Mars Rover Robot (MRR)

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Request for Proposal: Mars Rover Robot (MRR)


This project reflects real life scenarios; the robot must be able to handle minor imperfections in the course.

Note: Only the materials contained in the price list for VEX parts for robot projects may be used. To use other parts, get permission from a faculty member, and also to determine the cost of the additional parts used that are not in this price list.

Introduction and Overview

The United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has recently received increasing evidence of volcanic activity on the long-believed volcanically dormant planet, Mars. Radar measurements from the Mars Express Spacecraft have detected the presence of a 20 km wide lake of liquid water located underneath a layer of ice in the Planum Australe region. Modern research about the discovery suggests that the only way to maintain water in the liquid state in the conditions present on Mars is with the presence of a magma chamber located underneath the body of liquid water. In order to calculate the possibility of active volcanic activity on the Red Planet, NASA has issued an RFP (request for proposal) for a rover capable of traversing the steep slopes of Olympus Mons, the second tallest mountain and largest volcano in the solar system. This rover will dig near the base of the volcano as well as photograph it from its peak. By studying the data obtained, NASA hopes to understand the past volcanic activity of the planet and use that data to theorize the possibility of present-day volcanic activity.

The mission has two parts that must be completed. The first part is to collect a rock sample and bring it back to the start point for analysis. The second part of the mission involves climbing to the peak of the mountain to take a picture of the surrounding environment. To complete the mission, a sensor must be used to increase the accuracy of the rover's movement.

Specifications

Design a robot using Fusion 360 as your primary design tool. Your team must build a model of your design using the materials provided. An Arduino 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 Arduino program must be recorded and explained.

The MRR must be able to move autonomously over the course, pick up the rock sample, and return to the start point, all while using a sensor. The sensor can be a gyro sensor, ultrasonic sensor, or touch sensor. The robot must traverse to the highest peak of the course. For extra credit, the robot can traverse the secondary ramp and return to the start tile. In completing the extra credit, the robot must descend the primary ramp similar to how it ascended it for Commissioning. The robot cannot jump off the primary ramp directly to the secondary ramp. The robot must fit within a 15 in × 15 in footprint. These specifications must be met for final Commissioning.

The robot's Arduino 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. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.

Please note that any attempt to physically step on the course or have the robot drive off a cliff will result in a point penalty in your final project grade due to safety precautions.

Course Layout

Ramp 1 is the secondary ramp that can be traversed for extra credit. Ramps 2 and 3 comprise the primary ramp that must be traversed for Commissioning.

Figure 1: Labeled View of MRR Navigation Field

Microsoft Project

A project schedule must be created in Microsoft Project. Learn to use Microsoft Project by accessing the Microsoft Project Student Guide. This schedule must include all tasks related to the project from the start of the project to Early or Final submission. Click here to access the guide on how to transfer a file. The Microsoft Project schedule should include:

  • Minimum of 20 tasks, excluding Milestones
  • Milestones should be clearly indicated on the project plan (duration of zero days)
  • Each task must include the person responsible for completing the task (resource names)
  • Use the "Copy Picture" function to include the schedule in the presentations. Do not take a screenshot
  • Gantt chart must be displayed alongside the tasks list (fit onto one slide)
  • Gantt chart must show a progress line
  • Clearly state during the presentations whether the project is on-time, behind schedule, or ahead of schedule

For help planning the project, review the manual page Planning Project Scheduling & Costs.

Drawings

All drawings and sketches should be made using the Assembly tool in Fusion 360. Fusion 360 can be downloaded for free from the Autodesk website using an NYU email or accessed from any computer in the Modelshop during Open Lab hours.

Using Fusion 360, create four drawings of the robot: front, top, most detailed side, and a drawing of the gear train(s). Sensors, motors, and gears must be included in each drawing. Smaller pieces such as nuts, bolts, axles, blah blah may be omitted from the drawings. If the robot does not use any gears, make sure to explicitly state that in your presentations.

Each revision of the design must be documented and all changes must be presented during Milestone presentations.

Figure 2: Example Drawing of VEX MRR

Model

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

  1. VEX robotics pieces
  2. Basic electronics prototyping kit
  3. Sensors
  4. Motors

The finished MRR must not exceed a footprint of 15 in × 15 in. There is no height limitation. Any additional components that the MRR is equipped with must also fit within the footprint. Additional materials can be supplied by your TA.

Cost Estimate

Once a robot design is complete, a cost estimate must be generated that specifies the cost of all the materials and labor required for the construction of the design. Tabulate this cost information clearly in an Excel spreadsheet, using the materials cost list provided. Help in calculating the cost is available by reviewing how to plan the schedule and calculate costs for a project. The costs for the parts can be found on the Price list for VEX parts for robot projects.

Note: Only the materials contained in the price list for VEX parts for robot projects may be used. To use other parts, get permission from a faculty member, and also to determine the cost of the additional parts used that are not in this price list.

The cost estimate should include the following:

  • Labor cost breakdown with hours and rates ($50.00 per person per hour)
  • Consolidate low-cost pieces: axles, beams, bricks, bushings, connectors, gears, plates
  • Consolidate low-cost electrical components: microcontrollers, breadboard, wires, motor shield
  • Itemize high-cost pieces: sensors, motors, and battery
  • Total cost must be shown in the bottom right corner of the table

Engineering Notebook

While working on your project, you are expected to keep a record of all work done, as well as future plans and goals. In order to complete a Benchmark assessment, show your Engineering Notebook to the Open Lab TA completing your assessment. For Final Submission you must have it approved by an Open Lab TA in a Word Document (DOC or DOCX) format. A guide to writing the notebook, as well as a basic overview of its expectations and frequency at which you should log in your notebook, can be found on the Keeping an Engineering Notebook page.

Extra Credit

VEX MRR Groups have multiple opportunities for extra credit. These include:

  • Climbing the secondary platform
  • Returning to the starting position after reaching the highest peak of the mountain. The robot must be able to descend the primary ramp similar to how it ascended the ramp.
  • Completing Benchmark A, Benchmark B, or Submission early, or
  • Completing your respective SLDP's 3D printing extra credit task as described in the 3D Printing and Logo Guide

Refer to the EG1003 Grading Policy for exact point values. Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.

Milestones, Benchmarks, and Deliverables

As work is done on the project, three Milestone presentations will report on the project's progress. All of the items assigned in each phase of the project are called Benchmark deliverables. These deliverables often consist of a combination of written submissions, presentations, and demonstrations. Benchmark assessments evaluate the progress of the project.

Preliminary Design Investigation

The Preliminary Design Investigation (PDI) is extremely important, as it lays the groundwork for the project. It outlines the project idea, inspiration, and goals.

The PDI must include:

  • Cover Page
  • Project Overview
  • Goals & Objectives
  • Design & Approach
  • Cost Estimate
  • Project Schedule
  • Relevant Pictures

An example PDI template can be found here. The PDI is due by Benchmark A. Do not forget to include the items listed above. Use this link to access the VEX PDI Rubric.

Milestone 1

See How To Give a Milestone Presentation for the format of a Milestone presentation.

Milestone 1 is a presentation of the PDI. It is important that it outlines the project goals and show that the project is realizable.

The Milestone 1 presentation must include:

  • Company profile
    • Company name
    • Product name
    • Company officer title(s)
    • Mission statement
  • Project objective
    • What is the project about?
    • What tasks is the company aiming to accomplish? (Benchmark A requirements)
    • Overall design approach to complete objective
  • Background information
    • Why is the project happening?
    • What does the audience need to know?
  • Technical design description
    • Preliminary conceptual drawing of robot design
      • Rendered and digital sketches are acceptable, CAD not required
    • What components will be used and why?
  • Cost estimate
    • Major components of design listed
    • Miscellaneous category listed
    • Projected labor listed
  • Microsoft Project schedule
    • Click here to access the guide on how to transfer a file
  • Teamwork agreement summary
  • Summary
    • Overall assessment on current state of project
    • Is the project on schedule? Is it on budget?
    • Next steps and future tasks


Look Ahead: What tasks are planned between now and Milestone 2?

Benchmark Assessment A

Benchmarks evaluate the progress of the project. Benchmark A is due at the end of Model Shop Session II. There are penalties for not completing this on time. Refer to the EG1004 Grading Policy for more information.

To pass Benchmark A, the design must complete all of the following:

  • Robot reaches the rock sample (you do not have to pick it up)
  • Preliminary Design Investigation
  • Submit an .STL and a .gcode file of the team logo or extra credit print through the 3D Printing Submission portal on the EG website
  • Updated Engineering Notebook

Milestone 2

See How To Give a Milestone Presentation for the format of a Milestone presentation.

Milestone 2 will be a project progress update. You must explain all changes and developments made thus far, particularly in regards to Benchmark A. Include whether or not you were able to complete your Benchmark A requirements, and if not, explain why. Also, highlight any changes you plan on making to your design or project, in general. Your Milestone 2 presentation must include:

  • Project description
  • Design approach
  • Design changes since Milestone 1
  • Mission statement
  • CAD drawings: top, front, most detailed side, isometric, gear train
  • Flowchart of Code
  • Circuit diagrams
  • Cost estimate (previous and current). What changes were made?
  • Microsoft Project schedule (previous and current). What changes were made?
    • Click here to access the guide on how to transfer a file
  • Progress update: current state of the project (time, budget, etc.)


Look Ahead: What tasks are planned between now and Milestone 3?

Benchmark Assessment B

Benchmark Assessment B is due at the end of Model Shop Session III. There are penalties for not completing this on time. Refer to the EG1004 Grading Policy for more information.

To pass, complete all of the following tasks:

  • Rock sample is picked up
  • Robot drops off rock sample at the start tile
  • Have an .STL and a .gcode file of the team logo or extra credit print approved through the 3D Printing Submission portal on the EG website
  • Updated Engineering Notebook

Milestone 3

See How To Give a Milestone Presentation for the format of a Milestone presentation.

Milestone 3 will be the last project progress update. You must explain all changes and developments made thus far, particularly in regards to Benchmark B. Include whether or not you were able to complete your Benchmark B requirements, and if not, explain why. Also, highlight any changes you plan on making to your design or project, in general. Your Milestone 3 presentation must include:

  • Project description
  • Design approach
  • Design changes since Milestone 2
  • Mission statement
  • CAD drawings: top, front, most detailed side, isometric, gear train
  • Flowchart of Code
  • Circuit and Schematic diagrams
  • Cost estimate (previous and current). What changes were made?
  • Microsoft Project schedule (previous and current). What changes were made?
    • Click here to access the guide on how to transfer a file
  • Progress update: current state of the project (time, budget, etc.)


Look Ahead: What tasks are planned between now and the completion of the project?

Commissioning

Projects must be commissioned before Submission. Refer to the syllabus for Submission deadlines. There are penalties for not completing this on time. Refer to the EG1004 Grading Policy for more information.

To pass, the design must complete all of the following:

  • Complete tasks for Benchmarks A and B
  • Robot reaches highest point of the mountain
    • The robot must come to a complete stop at the peak
  • Have an .STL file of the team logo or extra credit print printed through the 3D Printing Submission portal on the EG website
  • All 3D prints must be approved by a Protolab TA
  • Updated Engineering Notebook

Final Design Report

The Final Design Report (FDR) provides a comprehensive overview of your project process and developments from initial brainstorm to finished proof of concept. All project expectations and outcomes must be clearly detailed in the document. This report will also provide you with documentation experience useful for completing your Senior Design final report and other projects.

The Final Design Report must include the following documentation:

  • CAD drawings
  • Wiring Diagrams
  • Commented code
  • Project schedule
  • Cost estimate

Use this Final Design Report template with the following outline:

  • Introduction
    • Purpose of Project
    • Background
  • Requirements
    • Physical Components
    • Software Components
  • Procedures
    • Physical Construction
    • Software Setup
    • Software Troubleshooting
  • Milestone and Final Product Requirements
    • Benchmark A Requirements
    • Benchmark B Requirements
    • Final Submission Requirements
    • Human Resources and Training (e.g. TA expertise utilized, etc.)
  • Results
    • Benchmark A Results
    • Benchmark B Results
    • Difficulties Experienced
  • Conclusion
    • Results of Project
    • Future Improvements


Final Presentation

The Final Presentation will be a technical briefing, similar to the Milestones, but also serves as a sales presentation explaining why your company should be selected instead of the competition.

Your Final Presentation must include:

  • Company profile
    • Company name
    • Employee profile, role(s), and qualifications
    • Mission statement
  • Problem statement
    • Why is the project happening?
    • What does the audience need to know?
  • Project objective
    • What is the purpose of your project?
    • Who does your project help?
    • What problem does your project solve?
  • Project description
    • Specify LEED certification
      • Examples of LEED implementations in Revit
    • Revit drawings
      • All floor plan drawings
      • Dimensions
      • 1:240 scale
    • Views of exterior of building: front elevation, side elevation, isometric elevation
      • Dimensions
  • Market and product viability
    • Does your company have competitors?
    • What makes your project unique?
    • How does your design compare to competitors - cost, quality, features?
    • Is the project versatile?
    • What is the price of your project?
  • Conclusion
    • Reiterating project purpose
    • Highlight project features
    • Future goals of the company
    • Why should your company be awarded this contract?
  • Video pitch
  • Problem statement
  • Solution overview
  • Company description and qualifications
  • CAD Drawings
  • Flowchart of Code
  • Circuit and Schematic Diagrams
  • Cost estimate
  • Microsoft Project schedule
  • Video demonstration
  • Why should your company be awarded this contract?


Submission

All SLDPs must be submitted online. Please visit this page for the link to the Project Submission form and each project’s individualized login information. To submit, login to the EG1004 website using this special login information. Submitting with an NYU account or any other account will generate an error. Components may be resubmitted at any time before the deadline. Please note that submission times are based on the most recent submission.

Please note the deliverables for this project are as follows. If any of the following items are omitted, there will be a penalty. Be sure to click "Submit" at the bottom of the form and allow sufficient time for uploading. The following list includes deliverable items that are required:

  • Submission deliverables:
    • Final presentation
    • Final Arduino program
    • Final circuit diagrams
    • Initial sketch
    • All the drawings of your design (initial through final)
    • Video
    • Final Microsoft Project schedule
    • Final cost estimate
    • Resume(s) (no fictitious resumes will be accepted)
    • Final notebook/project journal



Late Submission

Late submission is not allowed. If a project does not Commission or receive Partial Commission by the deadline set forth in the syllabus, the project will not be allowed to submit and will receive a 0 for the project grade. To receive Partial Commissioning, two TAs must evaluate the project and determine its degree of completion according to the Commissioning requirements and the project will be given a grade accordingly. Please refer to the EG1004 Grading Policy for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can we step on the course as it is difficult to retrieve a robot from the middle of the course due to its size?

A: No. If needed, you can ask a TA to assist you.

Q: Can we bump the course if the robot gets stuck?

A: No. You can't bump Mars, so bumping the course is not an option.

Q: Can we use rubber bands on the wheels for more traction?

A: Yes. This is highly encouraged, especially when dealing with slopes.

Q: All the VEX parts are really big. Is there a size constraint?

A: There is a soft size limitation of a 15 in × 15 in footprint. If you slightly exceed this constraint, it is okay, but you may encounter difficulties in navigating the robot through the course.

Q: Can our robot jump from one hill to another?

A: No. This will cause damage to both the robot and course and is also unsafe. If your robot does this, your trial will be invalidated and you may receive point penalties to your final project grade.

Q: Are we required to use the VEX library?

A: No; however, students who do not use the library are not guaranteed support from EG1003 TAs.

Q: Can we laser cut a robot part or course modification?

A: Yes!

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