Difference between revisions of "Bomb Disarming Robot (BDR)"

From EG1004 Lab Manual
Jump to: navigation, search
(benchmark 1 --> A, 2 --> B)
(34 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
<h1>RFP*: Bomb Disarming Robot (BDR)</h1>
{{SLDP: RFP|Bomb Disarming Robot (BDR)}}


<p>*<b> RFP</b> is an acronym for <i>Request For Proposal</i>.
{{SLDP: Real-life Scenarios (Robots)}}
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>
{{SLDP: Outside Materials (Robots)}}


<p>The United States Department of Homeland Security,
= Introduction and Overview =
was established in 2002 by an executive order issued by President George W. Bush.
The United States Department of Homeland Security, was established in 2002 by an executive order issued by President George W. Bush. The department is an amalgamation of 22 federal agencies all dedicated in various ways to the protection of our country. The Department has three primary missions:
The department is an amalgamation of 22 federal agencies all dedicated in
# To prevent terrorist attacks within the United States,
various ways to the protection of our country. The Department has three primary
# To reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and
missions:</p>
# To minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.


<ol>
Among its many directives, the Department considers it a top priority to reduce the threat imposed by explosive devices to both our citizens and our first responders. As recent events have made clear, the potential danger to innocents is real and is one we must contend with. A strategic component of the Department's 10-point plan to deal with explosives that threaten the citizenry is a fully autonomous robot designed to navigate to an explosive device and disarm it. Such a machine would not only reduce the threat to bystanders but would protect the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to our safety.
<li>To prevent terrorist attacks within the United States,</li>
<li>To reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and</li>
<li>To minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.</li>
</ol>


<p>Among its many directives, the
This bomb disarming robot, code-named '''''BDR''''', should be nimble and effective. Your design must be reliable and cost-effective, as the Department envisions the deployment of a large number of BDRs throughout the country. The winning proposal must demonstrate the dependability of your design. Innovation in your approach to the problem will be rewarded.
Department considers it a top priority to reduce the threat imposed by
explosive devices to both our citizens and our first responders. As recent
events have made clear, the potential danger to innocents is real and is one we
must contend with. A strategic component of the Department's 10-point plan to
deal with explosives that threaten the citizenry is a fully autonomous robot
designed to navigate to an explosive device and disarm it. Such a machine would
not only reduce the threat to bystanders, but would protect the brave men and
women who have dedicated their lives to our safety.</p>


<p>This bomb disarming robot,
= Specifications =
code-named <b><i>BDR</i></b>, should be nimble and effective. Your design must be
Design a robot using Lego Digital Designer as your primary design tool. Your team must build a model of your design using the materials provided. A Mindstorms 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 Mindstorms program must be recorded and explained.
reliable and cost-effective, as the Department envisions the deployment of a
large number of BDRs throughout the country. The winning proposal must
demonstrate the dependability of your design. Innovation in your approach to
the problem will be rewarded.</p>


<h2>SPECIFICATIONS</h2>
The BDR must be able to move autonomously over a pre-selected route, disarm a bomb, avoiding any decoy bombs, and, for extra credit, disable and retrieve triangulation devices, returning them to the start point. The BDR must not touch the decoy bombs even after they disarm the bomb. The robot must fit in a start area that is 25cm by 25cm by 20cm high (see Figure 1). These specifications ''must'' be met for final commissioning.


<p>Design a robot using MLCad as
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. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.
your primary design tool. Your team must build a model of your design using the
materials provided. A Mindstorms 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 Mindstorms program must be recorded and explained.</p>


<p>The BDR must be able to move autonomously over a pre-selected route, disarm a
== Route Choices ==
bomb, avoiding any decoy bombs, and, for extra credit, disable and retrieve
[[Image:BDR_Course1-1-.jpg|thumb|600px|frame|center|Figure 1: BDR navigation]]
triangulation devices, returning them to the start point. The BDR must not touch
the decoy bombs even after they disarm the bomb. The robot must fit in a start
area that is 25cm by 25cm by 20cm high (see Figure 1). These specifications
<i>must</i> be met for final commissioning. </p>


<p>The robot program may not be
[[Image:BDR_Course2-1-.jpg|thumb|600px|frame|center|Figure 2: BDR navigation]]
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.</p>


<h3>ROUTE CHOICES</h3>
Route 1: The robot must follow the black line, traverse the black tunnel, disarm the bomb, and return to the start area.


[[Image:modular1.gif|frame|center|Figure 1: BDR navigation field<br /><font color="red"><b>Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.<br>Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.</b></font>]]
Route 2: The robot must navigate the perimeter of the course, proceed to the bomb's location, disarm it, and return to the start area.


[[Image:modular2.gif|frame|center|Figure 2: Alternate view of BDR navigation field<br><font color="red"><b>Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.<br>Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.</b></font>]]


<p>Route 1: The robot must follow the black line, traverse the black tunnel,
[[Image:modular4.gif|frame|center|Figure 2: Your robot must avoid these decoy bombs]]
disarm the bomb, and return to the start area (see Figures 1 and 2).</p>


<p>Route 2: The robot must navigate the perimeter of the course, proceed to
'''Please Note''': Projectile (catapult, slingshot) designs are not allowed; your robot must travel to the bomb in order to disarm it.
the bomb's location, disarm it, and return to the start area (see Figures 1 and 2).</p>


[[Image:modular3.gif|frame|center|Figure 3: Your robot must press this disarm switch]]


[[Image:modular4.gif|frame|center|Figure 4: Your robot must avoid these decoy bombs]]
For extra credit, the robot can disable the triangulation system by disabling at least two devices (knocking ping pong balls off of their tubes). The devices are located on the roof of the complex. One of these triangulation devices may be retrieved and returned to the start area for additional extra credit. A picture showing the placement of the devices is shown below in Figure 3:


<p><b>Please Note:</b></p>
[[Image:BDRtria.png|thumb|500px|frame|center|Figure 3: Triangulation devices]]


<p>Projectile (catapult, slingshot) designs are not allowed.</p>
If you would like to design your own route, you may ask your instructor for permission.


There are two versions of the BDR course. Your Professor or TA will assign to you either BDR Day (white) or BDR Night (black). BDR Day and BDR Night are similar, but not exactly the same.
Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.


<p>For extra credit, the robot can disable the triangulation system by disabling
{{SLDP: Microsoft Project}}
at least two devices (knocking ping pong balls off of their tubes). The devices are
located on the roof of the complex. One of these triangulation devices may be retrieved
and returned to the start area for additional extra credit. A picture showing the
placement of the devices is shown below in Figure 5:</p>


[[Image:modular5.gif|frame|center|Figure 5: BDR bomb placement<br><font color="red"><b>Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.<br>Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.</b></font>]]
{{SLDP: Drawings (Robots)|4}}


<p>If you would like to design your own route, you may ask your instructor for permission.</p>
== Model ==
You must build a scale model (1:1) of your design. The following materials will be provided:
# Mindstorms kit
# One NXT/EV3
# Sensors
# Motors
The finished BDR must fit inside a 25cm &times; 25cm &times; 20cm high. Any other components that the BDR uses must also fit in the same box.


<p>Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.</p>
Additional materials can be supplied by your TA.


<h3>MICROSOFT PROJECT</h3>
[[Image:modular7.gif|thumb|center|700px|Figure 5: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials]]


<p>Your team must create a time management plan using Microsoft Project (MS Project).
{{SLDP: Cost Estimate (Robots)}}
You can learn Microsoft Project by doing the [[MS Project Skill Builder]] contained elsewhere in
this manual. This plan must include all tasks related to the project. Each task must be named,
assigned a duration amd assigned to a specific person (or people). 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>For help in planning your project, review the page called
{{SLDP: Milestones and Benchmarks}}
[[How to plan the schedule and calculate costs for a project]] in the section called <i>Material
to help you with the project</i> elsewhere in this manual.</p>


{{SLDP: Milestone 1 (Robots)}}


<p>There should be at least twenty tasks/subtasks and three Milestones. Milestones should be
{{SLDP: Benchmark A}}
noted with the duration of "0day". Moreover, the copy picture function included in MS Project
* Robot traverses two hills
Software should be used instead of the print screen function of the computer.</p>
*Submission of Logo Design (or extra credit print full filing the mandatory logo print) in the 3D Printing Submission Portal
**More details about this can be found in the 3D Printing Guide: https://manual.eg.poly.edu/index.php/3D_Printing_Guide


<h3>DRAWINGS</h3>


<p>A command of <b>MLCad</b> is necessary for you to complete
{{SLDP: Milestone 2 (Robots)}}
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
{{SLDP: Benchmark B}}
side view drawing, and assigning a revision number to the new drawing.</p>
* Disarm bomb (press doorbell)
*Approval of Logo Design (or extra credit print fulfilling the mandatory logo print) by Protolab TA


<h4>NXT Parts</h4>
{{SLDP: Milestone 3 (Robots)}}


<p>Since NXT is a very recent technology upgrade to Mindstorms, the NXT parts have not
{{SLDP: Commissioning}}
been fully reviewed for inclusion in the "official" parts library for MLCad. There
* Return to base after disarming the bomb
are unofficial versions of the parts available for use in MLCad. You can download
*Printed Logo (or extra credit print fulfilling mandatory print requirements)
the parts using the following links:</p>


<ul>
{{SLDP: Final Presentation}}
<li>Watch this space for links</li>
* Problem statement
</ul>
* Solution overview
* Company description and qualifications
* Drawings
* Mindstorms program
* Cost estimate
* Microsoft Project schedule
* Video demonstration
* Why should the company be awarded this contract?


[[Image:Modular6.gif|frame|center|Figure 6: Sample isometric image from MLCad (without part numbers)]]
{{SLDP: Submission}}
** Final presentation
** Final Mindstorms program
** Initial sketch
** All the drawings of your design (initial through final)
** Video
** Final MS Project Schedule
** Final cost estimate
** Resume(s) (No fictitious resumes will be accepted.)


<h3>MODEL</h3>
{{SLDP: Early Acceptance}}


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


<ol>
= Frequently Asked Questions =
<li>Mindstorms kit</li>


<li>One NXT</li>
Can our robot climb up walls?
<li>Sensors</li>
<li>Motors</li>
</ol>


<p>Additional materials can be supplied by your TA.</p>
:Yes, robots are allowed to climb up walls on this course.


[[Image:modular7.gif|thumb|center|700px|Figure 7: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials]]
If we go to the bomb using the hill route and then return to the start tile using the tunnel route (or vice versa), will we receive extra credit for completing both routes?


<h3>COST ESTIMATE</h3>
:Yes.


<p>Once a robot design is complete,
Can we build some arm extension for our robot to disarm the bomb so that it does not have to reach the actual bomb tile?
a cost 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. You can get help in calculating
the cost by reviewing the page called [[How to plan the schedule and calculate costs for a project]] in
the section called <i>Material to help you with the project</i> elsewhere in this manual. The costs for
the parts can be found on the page [[Media:Legoprice.pdf|Price list for Lego parts for robot projects]]
in the <i>Material to help you with the project</i> section elsewhere in this manual.</p>


<p><b>Note: You should only use the materials contained in the
:No, arms are not allowed. On this course, your robot must actually get itself to the bomb tile and press the disarm button to receive credit.
[[Media:Legoprice.pdf|Price list for Lego parts for robot projects]]. If you want to use other parts,
get permission from your faculty member to do so, and also to determine the cost of the parts you want
to use that are not in this price list.</b></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 section called <i>Material to help you with the project</i> elsewhere in this manual.</p>


<h3>MILESTONES</h3>
{{Semester-Long Design Project}}
<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. Also, indicate which
route you plan to follow from the start line to the bomb.</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> A presentation. Include the preliminary sketch, cost estimate,
and MS Project plan. Include a brief description of the robot, the route to be followed, 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 Mindstorms program and your latest MS Project plan
reflecting any schedule changes. Finally, calculate a revised cost estimate. A signed Benchmark Assessment A 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 Mindstorms program; a revised
cost estimate; your revised MS Project plan; and your signed Benchmark Assessment A 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 Mindstorms program and your latest MS Project plan reflecting any
schedule changes. Finally, calculate a revised cost estimate. A signed Benchmark Assessment B Form must be
submitted to your Recitation TA.</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 Mindstorms program; a revised cost
estimate; your revised MS Project plan; and your signed Benchmark Assessment B 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>
 
<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, Mindstorms programs, cost
estimates, and your completed MS Project. Ideally, commissioning should take
place before the Final Presentation. If, for some reason, you were not commissioned,
then you may do so after the presentation. A signed <b>Commissioning Statement</b>
must be included with your final presentation materials.</p>
 
<h3>Final Submission</h3>
<p>Your project should be submitted as a folder containing the following deliverables:</p>
 
<ul>
<li>Benchmark Assessment A statement</li>
<li>Benchmark Assessment B statement</li>
<li>Commissioning statement</li>
<li>Hardcopy and CD containing:</li>
<ul type="square">
<li>Final presentation</li>
<li>Cover page and table of appendices.</li>
<li>Appendices:</li>
<ul type="disc">
<li>Final Mindstorms program</li>
<li>Initial sketch</li>
<li>All the drawings of your final design</li>
<li>Video</li>
<li>Final MS Project Schedule</li>
<li>Final Cost estimate</li>
<li>Resume(s)</li>
</ul>
</ul>
</ul>
 
<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 [[Media:Early.doc|Project Submission Form]], 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
as defined in the grading policy..</p>
 
[[Main_Page | Return to Table of Contents]]

Revision as of 03:37, 10 September 2019

Request for Proposal: Bomb Disarming Robot (BDR)


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

Note: You should only use the materials contained in the price list for LEGO parts for robot projects. If you want to use other parts, get permission from your faculty member to do so, and also to determine the cost of the parts you want to use that are not in this price list.

Introduction and Overview

The United States Department of Homeland Security, was established in 2002 by an executive order issued by President George W. Bush. The department is an amalgamation of 22 federal agencies all dedicated in various ways to the protection of our country. The Department has three primary missions:

  1. To prevent terrorist attacks within the United States,
  2. To reduce America's vulnerability to terrorism, and
  3. To minimize the damage from potential attacks and natural disasters.

Among its many directives, the Department considers it a top priority to reduce the threat imposed by explosive devices to both our citizens and our first responders. As recent events have made clear, the potential danger to innocents is real and is one we must contend with. A strategic component of the Department's 10-point plan to deal with explosives that threaten the citizenry is a fully autonomous robot designed to navigate to an explosive device and disarm it. Such a machine would not only reduce the threat to bystanders but would protect the brave men and women who have dedicated their lives to our safety.

This bomb disarming robot, code-named BDR, should be nimble and effective. Your design must be reliable and cost-effective, as the Department envisions the deployment of a large number of BDRs throughout the country. The winning proposal must demonstrate the dependability of your design. Innovation in your approach to the problem will be rewarded.

Specifications

Design a robot using Lego Digital Designer as your primary design tool. Your team must build a model of your design using the materials provided. A Mindstorms 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 Mindstorms program must be recorded and explained.

The BDR must be able to move autonomously over a pre-selected route, disarm a bomb, avoiding any decoy bombs, and, for extra credit, disable and retrieve triangulation devices, returning them to the start point. The BDR must not touch the decoy bombs even after they disarm the bomb. The robot must fit in a start area that is 25cm by 25cm by 20cm high (see Figure 1). These specifications must be met for final commissioning.

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. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.

Route Choices

Figure 1: BDR navigation
Figure 2: BDR navigation

Route 1: The robot must follow the black line, traverse the black tunnel, disarm the bomb, and return to the start area.

Route 2: The robot must navigate the perimeter of the course, proceed to the bomb's location, disarm it, and return to the start area.


Figure 2: Your robot must avoid these decoy bombs

Please Note: Projectile (catapult, slingshot) designs are not allowed; your robot must travel to the bomb in order to disarm it.


For extra credit, the robot can disable the triangulation system by disabling at least two devices (knocking ping pong balls off of their tubes). The devices are located on the roof of the complex. One of these triangulation devices may be retrieved and returned to the start area for additional extra credit. A picture showing the placement of the devices is shown below in Figure 3:

Figure 3: Triangulation devices

If you would like to design your own route, you may ask your instructor for permission.

Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.

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 LEGO Digital Designer (LDD). LDD can be installed for free from the LEGO website.

Using LDD, 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. 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.

Model

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

  1. Mindstorms kit
  2. One NXT/EV3
  3. Sensors
  4. Motors

The finished BDR must fit inside a 25cm × 25cm × 20cm high. Any other components that the BDR uses must also fit in the same box.

Additional materials can be supplied by your TA.

Figure 5: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials

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 LEGO parts for robot projects.

Note: You should only use the materials contained in the price list for LEGO parts for robot projects. If you want to use other parts, get permission from your faculty member to do so, and also to determine the cost of the parts you want to use that are not in this price list.

The cost estimate should include the following:

  • Labor cost breakdown with hours and rates
  • Consolidate low-cost pieces: axles, beams, bricks, bushings, connectors, gears, plates
  • Itemize high-cost pieces: controllers (EV3 brick), sensors, motors
  • No decimal places; this is an estimate after all. Round appropriately
  • Total cost must be shown in the bottom right corner

Notebook/Project Journal

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, you must submit your notebook in .pdf format to the EG1004 website, as well as show your notebook to the Open Lab TA completing your assessment. A guide to writing the notebook, as well as a basic overview of its expectations, can be found here.

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:


Milestone 2

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

Milestone 2 Deliverables:

  • Presentation:
    • Project description
    • Design approach
    • Design changes since Milestone 1
    • Mission statement
    • CAD drawings: top, front, most detailed side, isometric, gear train
    • Mindstorms program
    • Updated cost estimate (previous and current). What changes were made?
    • Updated Microsoft Project schedule (previous and current). What changes were made?
    • 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:

  • Disarm bomb (press doorbell)
  • Approval of Logo Design (or extra credit print fulfilling the mandatory logo print) by Protolab TA

Milestone 3

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

Milestone 3 Deliverables:

  • Presentation:
    • Project description
    • Design approach
    • Design changes since Milestone 2
    • Mission statement
    • CAD drawings: top, front, most detailed side, isometric, gear train
    • Mindstorms program
    • Updated cost estimate (previous and current). What changes were made?
    • Updated Microsoft Project schedule (previous and current). What changes were made?
    • 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:

  • Return to base after disarming the bomb
  • Printed Logo (or extra credit print fulfilling mandatory print requirements)

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
  • Drawings
  • Mindstorms program
  • Cost estimate
  • Microsoft Project schedule
  • Video demonstration
  • Why should the 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 Mindstorms program
    • Initial sketch
    • All the drawings of your design (initial through final)
    • Video
    • Final MS Project Schedule
    • Final cost estimate
    • Resume(s) (No fictitious resumes will be accepted.)

Early Submission

If the project is submitted one academic week early (before the end of the lab period the week before the Final Submission deadline), the project is eligible for a bonus that will be added to the final SLDP grade. All deliverables must be submitted one academic week before the submission deadline (see syllabus for the exact date). The deliverables received early are the ones that will be used in the Final Presentation. No changes to the submitted deliverables will be accepted.

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

Can our robot climb up walls?

Yes, robots are allowed to climb up walls on this course.

If we go to the bomb using the hill route and then return to the start tile using the tunnel route (or vice versa), will we receive extra credit for completing both routes?

Yes.

Can we build some arm extension for our robot to disarm the bomb so that it does not have to reach the actual bomb tile?

No, arms are not allowed. On this course, your robot must actually get itself to the bomb tile and press the disarm button to receive credit.