User:Davidmichael47/enes100/fall2013/p1MazeSolver504

Problem Statement (Finish description)
Create a robot that solves a maze drawn on paper.

[Http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FF6ceCI0kc Maze solving robot]

Conceive
Market/Customer Needs A fully working clone of the maze solving robot. (DMP) Use the Maker bot to clone the plastic parts of the 'bot. (DMP) Test the sensors on the existing 'bot (DMP) Create the maze (DMP) Program the Arduino to follow the maze.

Initial target goals To get the support platforms printed out, and put together. Get it running if possible.

System performance metrics ........

Project cost and schedule ........

Alternatives ........

How to approach this

The most crucial parts of this project involve both coding the robot and using CAD software to make 3D printed parts. The plan is to have one person (Will) learn CAD software to begin designing parts, and another (James + Cin) work on the coding, or at least understanding open source code already available so that changes can be made when needed.

Design
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pA1LVHiX04k The maze solver follows a black line on a white surface that is arranged in a maze. The robot follows all the turns and finds the end of the maze. Pictures of the platfirm designs from Autodesk can be found /here/. A spoiler can be added to the top platform by extending the length beyond the battery pack. Also, side pannels can be added to the bottom platform as long as room is made for the wheel. Pictures for those design ideas can be found /here/
 * Reverse Engineering:
 * Operations Manuals found
 * Training video and tutorials found
 * Service Manuals found
 * Theory of Operation
 * The break down into assemblies and modules
 * The Design Process: Measured out all of the dimensions for the parts being cloned in the 3D printer. (/pictures/)
 * Alternatives: Sometimes the sensor array drags on the tape, so that part can be lifted a little. An alternative top platform can be made so that the robot doesn't have to be taken apart every time an adjustment needs to be made.
 * Prototypes tested
 * Iteration
 * Final Design
 * Utilization of Knowledge in Design
 * Technical and scientific knowledge
 * Creativity, problem solving and group decision-making
 * Multi-Objective Design (DFX Design_for_X or Design For Excellence)
 * Aesthetics and human factors
 * Implementation, verification, test and environmental sustainability
 * Maintainability, reliability, and safety
 * Robustness, evolution, product improvement and retirement

Implementation

 * Test and analysis procedures
 * The verification of performance to system requirements
 * The validation of performance to customer needs
 * Sourcing, partnering, and supply chains
 * Possible implementation process improvements

Operation

 * Maintenance and logistics
 * Lifecycle performance and reliability
 * Lifecycle value and costs
 * Pre-planned product improvement
 * Improvements based on needs observed in operation
 * Definition of the end of useful life
 * Disposal options

Next Steps
All parts of the robot have been 3D designed, and the test maze for the robot has been made. The next steps of the project would be to test the already made robot on the track, and work on assembling and printing separate 3D parts to clone Linus.