Our robot is nxt-based, and achieves a low centre of gravity from its nxt brick being mounted around one stud off the ground, with some extra weight on its base – the LEGO rechargeable battery. Conventionally, it uses two motors for drive. It also has a simple attachment bay on its other motor, which is geared down (25:9) to provide extra torque and reduce its speed, which we found was too high. We use this, as well as other areas of the robot, to attach a selection of attachments for the missions.
Here a video of one of our robot runs in Atlanta, in which we scored 382 points.
For more information on the 2006 competition visit www.firstlegoleague.org
Click on the program names to see a rendering of the robot.
Program 1 - Solar satelliteThe robot is aimed by eye, drives out at full power towards the satellite, and bumps it
Program 2 - Wave Turbine, Trees, & Truck RetrievalThe robot uses the wave turbine to contain the trees, and hooks the truck as it returns to base.
Program 3a - Car & Solar PanelThe robot pushes the car out on a wheeled skid to prevent friction from the rubber tyres on the car. The solar panel is encased in, but not attached to, a rubber hooky thing, and is delivered before the robot returns to base.
Program 3b - Truck to Parking LotThe robot gives the truck a small push into the parking lot.
Program 4 - Corn & UraniumThe robot uses a large hook to scoop the corn, and then the uranium, before returning to base.
Program 5 - Oil Delivery & coalThe robot pushes an oil barrel in a container to the farm, and then pushes the lever at the end of the rails with a long pole.
Program 6 - DamThe robot is aimed toward the northern river, and simply drives out of base and back in again.
Program 7 - Grid Connection, Wind Turbines, & Power Plant SupplyThe robot pushes out a large container holding the wind turbines, the electicity lines and a scoop. The uranium and coal are placed in the scoop, and delivered to the power plant.
Program 8 - Oil RigThe robot drives out with a basket, pushes down on the lever with a long pole, waits for the oil barrels to fall in, and returns to base.