from an external source, prior approval from a GTA or instructor is required. If approval is not granted, these parts may be prohibited. All externally acquired parts must be reported to the Company Store before the part is installed on the robot. Please refer to the store policy document for more details. The FEH Program staff will not spend time troubleshooting problems caused by external parts.
2) DC Motors: A number of reliable DC motors are available through the Company Store. These motors are verified to be compatible with the Proteus. Other DC motors may be used, but prior faculty approval must be obtained, and motor maintenance will be the responsibility of the team choosing such motors.
3) Reusability: Emphasis is placed on the reusability of the robot. Therefore, any loose or disposable parts should be used with prudence. Rules regarding disposable parts are specified below.
4) Return of Unused Parts: For in-stock parts purchased through the Company Store, teams can return any unused parts up to the day before the final competition for a credit of 75% of the purchase price to their budget. This does not apply to parts left over from any kit, such as an Erector Set or tread kit. A complete unused kit may be returned. There is no buyback credit for special-order parts. No electronic parts, sensors, or motors may be returned. All returns must be approved by the course instructor or GTA. Company Store employees have the final say as to whether or not a part can be returned.