View source for Retrieval and Delivery System (RDS)

<h1>RFP*: RDS (Retrieval and Delivery System)</h1>

<p>*<b> RFP </b>is an acronym for <i>Request For Proposal</i>. Internationally, RFPs
are called ITTs, an acronym for <i>Invitation To Tender</i>. Companies and governmental agencies use RFPs to solicit new business.</p>

== <h2>INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW</h2> ==

<p>Polytechnic University has
recently completed an ambitious building campaign, adding a new dormitory and
an academic building to its Brooklyn location.
Housed within the new academic building is a state-of-the-art gymnasium
designed to be a home to the University's championship volleyball and
basketball teams. The University did not anticipate the attraction the new gym
would hold for Poly undergrads (especially EG TAs) interested in honing their
skills on the court. While the popularity of the gym is a satisfying
development for the administration, it has created a problem. “There are
basketballs everywhere!�? says Maureen Braziel, Poly's athletic director. </p>

<p>Polytechnic University is seeking bids on an autonomous retrieval and delivery system,
code-named <b><i>RDS</i></b>, to gather the balls from the gym floor and deposit them in
baskets that have been placed at specified locations on its perimeter. Your
design must be innovative and cost effective. Polytechnic University
belongs to the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference. Other members have expressed
an interest in seeing Poly's ball retrieval robot in
anticipation of buying one themselves. </p>

<p>The winning bid will be the one
that delivers an innovative design at an economical price. Please provide
information about your company and its lead employees. Describe any projects
that your firm has undertaken that are similar to this one. Please refer to the
specifications that follow as you prepare your proposal. The format outlined in
the <b><i>Technical Communication </i></b>section of this manual is the one you
should use.</p>

== <h2>SPECIFICATIONS</h2> ==

<p>Design a robot using MLCAD as
your primary design tool. Your team must build a model of your design using the
materials provided. A RoboLAB program that will
direct the robot's movements must be created. A cost estimate of the robot's
components must be provided. All revisions to the original design must be
recorded and explained this includes technical design drawings, as well as cost
estimates. All revisions to the RoboLAB program must be
recorded and explained.</p>

<p>The RDS must be able to navigate
autonomously around the gym floor and retrieve balls and deposit them in the baskets
on the floor's periphery. <i>Note that these
basket positions and their heights may change each semester</i>! The robot must
accumulate a total of 375 points in less than five minutes. The robot's footprint
(length and width) may not be larger than 10&quot; <i>x </i>10&quot;. </p>

<p>The robot program may not be altered or switched during any
part of the mission.  Likewise, the robot
must be fully autonomous, and therefore cannot be touched by any person during
testing. These specifications <i>must</i> be
met for final commissioning. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.</p>

=== <h3>RDS COURSE DESIGN</h3> ===

<p align=center>[[Image:rds1.jpg]]</p>

<p class=caption>Figure 1: RDS navigation field, with ball point assignments</p>

<p align=center>[[Image:rds2.jpg]]</p>

<p class=caption>Figure 2: Alternate view of RDS navigation field</p>

<p>The course is a flat surface. Your
robot must begin behind the starting point with its back edge flush with the
side wall of the course. You can use the black lines drawn on the testing floor
for navigation. The baskets are built out of Lego pieces and vary in height.
They will always be located in the illustrated region; however their heights
and relative locations may vary by semester. Both RDS courses are identical.</p>

=== <h3>POINT TOTALS</h3> ===

<p>By successfully returning the retrieved ball to one of the <font color=#ff0000>baskets</font>,
the <font color=#0000ff>object's</font> point value is multiplied by the value assigned to the
basket. Each of the baskets has a different point value. The tall basket is worth
more points than the small ones.</p>

<p>For example, if the robot retrieved a <font color=#0000ff>25-point object</font> and
successfully placed it in the <font color=#ff0000>highest basket</font>, the team would
receive 75 points for that ball (<font color=#0000ff>25</font> <i>x
</i><font color=#ff0000>3</font> = <font color=#ff00ff>75</font>). The smallest basket
is assigned a value of <font color=#ff0000>1</font>, the medium basket is assigned a value of
<font color=#ff0000>2</font>, and the tallest basket is assigned a value of 
<font color=#ff0000>3</font>.</p>

<p><b>Please Note:</b></p>

<p>The locations and point values
of the balls and the baskets are labeled in Figures 1 &amp; 2. Most balls sit
on a bottle cap except for the balls in the corners and the balls on the
periphery with walls around them.</p>

<p>Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.</p>

=== <h3>MICROSOFT PROJECT</h3> ===

<p>Your team must create a time management plan using Microsoft Project (MS Project).
This plan must include all tasks related to the project. Each task must be named, assigned
a duration, assigned to a specific person, (or people) and ranked in importance relative to
the other tasks you have identified. You must begin your work by creating an MS Project plan.
Follow your project plan throughout the semester. If the team falls behind schedule, explain
the reasons for the delays when you present your progress reports, list the steps being taken
to get the project back on track, and create a revised MS Project plan.</p>

<p>There should be at least twenty tasks/subtasks and three Milestones. Milestones should be
noted with the duration of "0day". Moreover, the copy picture function included in MS Project
Software should be used instead of the print screen function of the computer.</p>

<p>You can get help on making your project schedule by reading the page "How to plan the schedule
and calculate costs for a project" in the "Material to help you with the project" section of the
online manual.</p>

=== <h3>DRAWINGS</h3> ===

<p>A command of <b>MLCAD</b> is necessary for you to complete
the drawings required for this project. Use MLCAD to create four drawings of
your robot: front, top, most detailed side, and a drawing of your gear trains.
Sensors, motors, and gears must be included in each drawing. All parts used in
the robot must be referred to using the part number found in the price list. </p>

<p>Each revision of your design
must be documented. This is done by saving the old side view drawing, and
assigning a revision number to the new drawing.</p>

<p align=center>[[Image:rds3.gif]]</p>

<p class=caption>Figure 3: Sample isometric image from MLCAD (without part numbers)</p>

=== <h3>MODEL</h3> ===

<p>You must build a scale model (1:1) of your design. The following materials will be provided:</p>

<ol>
<li>RoboLAB kit></li>
<li>One RCX</li>
<li>Sensors</li>
<li>Motors</li>
</ol>

<p>Additional materials can be supplied by your TA.</p>

<p align=center>[[Image:rds5.jpg]]</p>
<p class=caption>Figure 4: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials</p>

=== <h3>COST ESTIMATE</h3> ===

<p>Once a robot design is complete,
an estimate must be generated that specifies the cost of all the materials and
labor required for the construction of your design. Tabulate this cost
information clearly in an Excel spreadsheet, using the materials cost list provided.</p>

<p>Have all the materials and parts used categorized in different groups instead of including
individual parts. Make sure to include the units of each part used in a group and total them up
for that individual group. Moreover, the cost of labor should be included. You can get help on
the labor cost by reading the page "How to plan the schedule and calculate costs for a project"
in the "Material to help you with the project" section of the online manual.</p>

=== <h3>MILESTONES</h3> ===

<p>As you work on your project, you will be required to present periodic reports on your progress. We call these
Milestones. All the items assigned in each Milestone are called deliverables. These deliverables often consist of
a combination of written submissions, presentations, and demonstrations.</p>

<h4>Milestone 1</h4>

<p>Prepare a preliminary sketch of your design, a cost estimate, and an MS Project plan.</p>

<p><b><i>Look Ahead:</i> What tasks do you plan between now and Milestone 2?</b></p>

<p><b>Milestone 1 Deliverables:</b> Apresentation. Include the preliminary sketch, cost estimate,
and MS Project plan. Include a brief description of the robot and any special features and benefits
of your design.</p>

<p><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
the initial drawing, the initial cost estimate, or the initial MS Project plan, <b>in addition to</b> the revision.</i></p>

<h4>Milestone 2</h4>

<p>Using MLCad, prepare four views of your latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing.
Create an MLCad drawing of your gear trains. Complete your latest RoboLAB program and your latest MS Project plan
reflecting any schedule changes. Finally, calculate a revised cost estimate. A signed Component Testing Form must be
submitted to your Recitation TA.</p>

<p><i><b>Look Ahead:</b> What tasks do you plan between now and Milestone 3?</i></p>

<p><b>Milestone 2 Deliverables:</b> A copy of your presentation slides that includes four views of your design using MLCad:
front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing; an MLCad drawing of your gear trains; your RoboLab program; a revised
cost estimate; your revised MS Project plan; and your signed Component Testing Form.</p> 

<p><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
the initial drawing, the initial cost estimate, or the initial MS Project plan, <b>in addition to</b> the revision.</i></p>

<h4>Milestone 3</h4>

<p>Using MLCad, prepare four views of your latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing. Create
an MLCad drawing of your gear trains. Complete your latest RoboLAB program and your latest MS Project plan reflecting any
schedule changes. Finally, calculate a revised cost estimate. </p>

<p><i><b>Look ahead:</b> What tasks do you plan between now and the completion of the project?</i></p>

<p><b>Milestone 3 Deliverables:</b> A copy of your presentation slides that includes four views of your design using MLCad: front,
top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing; an MLCad drawing of your gear trains; your RoboLab program; a revised cost
estimate; and your revised MS Project plan.</p>

<p><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
the initial drawing, the initial cost estimate, or the initial MS Project plan, <b>in addition to</b> the revision.</i></p> 

<h3>FINAL PRESENTATION</h3>

<p>The exact specifications for your final presentation will be provided by your instructor. Some of these requirements will be:
the features and benefits of your design, project specifications, all drawings, RoboLAB programs, cost estimates, and your
completed MS Project. After you deliver your final presentation, you will proceed to the Model Shop to have your work commissioned
(tested). A signed <b>Commissioning Statement</b> must be included with your final presentation materials.</p>

<p><b>Final Proposal Cover Letter:</b> Refer to the <b>Technical Communication</b> section of this manual for specifics on the
preparation of your cover letter. This document is the final written report describing your design project. Remember that proposals
must be persuasive in tone.</p>

<p>The Appendix must include your initial sketch, all the drawings of your final design, the final RoboLAB program, the final MS Project,
and the final cost estimate. Be sure to include photographs your final model.</p>

<h3>EARLY ACCEPTANCE</h3>

<p>If you complete your project one week early, you are eligible for a bonus that will be added to your final semester-long project
grade. You must submit all deliverables by 5PM one week before your section is scheduled to present (see syllabus for exact date).
To commission early, all required information on the form titled <b><i>Early Acceptance of Semester Project</i></b>, found on the
EG web site, must be approved, accepted, and signed by a TA. The deliverables received early are the ones you will use in your
presentation. No adjustments to the deliverables commissioned will be accepted.</p>

<h3>LIQUIDATED DAMAGES</h3>

<p>If you do not complete all your deliverables and do not commission during the Final Presentation, you will incur liquidated damages for
the next five business days. From business day 6 to day 10 you will incur increased liquidated damages. If your project is 10 business days
late, or beyond the date of the EG1004 Final Exam, you will lose all of the credit for your semester project.</p>

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