PROJECT: WHACK-A-DOODLE 3000
Challenge: My favorite class at Cornell was called Mechatronics, which was focused on the intersection of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering. Our main project for the course involved building an autonomous battle bot that competed in round-robin competition.
Final Design: Our final battle bot featured QTI sensors in order to stay within the confines of the ring and sonar in order to sense our opponent's location. In addition, there were three key innovations that contributed to its success:
- Modified wheels: our purchase of larger wheels with extra traction allowed our battle bot to travel further distances more efficiently.
- Spinning mechanism: this spinning mechanism with foam attachments was intended to confuse our opponent's sonar signal in order to gain an upper hand on the attack.
- Plow mechanism: this was our offensive mechanism that was intended to plow the opposing battle-bot out of the ring.
Results: Our team was in the top 8 out of 42 total teams.