Week 8 Update

Team Operations:
         FIRST deadlines have been coming up, and Team Ops has been working diligently to submit for judged awards before they are due on March 4th. The last couple of weeks, they’ve been finishing up and fine-tuning the Innovation Challenge executive summary; this document was submitted this past Monday. Once the submission process was completed, the group immediately started preparing and reviewing the requirements for semi-finals in anticipation of a selection. Additionally, the group has been overlooking Team Operations responsibilities during a typical season so the rookie members would know what to expect once we are back to having in-person competitions again. Our financial group has started to work on a confidentiality statement, and to present the team finances overview to all 4909 members. Team Ops has been constantly updating and making new additions to our website. Make sure to check out our weekly senior spotlights below!

Software:
​       Software’s main focus since the last update was implementing and testing a program for the Galactic Search challenge. In this challenge, teams must program their robot to autonomously decide between four possible locations of Power Cells, and then pick them up as fast as possible. To do this, the software team has been working extensively with PID control for driving and turning set distances and angles. The group also explored different ways to find the power cells, trying both the DepthAI Development Kit and the PixyCam. The software team is currently integrating the PID-based driving and camera-based sensing into a working autonomous program with extensive testing. Meanwhile, for other testing, development and training, the group focused on two main projects: First, Java training sessions were held to help get rookie members up to speed. Also, the team’s prototyping robot, Frankenstein, who’s lovingly referred to as “Frankie” was redesigned and built. This permitted more effective testing with the computer vision techniques that software hopes to apply.

Swerve:
​      These past two weeks, the Swerve group has been working on polishing the CAD files before beginning manufacturing. Belt tensioning was added to fix CNC hole tolerancing, and the assembly was adjusted to fit the components that have been made and purchased. Once the first iteration of the design was completed, the group was able to move on to manufacturing, where they cut out 3/16” thick aluminum plates that house the entire drive module. The CNC router was used for this, and the Swerve group then worked to deburr and clean up the parts. Now that these steps are complete, an assembly of the first iteration for testing is ready to begin, before heading back to design and manufacturing to fix up whatever issues may arise.

Intake/Indexer:
​          Over the past two weeks, members have been busy at work manufacturing the prototype for the Intake/Indexer. After the rookie members were trained on how to properly use the Fusion 360 software for CAM, they were then taught how to move its files to the velox CNC machine. After learning how to safely and effectively operate the machine, pieces needed for the prototype were cut out. Next, the group moved onto cutting shafts for the prototype, and members reviewed how to cut and bond polycord. Now with all the parts, the manufacturing process is ready to begin. Although the prototype is not finished yet, the group plans on finishing it up and testing it this week. 

Shooter:
​              The shooter group dedicated this week to assembly. First, rookie members learned how to use the Velox CNC and Autodesk Fusion (3D CAD Software). Once the parts were cut out, the lexan backplate was cut down to size and bent into shape, as well as the churros (hexagonal-like rods). With all parts prepared, the first part of the assembly was ready to be made; the base. After completion of the base, the side plates of the adjustable hood were built with the Velox CNC. The axles have been cut, and a tensioner is currently being printed using a 3D printer. Next, holes were created using a lathe to allow shaft retention, which prevents it from slipping out once placed into the adjustable hood. Additionally, a custom made pin which perfectly fits into its designated holes, has been built to anchor the adjustable hood. This pin keeps the hood from moving while the prototype is active. The next steps are to 3D print rollers that will go onto the axles in the adjustable hood, attach motors, gears and belts, and to add in the kick wheel which will launch the ball with a consistent speed into the firing mechanism. This aspect is extremely important, as it allows members to gather data on the testing variables (those being wheel type and wheel rpm).

Control Panel:
​        This eighth week of build season, team members have finished up the CAD model for the control panel.  The prototype included pulley struts which were “burned out” from thin plywood by our 2D laser cutter, these pulley struts were mounted to the motor and a drive belt.  Now, the group is ready to start integrating this model with software to make a plan on where the optical sensors will be placed on the robot.

Safety:
​            This week, a couple of team members have gone through the “Stop The Bleed” training program. This program is all about teaching citizens basic knowledge about how to treat people from bleeding to death. Led by Mrs. Tobey R.N,  4909 members were taught how to identify life threatening wounds, the steps of how to treat the patient until paramedics arrive, the importance of keeping yourself calm during the situation, and ways to prepare for the situation. Over the course of the next few weeks, the team hopes to spread awareness of this topic and get all members certified. The “Stop the Bleed” training program is important in robotics because if there is ever an emergency, members will be able to to assist and potentially save a life.
​