The Bucket

During the period of time when the bucket functions independently, it will move quickly and attempt to avoid moon rocks being thrown at it. Also, the bucket begins with several balls in its position. When the tele-op period begins, we will collect empty cells and deliver them to the fueling station where they will be exchanged for Super cells. Also,the Bucket will recycle any stray balls on the field. It will collect anything that other robots have dropped and anything shooters have missed.

The Bucket is also extremely heavy and is capable of pinning robots effectively. This helped us because we were able to keep the top scorers in previous competitions trapped for the entire duration of the match, which eventually led us to win the San Diego Regional.

The combination of both immense weight and incredible speed of the bucket allowed to retain much friction and was very maneuverable. It is a nimble, difficult target for enemy shooters and rugged enough to withstand considerable punishment from overuse as well as from other robots.

Our team in the engineering department has done extensive research on several key parts that set us apart from the competition. For instance, we have worked diligently to create an Automatic Breaking System (ABS) as well as an Automatic Acceleration System (AAS) similar to those found in cars. Having this system in our code optimizes acceleration and increases maneuverability dramatically.

In addition, we utilize a gyroscope and an accelerometer that helps keep constant control and assists the robot during the autonomous period. We also added a camera which was a key piece of equipment. It allows the director to keep control of the machine when it’s moving through any place of the field.

The Snail

The Snail will be the “midfielder” which is passing the ball to its alliance and then scoring a goal from its position. When “The Snail” is in motion, we can maneuver it and then aim and kick soccer balls 15 feet in the air over the bump to our alliance or into the goal.

“The Snail’s” purpose is to score by kicking soccer balls. Both speed and control allows the robot to position the ball directly in front of the kicking mechanism. A camera will also be used as a guide to locate the soccer balls.

We use an Automatic Acceleration System, also known as AAS, which optimizes acceleration and increases maneuverability dramatically. In addition we use a gyroscope and an accelerometer that helps keep constant control and assists the robot during the autonomous period.

Our other piece of equipment we added is our camera, which allows the driver to maintain control of the machine. Our engineering department has done some research on several key parts to set us apart from the competition. For instance, we have worked attentively to create a Ball Retention System (BRS) which allows us to maintain the ball in control while moving in any direction.

Also, the snail cam, a gear in the shape of a snail shell, uses mechanical advantage to allow a single CIM motor to pull 90 Lbs of spring force. The ingenious design gives the kicker mechanism the ability to shoot and reload with one swift turn of a motor.

La Fuente

First off, we will attempt to place the ubertube on the second peg, and then we will aim to become a strong and offensive opponent with our technical and mechanical features. By moving rapidly, we plan for our robot to retrieve the game pieces. We will be able to maximize our efforts with a claw that firmly maintains a grip on the pieces and lower our possibilities of dropping any game piece.

Thanks to the deployment system of the mini bot and its ability to travel at a high speed, we will be able to capitalize on the last ten seconds of the match. La Fuente has a variety of detailed features. For example, it has an actuating arm that can rotate the wrist as well as manipulate the game pieces at various degrees. There is also the elevator shaft which allows the arm to achieve linear up and down motions. Having this arm gives us full control of the game pieces and also allows us to pick up pieces from the ground. Additionally, the robot has a large vision span due to its 360 degree camera and the light sensors will have the capacity to detect lines during the autonomous period. The gyroscope will help us maneuver during the Tele-Op period and the robot’s 6 wheel drive utilizing Omni Wheels will be another essential when operating the robot. The center wheels are large and are made of high traction rubber, and since the outer wheels are Omni directional wheels, we can optimize our maneuverability and agility, which helps us execute our overall offensive strategy. Lastly, the claw uses six servos to control the inner tubes while driving. The claw helps us maintain a firm grip on the piece as well as gives us the ability to maneuver so we can reach higher targets.

Walrus

In the Hybrid Period, the Walrus will be expected to score two baskets and retrieve the two basketballs from the bridge. During the match, the robot will be able to shoot from a variety of locations around the court and aim for the top and middle rows. Any balls around the court will be picked up in order to score more points in the remainder of the game. Furthermore, the conveyer belt constructed in the robot will allow for it to reload the balls from the front and back of the robot to further maximize our probability to continue scoring. Once the match nears its end, the Walrus will move towards the bridge as to lower it and balance on it for its final success.

An advantage of the structure of “The Walrus” is that it is an offensive based robot with a robust defensive frame. The built-in conveyer belt also facilitates the robot to pick up loose balls, and loads them onto its flywheel mechanism. Stable driving of the robot is due to the perpendicular position of the conveyer belt to the robot’s frame. Additionally, the overall accuracy when scoring baskets is because the center tower of our robot houses the conveyer belt and enables the robot to shoot from a higher platform.

The robot consists of a flywheel design that can rotate 270 degrees that makes it highly versatile in any offensive situation. It also has a built-in camera sensor that is set up to accurately shoot the balls into the basket from any variable distance. To more secure the probability of an efficient robot, “The Walrus” was constructed with a drive train that consists of two big pneumatic drive wheels in the front and two omni wheels in the rear. The function of this drive train being that it eases the mobility of the robot as to make fast turns, pick up balls, and align fast enough to score baskets. Two friction wheels were also assembled on the chassis in order to maneuver the frame high enough to climb over the bump on the arena.

Lucario/Tron

Lucario/Tron is an offensive robot which takes full advantage of the pyramid safe zone to quickly position and fire. It has an adjustable frame to feed Frisbees and shoot from any place if its prime spot is occupied. Finishing off with a 10 point climb, Lucario/Tron is a robot to be reckoned with. Lucario/Tron has the following features:

• Quick Fire Shooter
• 10 Point Speedy Climber
• Multi-Range Barrel
• Speed Based Drive Train

 Features

Quick-Fire Shooter

Shooting 4 disk in roughly 6 seconds, Lucario/Tron’s shooter allows it to fire from multiple areas at a fast rate. The shooter itself contains four LED sensors which allows the user to be constantly aware of the magazines capacity. Not only is Lucario/Tron’s shooter fast, but it has a 85% accuracy level.

10 Point Speedy Climber

TitanBot has returned to pneumatics with Lucario/Tron. The “Speedy Climbers” pistons allow Lucario/Tron to instantly gain ten points in the last couple of seconds of the match. Designed for speed and success, there really is no going wrong when you’re going up.

Multi-Range Barrel

Lucario/Tron has a carbon-fiber finished shooter which can be adjusted thanks to a lead screw connected to a snow blower motor. The shooter will automatically adjust based on photosensors which detect its current angle.

Drive Train

The drive train consists of two traction wheels in front with two omni-wheels in the back. This allows us greater maneuverability while keeping the power necessary to withstand strong defense. In cases where it is necessary, the drive train becomes stronger to defend against tough opponents.

Strategy

• Autonomous Period: We will beam 3 Frisbees into the 3-point goals and retreat until the halfway line.
• Teleoperated Period: We will zip past defenders while automatically lowering into feeding position, then we will come back and use the pyramid safe zone to rain fire on the goal.
• Climb Period: Finish off by using a quick 10 point climb in less than 5 seconds.

Atlas

Atlas is mainly an offensive robot that can shoot from 7 feet and 14 feet. It can also range its shots shorter for passing purposes if necessary. Mid-fielder and shooter are the best positions for Atlas due to its ability to catch and accurately shoot.

Drive Team

• Human Player: Michael Patron
• Operator: Tomas Olvera
• Driver: Eduardo Campas

Features

Pick-Up Mechanism

Our mechanism uses two PG motors, one to bring the mechanism up and down and the other to rotate the bar located at tht e top wrapped by rubber cords for extra grip.

Sensors

We have installed multiple limit switches to send us feedback on positions on our mechanisms, as well as encoders to track distance traveled. We also use magnetic sensors to shoot from various points on our elevator.

Catcher

Atlas features side wings made out of PVC pipe to create a perfect fit when catching the ball. It is able to oscillate to fit in the robot frame perimeter at the beginning of the game, then open during autonomous.

Shooter

We make use of 8-inch pneumatic pistons, which power the shooter, coupled with springs to help the ball accelerate faster when the pistons fire, along with a hook to hold back to the shooter to build up pressure for more power before launched. It also is complemented y an elevator that moves the ball up and down to position it in  place or release to pass it.