Document Type

Undergraduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

Spring 2024

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Department

Engineering Technology

Committee Chair

Charles Pringle, PE

Second Committee Member

Dr. John Choi

Third Committee Member

Lad Holden

Fourth Committee Member

Jeff Wilcox

Abstract

This project was undertaken as a personal challenge to combine a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree and an Electrical Engineering Technology degree into a single final project showing the cumulative knowledge gained. It was determined that a robot to participate in Western Allied Robotics would be designed and manufactured for the 3 lb. weight class.

A two-part power system was designed to provide more power to the weapon arm. This design combined a compressive spring’s kinetic energy with the torque from the electric motor. Research determined all of the purchased components required and analysis were performed to determine the geometry and materials for the manufactured components. The robot was built primarily using a 3D printer. Overall, 15 parts were manufactured by the student, 14 of which were 3D printed. Articulation of the weapon arm was maximized by implementing a microprocessor and various sensors throughout the robot’s system. All of the programming for the sensors and microprocessor took place in C using Visual Studio Code.

The analysis and research performed early in this project facilitated a crushing force of 12 lbs. on impact and can move at 14 MPH. This will provide quick and forceful strikes against an opponent in the arena. The sensors allow for reliable and consistent control of the weapon system without over taxing the system to the point of stalling or breaking.

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