Make a System That Communicates

Design Brief
Design, build and program a robotic system that follows a path and communicates its position at least twice along the way.

Brainstorm
Discuss different solutions to the design brief.

Think about:
• What kind of motorized mechanism can be used to control the movements of a robot?
• How can the robot sense where it is along the path?
• How can the robot communicate its position?

Select the Best Solution
Describe the solution that you have agreed to build and program.

Think about examples from your brainstorming discussion. Then explain why you chose this solution for the design brief.

Build and Program
Now you are ready to start building and programming your solution!

As you work on your solution:

1. Describe one part of your design that worked especially well.
2. Describe one design change that you had to make.
3. What will you try next?

As you test your design solution, use the table for recording your findings.

Test and Analyze
How well does your solution satisfy the design brief? Record your data. Name the columns and rows, such as Trial Number, Expected Behavior, Actual Behavior and Comments.

Review and Revise
Take a moment to reflect on your robot solution.

Think about:
• Can the robot’s movement be made more accurate?
• What are some ways that others have solved the problem?

Describe two ways you could improve your robot.

Communicate
Here are some ideas:
• Create a video of your project, especially your final presentation and your robot’s performance.
• Explain some important features of your software program.
• Produce a building guide for your model by taking a series of photographs as you deconstruct it.
• Include an image of your program with comments.
• Add a team photograph!

Congratulations! What will you design next?