Sumobot Challenge
Students create sumobotsCopyright 2011 Muhammad Mahdi Karim, Wikimedia Commons http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fighting_impalas_edit2.jpg
Students apply their knowledge of constructing and programming LEGO® MINDSTORMS® robots to create sumobots—strong robots capable of pushing other robots out of a ring. To meet the challenge, groups follow the steps of the engineering design process and consider robot structure, weight and gear ratios in their designs to make their robots push as hard as possible to force robot opponents out of the ring. A class competition serves as the final test to determine the best designed robot, illustrating the interrelationships between designing, building and programming. This activity gives students the opportunity to be creative as well as have fun applying and combining what they have learned through the previous activities and lessons in this and prior units in the series. A PowerPoint® presentation, pre/post quizzes and a worksheet are provided.
Constructing and programming "sumobots" involves a physical design component as well as a programming component, thus requiring students to consider multiple parameters and numerous approaches in their designs. Engineers tackle similar challenges routinely and devise good and creative solutions. Whether designing to program a Mars Rover or designing to construct vehicles relying on power and torque, such as bulldozers and tractors, engineers follow the steps of the engineering design process to create optimal and successful products and solutions for specific challenges.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Design robots that are able to push another robot by determining suitable gear ratios, power settings and robot weight.
- Explain the importance of revising and improving designs.
- Explain how some problems have multiple possible solutions, and not necessarily one best solution.