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<h1>RFP*: RDS (Retrieval and Delivery System)</h1>
{{SLDP: RFP|Retrieval and Delivery System (RDS)}}


<p>*<b> RFP </b>is an acronym for <i>Request For Proposal</i>. Internationally, RFPs
{{SLDP: Real-life Scenarios (Robots)}}
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>Polytechnic University has
= Introduction and Overview =
recently completed an ambitious building campaign, adding a new dormitory and
A blackout has occurred in the Northeast United States. In the city of New York, three hospitals have used up their backup power supplies due to the unanticipated duration of the blackout. There are some power supply areas in the city with fuel cells that supply enough power for the hospitals' need. In order to save lives, Mayor Bill de Blasio has issued an RFP for a robot that can retrieve and deliver fuel cells accumulating a minimum of 200 hours of reserve energy.
an academic building to its Brooklyn location.
Housed within the new academic building is a state-of-the-art gymnasium
designed to be a home to the University's championship volleyball and
basketball teams. The University did not anticipate the attraction the new gym
would hold for Poly undergrads (especially EG TAs) interested in honing their
skills on the court. While the popularity of the gym is a satisfying
development for the administration, it has created a problem. “There are
basketballs everywhere!�? says Maureen Braziel, Poly's athletic director. </p>


<p>Polytechnic University is seeking bids on an autonomous retrieval and delivery system,
[[Image:RDS_edit.png|thumb|600px|frame|center|Figure 1: New York City navigation field]]
code-named <b><i>RDS</i></b>, to gather the balls from the gym floor and deposit them in
baskets that have been placed at specified locations on its perimeter. Your
design must be innovative and cost effective. Polytechnic University
belongs to the Hudson Valley Athletic Conference. Other members have expressed
an interest in seeing Poly's ball retrieval robot in
anticipation of buying one themselves. The winning bid will be the one
that delivers an innovative design at an economical price.</p>


<h2>SPECIFICATIONS</h2>
= 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.


<p>Design a robot using MLCad as your primary design tool. Your team must build a
The RDS must be able to navigate autonomously around the city and retrieve fuel cells and deliver them to the hospitals. ''Note that these hospital positions may change each semester!'' The robot must accumulate a total of 200 hours of reserve energy in less than five minutes. The robot's footprint (length and width) may not be larger than 25cm &times; 25cm.
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 RDS must be able to navigate autonomously around the gym floor and retrieve
The robot program may not be altered or switched during any part of the mission.  Likewise, the robot must be fully autonomous, and therefore cannot be touched by any person during testing. These specifications ''must'' be met for final commissioning. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.
balls and deposit them in the baskets on the floor's periphery. <i>Note that these
basket positions and their heights may change each semester</i>! The robot must
accumulate a total of 375 points in less than five minutes. The robot's footprint
(length and width) may not be larger than 10&quot; <i>x </i>10&quot;. </p>


<p><b><font color=red>Note: For RDS projects using the NXT, 500 points must be
== RDS Course Description ==
accumulated.</font></b></p>
Your robot starts on a tile indicated like this:


<p>The robot program may not be altered or switched during any
[[Image:MRDS2.gif|frame|center|Figure 2: Starting location<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]
part of the mission.  Likewise, the robot
must be fully autonomous, and therefore cannot be touched by any person during
testing. These specifications <i>must</i> be
met for final commissioning. Please refer to the course syllabus for all due dates.</p>


<h3>RDS COURSE DESIGN</h3>
The back of the robot must be facing the side of the tile that is on the outside border of the course.


<p align=center>[[Image:rds1.jpg]]</p>
Each power supply area has different amounts of hours their fuel cell can supply.


<p class=caption>Figure 1: RDS navigation field, with ball point assignments</p>
[[Image:MRDS3.gif|frame|center|Figure 3: Example of a fuel cell<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]


<p align=center>[[Image:rds2.jpg]]</p>
For example, power supply areas located in the middle of a tile have fuel cells with 25 hours of battery life.


<p class=caption>Figure 2: Alternate view of RDS navigation field</p>
[[Image:MRDS4.gif|frame|center|Figure 4: Location of 25-hour fuel cell<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]


<p>The course is a flat surface. Your
Power supply areas located on the sides of a tile have fuel cells that can supply 30 hours of battery life.
robot must begin behind the starting point with its back edge flush with the
side wall of the course. You can use the black lines drawn on the testing floor
for navigation. The baskets are built out of Lego pieces and vary in height.
They will always be located in the illustrated region; however their heights
and relative locations may vary by semester. Both RDS courses are identical.</p>


<h3>POINT TOTALS</h3>
[[Image:MRDS5.gif|frame|center|Figure 5: Location of 30-hour fuel cell<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]


<p>By successfully returning the retrieved ball to one of the <font color=#ff0000>baskets</font>,
Power supply areas located on the corners of a tile have fuel cells that can supply 35 hours of battery life.
the <font color=#0000ff>object's</font> point value is multiplied by the value assigned to the
basket. Each of the baskets has a different point value. The tall basket is worth
more points than the small ones.</p>


<p>For example, if the robot retrieved a <font color=#0000ff>25-point object</font> and
[[Image:MRDS6.gif|frame|center|Figure 6: Location of 35-hour fuel cell<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]
successfully placed it in the <font color=#ff0000>highest basket</font>, the team would
receive 75 points for that ball (<font color=#0000ff>25</font> <i>x
</i><font color=#ff0000>3</font> = <font color=#ff00ff>75</font>). The smallest basket
is assigned a value of <font color=#ff0000>1</font>, the medium basket is assigned a value of
<font color=#ff0000>2</font>, and the tallest basket is assigned a value of
<font color=#ff0000>3</font>.</p>


<p><b>Please Note:</b></p>
Each hospital has a different level of energy consumption. The colors of the sides of each hospital show the power efficiency of the hospital.


<p>The locations and point values
[[Image:MRDS7.gif|frame|center|Figure 7: A hospital<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]
of the balls and the baskets are labeled in Figures 1 &amp; 2. Most balls sit
on a bottle cap except for the balls in the corners and the balls on the
periphery with walls around them.</p>


<p>Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.</p>
Billy's Hospital, color-coded in red, uses the energy three times as efficiently as the standard hospital, thereby extending the battery life of a fuel cell to three times its standard battery life.


<h3>MICROSOFT PROJECT</h3>
[[Image:MRDS8.gif|frame|center|Figure 8: Billy's Hospital<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]


<p>Your team must create a time management plan using Microsoft Project (MS Project).
Jamie's Hospital, color-coded in blue, uses the energy twice as efficiently as the standard hospital, thereby extending the battery life of a fuel cell to twice its standard battery life.
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 and 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
[[Image:MRDS9.gif|frame|center|Figure 9: Jamie's Hospital<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]
[[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>


Luke's Hospital, color-coded in yellow, represents the standard hospital, and therefore fuel cells used at this hospital will retain its standard battery life.


<p>There should be at least twenty tasks/subtasks and three Milestones. Milestones should be
[[Image:MRDS10.gif|frame|center|Figure 10: Luke's Hospital<br /><span style="color: red;">'''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.'''</span>]]
noted with the duration of "0day". Moreover, the copy picture function included in MS Project
Software should be used instead of the print screen function of the computer.</p>


<h3>DRAWINGS</h3>
== Hour Totals ==
By successfully returning the retrieved fuel cells to one of the <span style="color: red;">hospitals</span>, the <span style="color: blue;">fuel cell</span>'s battery life is multiplied by the hospital's efficiency.


<p>A command of <b>MLCad</b> is necessary for you to complete
For example, if the robot retrieved a <span style="color: blue;">25-hour fuel cell</span> and successfully placed it in the <span style="color: red;">Billy's Hospital</span>, the robot would successfully receive 75 hours for that fuel cell (<span style="color: blue;">25</span> &times; <span style="color: red;">3</span> = <span style="color: fuchsia;">75</span>). Luke's Hospital is assigned an efficiency of <span style="color: red;">1</span>, Jamie's Hospital is assigned an efficiency of <span style="color: red;">2</span>, and Billy's hospital is assigned an efficiency of <span style="color: red;">3</span>.
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
== Extra Credit ==
must be documented. This is done by saving the old side view drawing, and
For every fuel cell collected after achieving the 200-hour goal, your team will receive extra credit. For example, if your team delivers two 35-hour fuel cells to Billy's Hospital, you would have accumulated 210 ( 2 &times; 35 &times; 3 ) hours. Each '''additional''' fuel cell collected will earn your team extra credit on your SLDP grade. Refer to the [[EG1003 Grading Policy]] for exact point values.
assigning a revision number to the new drawing.</p>


<p align=center>[[Image:rds3.gif]]</p>
Creativity and innovation are always rewarded. Original designs will receive extra credit.


<p class=caption>Figure 3: Sample isometric image from MLCad (without part numbers)</p>
{{SLDP: Microsoft Project}}


<h3>MODEL</h3>
{{SLDP: Drawings (Robots)|11}}


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


<ol>
The finished RDS must not exceed a footprint of 25cm &times; 25cm. There is no height limitation.
<li>Mindstorms kit</li>
<li>One NXT</li>
<li>Sensors</li>
<li>Motors</li>
</ol>


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


<p align=center>[[Image:rds5.jpg]]</p>
{{SLDP: Cost Estimate (Robots)}}
<p class=caption>Figure 4: Photographs of some past robot models constructed from provided materials</p>


<h3>COST ESTIMATE</h3>
{{SLDP: Milestones and Benchmarks}}


<p>Once a robot design is complete,
{{SLDP: Milestone 1 (Robots)}}
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 prject</i> section elsewhere in this manual.</p>


<p><b>Note: You should only use the materials contained in the
{{SLDP: Benchmark A}}
[[Media:Legoprice.pdf|Price list for Lego parts for robot projects]]. If you want to use other parts,
* Deliver at least 50 hours of reserve energy to local hospitals.
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
{{SLDP: Milestone 2 (Robots)}}
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>
{{SLDP: Benchmark B}}
* Deliver at least 125 hours of reserve energy to local hospitals.


<p>As you work on your project, you will be required to present periodic reports on your progress. We call these
{{SLDP: Milestone 3 (Robots)}}
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>
{{SLDP: Commissioning}}
* Deliver at least 200 hours of reserve energy to local hospitals.


<p>Prepare a preliminary sketch of your design, a cost estimate, and an MS Project plan.</p>
{{SLDP: Final Presentation}}
* 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?


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


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


<p><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
{{SLDP: Late Delivery}}
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>
= Frequently Asked Questions =


<p>Using MLCad, prepare four views of your latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing.
Is our robot allowed to fire projectiles on this course?
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 <b>Component Testing Form</b>
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>
:Yes.


<p><b>Milestone 2 Deliverables:</b> A copy of your presentation slides that includes four views of your design using MLCad:
If our robot is able to, can we open the one-way door from the other side?
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 <b>Component Testing Form</b>.</p>


<p><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
:Yes.
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>
Our robot completed the course with over 200 hours, do we get extra credit right away?


<p>Using MLCad, prepare four views of your latest design: front, top, most detailed side, and an isometric drawing. Create
:No. If your robot drops in the final needed fuel cell and your total hours go over 200, that does not mean that you will get extra credit for going over. To get extra credit, you must pick up and drop off extra fuel cells after already achieving 200 hours. And for the extra credit, you will receive extra points corresponding to how many fuel cells you are dropping in, not according to the usual position x multiplier calculation.
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. </p>


<p><i><b>Look ahead:</b> What tasks do you plan between now and the completion of the project?</i></p>
We are not picking up every single fuel cell so before we start our run, may we move the ping pong balls that we are not going after out of the way?


<p><b>Milestone 3 Deliverables:</b> A copy of your presentation slides that includes four views of your design using MLCad: front,
:No, every ping-pong ball must be on its respective holder at the beginning of each and every trial.
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><i><b>Note:</b> Whenever you revise your drawing(s), your cost estimate, or your MS Project plan, you must include
{{Semester-Long Design Project}}
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. After you deliver your final presentation, you will proceed to the Model Shop to have your work commissioned
(tested). A signed <b>Commissioning Statement</b> must be included with your final presentation materials.</p>
 
<h3>Final Submission</h3>
<p>Your final submission should include:</p>
 
<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>
 
<h3>EARLY ACCEPTANCE</h3>
 
<p>If you complete your project one week early, you are eligible for a bonus that will be added to your final semester-long project
grade. You must submit all deliverables by 5PM one week before your section is scheduled to present (see syllabus for exact date).
To commission early, all required information on the form titled <b><i>Early Acceptance of Semester Project</i></b>, found on the
EG web site, must be approved, accepted, and signed by a TA. The deliverables received early are the ones you will use in your
presentation. No adjustments to the deliverables commissioned will be accepted.</p>
 
<h3>LIQUIDATED DAMAGES</h3>
 
<p>If you do not complete all your deliverables and do not commission during the Final Presentation, you will incur liquidated damages
as defined in the grading policy.</p>
 
[[Main_Page | Return to Table of Contents]]

Revision as of 01:50, 29 January 2019

Request for Proposal: Retrieval and Delivery System (RDS)


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

A blackout has occurred in the Northeast United States. In the city of New York, three hospitals have used up their backup power supplies due to the unanticipated duration of the blackout. There are some power supply areas in the city with fuel cells that supply enough power for the hospitals' need. In order to save lives, Mayor Bill de Blasio has issued an RFP for a robot that can retrieve and deliver fuel cells accumulating a minimum of 200 hours of reserve energy.

Figure 1: New York City navigation field

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 RDS must be able to navigate autonomously around the city and retrieve fuel cells and deliver them to the hospitals. Note that these hospital positions may change each semester! The robot must accumulate a total of 200 hours of reserve energy in less than five minutes. The robot's footprint (length and width) may not be larger than 25cm × 25cm.

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

RDS Course Description

Your robot starts on a tile indicated like this:

Figure 2: Starting location
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

The back of the robot must be facing the side of the tile that is on the outside border of the course.

Each power supply area has different amounts of hours their fuel cell can supply.

Figure 3: Example of a fuel cell
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

For example, power supply areas located in the middle of a tile have fuel cells with 25 hours of battery life.

Figure 4: Location of 25-hour fuel cell
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Power supply areas located on the sides of a tile have fuel cells that can supply 30 hours of battery life.

Figure 5: Location of 30-hour fuel cell
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Power supply areas located on the corners of a tile have fuel cells that can supply 35 hours of battery life.

Figure 6: Location of 35-hour fuel cell
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Each hospital has a different level of energy consumption. The colors of the sides of each hospital show the power efficiency of the hospital.

Figure 7: A hospital
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Billy's Hospital, color-coded in red, uses the energy three times as efficiently as the standard hospital, thereby extending the battery life of a fuel cell to three times its standard battery life.

Figure 8: Billy's Hospital
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Jamie's Hospital, color-coded in blue, uses the energy twice as efficiently as the standard hospital, thereby extending the battery life of a fuel cell to twice its standard battery life.

Figure 9: Jamie's Hospital
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Luke's Hospital, color-coded in yellow, represents the standard hospital, and therefore fuel cells used at this hospital will retain its standard battery life.

Figure 10: Luke's Hospital
Note: The picture above contains one representation of this project description.
Actual course may be different from the one pictured above, but similar in objective.

Hour Totals

By successfully returning the retrieved fuel cells to one of the hospitals, the fuel cell's battery life is multiplied by the hospital's efficiency.

For example, if the robot retrieved a 25-hour fuel cell and successfully placed it in the Billy's Hospital, the robot would successfully receive 75 hours for that fuel cell (25 × 3 = 75). Luke's Hospital is assigned an efficiency of 1, Jamie's Hospital is assigned an efficiency of 2, and Billy's hospital is assigned an efficiency of 3.

Extra Credit

For every fuel cell collected after achieving the 200-hour goal, your team will receive extra credit. For example, if your team delivers two 35-hour fuel cells to Billy's Hospital, you would have accumulated 210 ( 2 × 35 × 3 ) hours. Each additional fuel cell collected will earn your team extra credit on your SLDP grade. Refer to the EG1003 Grading Policy for exact point values.

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 RDS must not exceed a footprint of 25cm × 25cm. There is no height limitation.

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 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:

  • Deliver at least 50 hours of reserve energy to local hospitals.

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:

  • Deliver at least 125 hours of reserve energy to local hospitals.

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:

  • Deliver at least 200 hours of reserve energy to local hospitals.

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

Is our robot allowed to fire projectiles on this course?

Yes.

If our robot is able to, can we open the one-way door from the other side?

Yes.

Our robot completed the course with over 200 hours, do we get extra credit right away?

No. If your robot drops in the final needed fuel cell and your total hours go over 200, that does not mean that you will get extra credit for going over. To get extra credit, you must pick up and drop off extra fuel cells after already achieving 200 hours. And for the extra credit, you will receive extra points corresponding to how many fuel cells you are dropping in, not according to the usual position x multiplier calculation.

We are not picking up every single fuel cell so before we start our run, may we move the ping pong balls that we are not going after out of the way?

No, every ping-pong ball must be on its respective holder at the beginning of each and every trial.