ME Capstone 2016-2017
SumoBot C
Team 16
Description
The overall goal for this project will be the design and manufacture of a series of robots to compete in various competitive events. The design restrictions for the robots and the event rules are those laid out by Robogames, the world’s largest open robot competition [1]. This project will focus on events styled after sumo matches of differing weight classes, with competing robots attempting to force their opponent out of a specially crafted ring called a dohyo [1]. Only pushing maneuvers are allowed, with no extraneous weaponry or flipping opponent's robots. Though the team's efforts will be directed by the robogames guidelines, actual competition at the event will not be required. Competitions will be held instead between the various Capstone teams.
Though this project is more of an open challenge for competing teams rather than an attempt to provide a deliverable to our sponsor, the benefits of the project are still significant. Specifically for the team, the process of designing and manufacturing these robots will expand the manufacturing skillsets and engineering knowledge of the individual team members, and help to improve their value in future career fields. A project creating robots within strict guidelines to solve a problem is very relevant today. It is not too much of a stretch to say that there are robotics applications in nearly every modern field of technology, and the ability to create a custom robotic device to solve a problem is an incredibly valuable skill to develop for prospective engineers. In a more general sense, projects of this type allow students to learn and improve their practical design and engineering capabilities. This type of development is needed to continue improving upon the emerging field of robotics today.
Though this project is more of an open challenge for competing teams rather than an attempt to provide a deliverable to our sponsor, the benefits of the project are still significant. Specifically for the team, the process of designing and manufacturing these robots will expand the manufacturing skillsets and engineering knowledge of the individual team members, and help to improve their value in future career fields. A project creating robots within strict guidelines to solve a problem is very relevant today. It is not too much of a stretch to say that there are robotics applications in nearly every modern field of technology, and the ability to create a custom robotic device to solve a problem is an incredibly valuable skill to develop for prospective engineers. In a more general sense, projects of this type allow students to learn and improve their practical design and engineering capabilities. This type of development is needed to continue improving upon the emerging field of robotics today.
Our Team Members
Group photos