ERAU STEM Summer Camps - Advanced Robotics Camp 2014

Richard S. Stansbury and Farahzad Behi


The 2014 Summer Camp used the Lego Mindstorms Educational Kit purchaed from Lego Education.  Our kits ran the NXT 2.0 system, which is the previous generation Mindstorm.  Since these units are discontinued, the cost associated with them have gone up significantly if you buy new.  You can find used sets on E-Bay for around $200.

About one year ago, Lego upgraded from NXT 2.0 to EV3.  Those are more affordable, but different from the kits used in camp.  You can purchase an EV3 kit at amazon.com at the following link:  http://www.amazon.com/LEGO-6029291-Mindstorms-EV3-31313/dp/B00CWER3XY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1403871970&sr=8-1&keywords=lego+nxt+2.0

Schedule

Thursday Challenge Builds

You have done well, but you must complete the following challenges before you are ready for your Battle Bot.

Complete each of the challenge builds and demonstrate to Mr. Behi or Dr. Stansbury.

Challenge #1:  The Wanderer

Create a program that when dropped into the battle arena will be able to move randomly throughout the environment without going out of bounds.

This is the first step to having a powerful battle bot.

Learn more about random movements:  here.

Challenge #2:  Robocci

For this, you will create a robot that will drive toward a cup and get as close as possible without hitting it.

Instructions can be found:  here.

For this you can use, timing, sonar, or wheel encoders to try to get as close as possible.

Challenge #3: Mine Sweeper

Demonstrate your ability to evade enemies.  You will place your robot in the arena and then move around randomly while avoiding any enemies.  For this, your enemies will be foam cups.  Don't hit them.  Don't stop.

Instructions can be found:  here.

Challenge #4:  Last Bot Standing

Place in the arena a number of foam cups.  Create a robot that uses the sonar to turn to face the closest opponent and then push that opponent until they are out of the arena.  Then, turn to the next closest and attach again.  The goal is to systematically clean out the arena and be the last one standing.

Battle Bots Rules and Code Sample