Difference between revisions of "Ice Station Autonomous Robot (ISAR)"

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<h1>RFP*: ISAR(Ice Station Autonomous Robot)</h1>
<h1>RFP*: ISAR(Ice Station Autonomous Robot)</h1>


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agencies use RFPs to solicit new business.</p>
agencies use RFPs to solicit new business.</p>


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


<p>In the early 1980s, British
<p>In the early 1980s, British
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code-named <b><i>ISAR</i></b>, that will perform specific
code-named <b><i>ISAR</i></b>, that will perform specific
tasks at the ice station, thereby freeing up the station's personnel to
tasks at the ice station, thereby freeing up the station's personnel to
dedicate themselves to more important jobs.</p>
dedicate themselves to more important jobs. The winning bid will be the one
 
<p>The winning bid will be the one
that is both innovative and cost effective. BP anticipates using this robot on
that is both innovative and cost effective. BP anticipates using this robot on
all its ice stations in the future. Please describe your company and its lead
all its ice stations in the future.</p>
employees and discuss other projects you have completed 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> ==
<h2>SPECIFICATIONS</h2>


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


<p>The ISAR must be able to navigate autonomously around the ice station. The robot
<p>The ISAR must be able to navigate autonomously around the ice station. The robot
must perform <i>at least</i> five tasks in 3 minutes, including <font color=00ff00>delivery</font>,
must perform <i>at least</i> seven tasks in 5 minutes, including <font color=00ff00>delivery</font>,
<font color=#ff0000>retrieval</font>, and <font color=#8080ff>field alteration</font>
<font color=#ff0000>retrieval</font>, and <font color=#8080ff>field alteration</font>
tasks. Of these five tasks, one must be a retrieval, and one must be a delivery. The
tasks. Of these seven tasks, one must be a retrieval, and one must be a delivery. The
remaining tasks may be selected from the list of tasks below. All parts of the robot must
remaining tasks may be selected from the list of tasks below. All parts of the robot must
be within <i>and not overhanging</i> the baseline perimeter at the start (see Figure 2
be within <i>and not overhanging</i> the baseline perimeter at the start (see Figure 2
below). </p>
below). </p>
<p><b><font color=red>Note: For ISAR projects using the NXT, seven out of the eight tasks
specified must be performed.</font></b></p>


<p>These specifications <i>must</i> be met for final commissioning. Please
<p>These specifications <i>must</i> be met for final commissioning. Please
refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.</p>
refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.</p>


=== <h3>ISAR FIELD</h3> ===
<h3>ISAR FIELD</h3>


<p align=center>[[Image:isar2.jpg]]</p>
<p align=center>[[Image:isar2.jpg]]</p>
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the location numbers on this map. Point values are also noted.</p>
the location numbers on this map. Point values are also noted.</p>


=== <h3>IMPORTANT</h3> ===
<h3>IMPORTANT</h3>


<p>A robot has successfully
<p>A robot has successfully
Line 95: Line 93:
while you do this.</i></p>
while you do this.</i></p>


<p>The robot program may not be
<p>The robot program may not be altered or switched during any part of the
altered or switched during any part of the mission. Likewise, the robot must be fully autonomous
mission. Likewise, the robot must be fully autonomous and therefore cannot
and therefore cannot be touched by any person during testing.</p>
be touched by any person during testing. The robot must return to base after
it has completed its tasks</p>


=== <h3>ISAR TASKS</h3> ===
<h3>ISAR TASKS</h3>


<ol>
<ol>
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Points are awarded for every barrel that is delivered to the storage hut.
Points are awarded for every barrel that is delivered to the storage hut.
Transport barrels into or onto the hut for 50 points (5 points each). The
Transport barrels into or onto the hut for 50 points (5 points each). The
mission can is passed if 8 or more barrels are delivered.</li>
mission can is passed if 8 or more barrels are delivered. If you wish, you can
put a rubber band around the barrels to allow them to be transported as a group
rather than individually.</li>


<li><b><i><font color=#8080ff>Field Instruments</font></i></b> – The three red
<li><b><i><font color=#8080ff>Field Instruments</font></i></b> – The three red
field instruments must be read, checked, and recharged so their valuable data
field instruments must be read, checked, and recharged so their valuable data
is not lost forever. To show that this work has been completed, the red flag
is not lost forever. To show that this work has been completed, the red flag
must be raised at each instrument. Each
must be raised at each instrument. Eachinstrument counts as 10 points, but checking
instrument counts as an independent task, 10 points each.</li>
all the instruments is only counted as a single task.</li>


<li><b><i><font color=#ff0000>Ice Core</font></i></b> – Check ice
<li><b><i><font color=#ff0000>Ice Core</font></i></b> – Check ice
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<li><b><i><font color=#8080ff>Emergency Flare</font></i></b> – The emergency
<li><b><i><font color=#8080ff>Emergency Flare</font></i></b> – The emergency
flare, which sends a distress call for reinforcements before the blizzard hits,
flare, which sends a distress call for reinforcements before the blizzard hits,
must be released before the storm severs the scientists’ contact with the rest
must be released before the storm severs the scientists' contact with the rest
of the crew. Release it for 15 points.</li>
of the crew. Release it for 15 points.</li>


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


=== <h3>MICROSOFT PROJECT</h3> ===
<h3>MICROSOFT PROJECT</h3>
 
<p>Your team must create a time management plan using Microsoft Project (MS Project).
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, 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
[[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>
 


<p>Your team must create a time
<p>There should be at least twenty tasks/subtasks and three Milestones. Milestones should be
management plan using Microsoft Project (MS Project). This plan must include
noted with the duration of "0day". Moreover, the copy picture function included in MS Project
all tasks related to the project. Each task must be named, assigned a duration,
Software should be used instead of the print screen function of the computer.</p>
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>


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


<p>A command of <b>MLCAD</b> is necessary for you to complete
<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
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.
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
Sensors, motors, and gears must be included in each drawing. All parts used in
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<p align=center>[[Image:isar5.gif]]</p>
<p align=center>[[Image:isar5.gif]]</p>


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


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


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


<ol>
<ol>
<li>RoboLAB kit</li>
<li>Mindstorms kit</li>
<li>One RCX</li>
<li>One NXT</li>
<li>Sensors</li>
<li>Sensors</li>
<li>Motors</li>
<li>Motors</li>
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<p class=caption>Figure 4: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials</p>
<p class=caption>Figure 4: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials</p>


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


<p>Once a robot design is complete,
<p>Once a robot design is complete,
a cost estimate must be generated that specifies the cost of all the materials
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
and labor required for the construction of your design. Tabulate this cost information
information clearly in an Excel spreadsheet, using the provided materials cost
clearly in an Excel spreadsheet, using the materials cost list provided. You can get help in calculating
list.</p>
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 prject</i> section elsewhere in this manual.</p>
 
<p><b>Note: You should only use the materials contained in the
[[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>


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


<p>As you work on your project, you will be required
<h3>MILESTONES</h3>
to present periodic reports on your progress. We call these <b>Milestones</b>.
 
All the items assigned in each Milestone are called <b>deliverables</b>. These deliverables often consist of a
<p>As you work on your project, you will be required to present periodic reports on your progress. We call these
combination of written submissions, along with presentations, and even
Milestones. All the items assigned in each Milestone are called deliverables. These deliverables often consist of
demonstrations.</p>
a combination of written submissions, presentations, and demonstrations.</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>


<h4>Milestone 1</h4>
<h4>Milestone 1</h4>


<p>Prepare 2 copies of your Initial
<p>Prepare a preliminary sketch of your design, a cost estimate, and an MS Project plan.</p>
Proposal, a preliminary sketch, cost estimate, and MS Project plan (attach
these to the Initial Proposal marked <b><i>TA </i></b>and <b><i>WC</i></b>). </p>


<p><b><i>Look Ahead: </i></b>What tasks do you plan between now and <i>Milestone 2</i>?</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> Initial proposal and presentation with a preliminary sketch, cost
<p><b>Milestone 1 Deliverables:</b> A presentation. Include the preliminary sketch, cost estimate,
estimate, and MS Project plan. In your
and MS Project plan. Include a brief description of the robot and any special features and benefits
<b>Initial Proposal</b>, give a brief description of your robot, including the special
of your design.</p>
features and benefits of your design. Refer to the <b>Technical Communication </b>section
of this manual for specifics on the preparation of your proposal. Make two
copies, one for your TA and one for your Writing Consultant.</p>


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


<h4>Milestone 2</h4>
<h4>Milestone 2</h4>


<p>Prepare a first draft of your Final
<p>Using MLCad, prepare four views of your latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing.
Proposal Cover Letter, a detailed side-view drawing of your model in MLCAD, a
Create an MLCad drawing of your gear trains. Complete your latest Mindstorms program and your latest MS Project plan
copy of your RoboLAB program, a revised cost
reflecting any schedule changes. Finally, calculate a revised cost estimate. A signed <b>Component Testing Form</b> must be
estimate, and your revised MS Project plan. Component testing of your project
will be conducted during Recitation. The signed Component Testing Form must be
submitted to your Recitation TA.</p>
submitted to your Recitation TA.</p>


<p><b><i>Look Ahead: </i></b>What tasks do you plan between now and <i>Milestone 3</i>?</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> First Draft of your Final Proposal Cover Letter and presentation with a
<p><b>Milestone 2 Deliverables:</b> A copy of your presentation slides that includes four views of your design using MLCad:
detailed side-view drawing on MLCAD, a copy of your RoboLab
front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing; an MLCad drawing of your gear trains; your Mindstorms program; a revised
program, a revised cost estimate, your revised MS Project plan and your signed
cost estimate; your revised MS Project plan; and your signed <b>Component Testing Form</b>.</p>  
Component Testing Form. Refer to the <b>Technical
Communication </b>section of this manual for specifics on the preparation of
your Final Proposal Cover Letter. Make two copies, one for your TA and one for
your Writing Consultant.</p>


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


<h4>Milestone 3</h4>
<h4>Milestone 3</h4>


<p>Include four drawings of your
<p>Using MLCad, prepare four views of your latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing. Create
latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and a drawing of your gear trains;
an MLCad drawing of your gear trains. Complete your latest Mindstorms program and your latest MS Project plan reflecting any
your latest RoboLAB program; your latest MS Project
schedule changes. Finally, calculate a revised cost estimate. </p>
plan reflecting any schedule changes, and a revised cost estimate. By this
 
point, you would like to have completed the bulk of the work toward the
<p><i><b>Look ahead:</b> What tasks do you plan between now and the completion of the project?</i></p>
completion of the project and should only have to tie up loose ends and other
details.</p>


<p><b><i>Look ahead</i></b>: What
<p><b>Milestone 3 Deliverables:</b> A copy of your presentation slides that includes four views of your design using MLCad: front,
tasks do you plan between now and the completion of the project?</p>
top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing; an MLCad drawing of your gear trains; your Mindstorms program; a revised cost
estimate; and your revised MS Project plan.</p>


<p><b>Milestone 3 deliverables:</b> A presentation that
<p><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
includes: four drawings, front, top, and most detailed side. A drawing of your
the initial drawing, the initial cost estimate, or the initial MS Project plan, <b>in addition to</b> the revision.</i></p>  
gear trains, your RoboLab program, a revised cost
estimate, and your revised MS Project plan </p>


=== <h3>FINAL PRESENTATION</h3> ===
<h3>FINAL PRESENTATION</h3>


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


<p><b>Final Proposal Cover Letter: </b>Refer to the <b>Technical
<h3>FINAL SUBMISSION</h3>
Communication </b>section of this manual for specifics on the preparation of
<p>Your project should be submitted as a folder containing the following deliverables:</p>
your cover letter. Make two copies and hand them in to your TA. This document
is the final written report describing your design project. Remember that
proposals must be persuasive in tone. 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.  In
addition, describes in complete sentences your <b>Production Contract Considerations</b>.</p>


=== <h3>EARLY ACCEPTANCE</h3> ===
<ul>
<li>Component testing 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>


<p>If you complete your project one
<h3>EARLY ACCEPTANCE</h3>
week early, you are eligible for a bonus that will be added to your final
course grade. You must hand in all deliverables by 5PM exactly 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 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>


<p>If you do not complete all your
<h3>LIQUIDATED DAMAGES</h3>
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>


<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 Index]]
[[Main_Page | Return to Table of Contents]]
{{Outdated}}

Latest revision as of 22:11, 2 September 2011

RFP*: ISAR(Ice Station Autonomous Robot)

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

INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

In the early 1980s, British Petroleum (BP) purchased a lease from the United States Bureau of Land Management to develop the vast oil reserves on Alaska's North Slope. BP is currently cleaning up six abandoned industrial sites on the North Slope as part of a long-term commitment to the State of Alaska set forth in the Charter for Development of the Alaskan North Slope, a document outlining the conditions of BP's 1999 purchase of ARCO Alaska.

The company is about to begin work on a new site located south of Prudhoe Bay, near the foothills of the Brooks Mountain Range. This new site at May Creek presents many challenges to the team assigned to clean it up. It is remote and the weather is brutal. BP has just finished construction on an ice station at May Creek that will serve as home base to the scientists, engineers, and technicians charged with the site's clean up.

In order to make their jobs easier, the company is seeking bids on an ice station autonomous robot, code-named ISAR, that will perform specific tasks at the ice station, thereby freeing up the station's personnel to dedicate themselves to more important jobs. The winning bid will be the one that is both innovative and cost effective. BP anticipates using this robot on all its ice stations in the future.

SPECIFICATIONS

Design a robot using MLCad 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 ISAR must be able to navigate autonomously around the ice station. The robot must perform at least seven tasks in 5 minutes, including delivery, retrieval, and field alteration tasks. Of these seven tasks, one must be a retrieval, and one must be a delivery. The remaining tasks may be selected from the list of tasks below. All parts of the robot must be within and not overhanging the baseline perimeter at the start (see Figure 2 below).

Note: For ISAR projects using the NXT, seven out of the eight tasks specified must be performed.

These specifications must be met for final commissioning. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.

ISAR FIELD

Isar2.jpg

Figure 1: ISAR navigation field, fully setup

Isar4.jpg

Figure 2: Aerial view of ISAR navigation field with tasks denoted by number and color

Note: The leftmost corner in Figure 1 corresponds to the bottom right corner of Figure 2.

Objects are placed at different locations across the terrain. The completion of each task listed below has a specified point value. For example, moving the Storage Hut so that no part of it is over any lead (ice crack) is worth 10 points. Task numbers correspond to the location numbers on this map. Point values are also noted.

IMPORTANT

A robot has successfully returned when any part of the robot crosses or overhangs the baseline. If the robot is returning an object to base, points will be awarded when any part of the object crosses or overhangs the baseline. The object must be in base at the end of the trial run for the points to be awarded. Therefore, any retrieved objects should be removed from the robot autonomously or by a team member and placed within base right away. Objects knocked out of base accidentally by the robot and not pushed back autonomously do not receive retrieval credit!

A team member may pick up the scientists, new instruments, and barrels, and load them onto the robot by hand. The scientists and ice core may be removed from the robot by hand once they are within base. You may NOT touch the robot while you do this.

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. The robot must return to base after it has completed its tasks

ISAR TASKS

  1. Evacuate Scientists – Three scientists are trapped on a block of ice with two polar bears. As soon as any part of the robot overhangs the bears' block of ice, the scientists can board the robot. Return scientists safely to the base for 60 points (20 points each). If either of the bears is harmed (knocked over) during this mission, the penalty is 10 points. If the rescue fails but the scientists are still on the bears' block of ice, the mission may be retried.
  2. New Instruments – A critical new instrument at base needs to be delivered to a specific location out on the ice marked by a target. Points are awarded for the smallest target ring the instrument is overhanging at the end of the round. If the instrument is over the large ring, the delivery is worth 20 points, the medium ring 25 points, and the small ring 35 points.
  3. Fuel Barrels – Ten barrels of fuel need to be transported from base to the yellow storage hut out on the ice. Points are awarded for every barrel that is delivered to the storage hut. Transport barrels into or onto the hut for 50 points (5 points each). The mission can is passed if 8 or more barrels are delivered. If you wish, you can put a rubber band around the barrels to allow them to be transported as a group rather than individually.
  4. Field Instruments – The three red field instruments must be read, checked, and recharged so their valuable data is not lost forever. To show that this work has been completed, the red flag must be raised at each instrument. Eachinstrument counts as 10 points, but checking all the instruments is only counted as a single task.
  5. Ice Core – Check ice thickness and other characteristics by pulling an ice core and bringing it back to base. Get any part of the ice core back to base for 40 points.
  6. Omitted
  7. Weather Tower – The completion of the weather tower, essential for gathering lower atmospheric data, is in the final heavy construction stage, but time is running out. Complete the construction by getting the tower to spring up out of its compact position for 25 points.
  8. Emergency Flare – The emergency flare, which sends a distress call for reinforcements before the blizzard hits, must be released before the storm severs the scientists' contact with the rest of the crew. Release it for 15 points.
  9. Storage Hut – A lead (crack) has formed and is rapidly expanding under the far corner of the oil storage hut. The hut needs to be moved to solid ice. Move the hut so that no part of it is over any lead for 10 points.

Please Note:

Some areas of the ice station navigation field are smooth; other areas have hills, water and ice. The objects and landscape are constructed out of LEGO pieces.

During the competition, the instructors or your TA will make all judgments as to the successful completion of tasks. Protests will not be considered.

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

MICROSOFT PROJECT

Your team must create a time management plan using Microsoft Project (MS Project). 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, 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.

For help in planning your project, review the page called How to plan the schedule and calculate costs for a project in the section called Material to help you with the project elsewhere in this manual.


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.

DRAWINGS

A command of MLCad 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.

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.

Isar5.gif

Figure 3: Sample isometric image from MLCad (without part numbers)

MODEL

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

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

Additional materials can be supplied by your TA.

Isar7.jpg

Figure 4: 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 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 Material to help you with the project elsewhere in this manual. The costs for the parts can be found on the page Price list for Lego parts for robot projects in the Material to help you with the prject section elsewhere in this manual.

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.

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 Material to help you with the project elsewhere in this manual.

MILESTONES

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.

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.

Milestone 1

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

Look Ahead: What tasks do you plan between now and Milestone 2?

Milestone 1 Deliverables: A presentation. 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.

Note: 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, in addition to the revision.

Milestone 2

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 Component Testing Form must be submitted to your Recitation TA.

Look Ahead: What tasks do you plan between now and Milestone 3?

Milestone 2 Deliverables: 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 Component Testing Form.

Note: 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, in addition to the revision.

Milestone 3

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.

Look ahead: What tasks do you plan between now and the completion of the project?

Milestone 3 Deliverables: 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; and your revised MS Project plan.

Note: 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, in addition to the revision.

FINAL PRESENTATION

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. After you deliver your final presentation, you will proceed to the Model Shop to have your work commissioned (tested). A signed Commissioning Statement must be included with your final presentation materials.

FINAL SUBMISSION

Your project should be submitted as a folder containing the following deliverables:

  • Component testing statement
  • Commissioning statement
  • Hardcopy and CD containing:
    • Final presentation
    • Cover page and table of appendices.
    • Appendices:
      • Final Mindstorms program
      • Initial sketch
      • All the drawings of your final design
      • Video
      • Final MS Project Schedule
      • Final Cost estimate
      • Resume(s)

EARLY ACCEPTANCE

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 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.

LIQUIDATED DAMAGES

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.

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