Robotics. Almost There.

Lots happens on Saturdays.  Most of it was good stuff.  The robot can pick up balls.  The elevator works.  It launches them better than expected.  There is no reason to doubt that the first, straight up pneumatic climber will work.

We fussed around with many things that were kludged together.  These semi successful versions usually show us what actually has to happen.  We'd hoped to get several hours of driving in but had to settle for about 30 minutes before enough things needed fixing....and the people having a spaghetti dinner in the same space turned up an hour early!

But for what it is worth here's the robot with intake arms extended.  Improvised raised target goal in back ground.

Observant viewers will note that the protective bumpers are not on.  There was a bit of rubbing between them and the intake paddles.  This made the robot a bit more dangerous.  I got a bit of a bump on the shin while the controls were being worked out.

Star of the day was our really outstanding robot transport cart.  Topper designed by the team and laser cut by a sponsor.  Lookin' good.

The real icing on the cake would be getting that second "monkey bar" climb to work.  After many, many days of dithering the anchor for this was placed at the end of the session.  And a very simple way of positioning it was finally arrived at.  We don't have much time left, but this might actually work.

Snow on the way.  We can't afford to lose time, but if school is cancelled so is robotics for that day.  Ugh.  Should have sacrificed a few more chickens....