Event Description:
Teams of 2-3 students will design, build, and program a robot to autonomously stack VEX blocks into specific formations.
The final project must be uploaded by 10:00 pm on March 15, 2024, to the TOT App Submission Portal.
Project Details:
You will have 20 minutes to complete up to 3 block-stacking challenges. Your judge will give one challenge card at a time that will require you to stack 6 VEX blocks into a given configuration. The first two involve stacking blocks 2 rows high, the last card is 3 rows high. You will program your robot on the spot to stack all 6 blocks in the correct configuration (5-10 points) and color order (10-15 points). You can start over or readjust as many times as you want within your 20-minute time limit. When you complete one configuration, the judge will give you another card. You can complete up to 3 cards for maximum points.
Stacking Parameters: the blocks must be able to stand alone for a count of 5. They do not need to be perfectly aligned with each other (crookedness is ok). Gaps between blocks should be 1cm or less.
Sample Configuration Cards:
Design Document and Coding – VEX Block Stack:
Part 1: Research
In 2-3 paragraphs, Research and describe 3 or more uses for autonomous robots in any field. Be sure to cite all sources for your research.
Part 2: Specifications
Include Front, Side, and Top view photographs of your built robot. Describe the length, width, and height of your robot. Describe all motors and sensors and which ports they are plugged into.
Part 3: Code
You will submit a sample code using VEXcode IQ for the following robot actions. Use comment blocks to explain each section of your code and how it works. Add photos of your code to your design document by using a tool such as the Windows snipping tool.
1. Robot moves forward 2 feet, grabs a block and turns 180°, travels with the block back to the start position, then drops the block
2. Robot moves forward 1 foot, turns left and travels 1 foot, grabs a block. The robot then turns 180° and travels 3 feet with the block. Then drops block
3. The robot moves forward 2 feet, turns right to grab a block, then travels 2 feet forward, and drops the block
Resources:
Utilize the VEXCODE IQ software’s tutorial section for the basics of programming a robot. Utilize https://vr.vex.com/ for more practice with programming a robot.
Getting Help:
Contact Alaina Tudman at Alaina.Tudman@fresnounified.org if you have any further questions about this event.