Robots
The creation of our robot, affectionately named "Tribot," was an exciting and enriching adventure. This ambitious project came to life through the collaboration of our team consisting of determined students, all driven by a common passion for technology and innovation. Our goal was clear: to design a versatile and competitive robot capable of shining in a competition focused on recycling and creativity. The creation of "Tribot" spanned multiple phases, from designing the components to the complex programming of its movements. We faced technical challenges, including creating a gripper capable of capturing flags effectively, designing a sturdy motherboard incorporating components such as the ESP32 board, and programming to control a robot with three wheels. Each member of our team brought their own expertise and creativity to this project, resulting in a unique and high-performing robot. Beyond the competition, the creation of "Tribot" strengthened our passion for robotics, our understanding of advanced technologies, and our desire to explore new frontiers of technological innovation. It was with great pride and palpable excitement that we saw our robot come to life and ready to face all the challenges that lay ahead.
Motherboard
Code
Battery
Gripper
Assembly
Competition
Motherboard
The motherboard, with components such as the ESP32 board, constituted the technological heart of our robot "Tribot." This essential part of the project was the result of a combination of several crucial steps, from creating the board itself to the delicate soldering phase. To begin, designing the motherboard required meticulous planning. We determined the optimal placement of components, including the ESP32 board, considering the efficiency of the arrangement, ease of access for maintenance, and cable management to avoid unnecessary clutter. Once the design was complete, we moved on to the manufacturing phase. The motherboard was carefully crafted, and precise soldering techniques were used to secure the components in place. Soldering was a delicate step, as we needed to ensure that each electrical connection was strong and stable to ensure the proper functioning of the robot. The ESP32 board, as the main component of the motherboard, was responsible for controlling and coordinating the various systems of the robot. It was essential for communication, motor control, and integration of various sensors. In the end, the motherboard was the technological backbone that allowed our robot to function smoothly. The design, manufacturing, and soldering of this board were critical steps to ensure the robustness and reliability of "Tribot" in our competition focused on recycling and creativity.
Code
The coding phase was undoubtedly the most complex part of our project, mainly due to the unique nature of our robot, which was equipped with three wheels. This configuration required a particularly thoughtful and clever programming approach to ensure smooth and precise control. My main role was to develop the robot's control program. I faced the challenge of creating an intuitive web interface, equipped with three joysticks, allowing smooth control of the robot's movements and gripper. I set up WebSocket communication to exchange real-time data, and I used complex mathematical equations to manage the robot's wheels and gripper operation. The uniqueness of the three wheels added an additional level of complexity, as it was necessary to orchestrate their movement to achieve optimal mobility while maintaining the stability of the robot. This required a deep understanding of robotic kinematics and motion control programming. Despite the challenges, the coding phase was exciting. It highlighted our ability to solve complex problems using technology, logic, and ingenuity. It also emphasized the importance of adaptability and creativity when programming robots with unconventional configurations. Ultimately, this coding phase was essential to make "Tribot" a functional and competitive robot, ready to shine in our competition focused on recycling and creativity.
Battery
Batteries play an essential role in the operation of robots like "Tribot." They provide the necessary energy to power motors, electronic circuits, and control systems, allowing the robot to move, perform tasks, and remain operational for extended periods. In our project, we needed no less than four 3.6 V accumulator batteries to efficiently power this robot. These batteries were carefully selected and integrated into the system to ensure sufficient autonomy and optimal performance, which was crucial for succeeding in our recycling and creativity-focused robotics competition.
Gripper
The creation of the gripper to capture the flag in our robotics competition was a fascinating step in our project. Our team had to tackle the challenge of designing a mechanism capable of gripping flags effectively and accurately. We opted for a 3D modeling approach using software such as Catia to design a gripper that would be both robust and functional.
Once the 3D model was finalized, we used 3D printing techniques to manufacture the physical gripper. This approach allowed us to create a customized tool, perfectly suited to our objective. The gripper had adjustable clamping mechanisms, giving us the flexibility needed to grasp different types of flags.
During the competition, the performance of our gripper was crucial to our success. It demonstrated the combination of our expertise in design, 3D modeling, and manufacturing, showing how technology can be used innovatively to solve real challenges. This gripper creation phase truly highlighted our ability to combine ingenuity and technical skills to achieve our goals in the field of robotics.
Assembly
The assembly of all components to create our robot "Tribot" was a crucial and exciting step in our project. We took care to assemble each element precisely, ensuring that each piece integrated seamlessly into the whole.
First, we carefully attached the motherboard, ensuring strong electrical connections through the aforementioned soldering phase. This board served as the brain of the robot, controlling its movements and actions.
Next, we integrated the battery, which was the essential power source for our robot. We used four 3.6 V accumulator batteries to provide the necessary energy for its operation. The strategic placement of these batteries was essential to balance the weight of the robot and ensure adequate autonomy.
Finally, the gripper that we had precisely designed was attached to the front of the robot. This crucial component allowed us to grasp flags during the competition. Its integration was delicate, but our accurate 3D modeling and 3D printing allowed for a perfect fit.
Once all components were assembled, our robot was ready to come to life. This assembly phase illustrated our ability to merge skills in electronics, mechanics, and programming to create a functional and high-performing robot, ready to take on the challenge of the competition and promote recycling and creativity.
Competition
Assembling all components to create our robot "Tribot" was a crucial and exciting step in our project. We took care to assemble each element with precision, ensuring that each piece fits seamlessly into the whole.
First, we carefully attached the ESP32 board, ensuring strong electrical connections through the aforementioned soldering phase. This board served as the brain of the robot, controlling its movements and actions.
Next, we integrated the battery, which was the essential power source for our robot. We used four 3.6V accumulator batteries each to provide the necessary energy for its operation. The strategic placement of these batteries was essential to balance the weight of the robot and ensure adequate autonomy.
Finally, the gripper we had designed with precision was attached to the front of the robot. This crucial component allowed us to grab flags during the competition. Its integration was delicate, but our precise 3D modeling and 3D printing allowed for a perfect fit.
Once all components were assembled, our robot was ready to come to life. This assembly phase illustrated our ability to merge skills in electronics, mechanics, and programming to create a functional and efficient robot, ready to take on the challenge of the competition and promote recycling and creativity.