In this project, you will design a robot that performs a certain task. You are required to submit this project to your teacher for marks. Very carefully, read the
whole project and how to do it. Be sure to read the requirements and rubric,
they explain the expectations for this project and how it will be
marked. Click here if you need tips on how to create a good project!
Situation
Humans are increasingly using robots to complete tasks that are boring, difficult, dangerous, or time-consuming. Engineers have designed robots that complete everyday household tasks, such as vacuuming and lawn mowing.
Project Task
Choose one job or task that you wish a robot could complete. The task should be a physical task, not a mental task. Design a robot to complete this task.
Your creative robot design should show at least three different simple machines that work together to perform the task. Your robot design should be evaluated by another person.
Before you begin your robot design, ask yourself these questions:
What are all the steps involved in completing the task? What parts are needed in the robot to complete each step?
What do I know about how different parts work together in complex machines? If I don’t know, how will I review this information?
Method
Choose a task for the robot to perform. For example, you could choose one of the following tasks:
Shovelling snow
Cutting grass
Mopping the floor
Folding clothes
Cutting hair
Another task of your choice, but check with your teacher first.
Choose the way you would like to communicate your robot design. Here are some ideas from which you can choose:
Draw pictures and diagrams. Draw with pencil and paper, or use a computer drawing program such as Adobe Photoshop or Gimp.
Build a structure in Minecraft and take screenshots.
Build a model. Then, photograph or video various aspects of your model to share with your teacher.
Build an actual working robot with robotics equipment, such as Lego Mindstorms.
Use other creative ideas, but check with your teacher first!
Requirements
You must answer the following questions to communicate clearly the following information about your robot design.
You can provide written answers to these questions, or you can include the answers as labels if you produce a drawing of your design.
Another option is to address these questions by recording yourself (and your model or drawings) on video or make an audio recording.
Use and label at least 3 simple machines in your robot design. Explain in detail how each simple machine helps to complete the robot’s task.
What type of energy will power the motion of the robot? What impact does this energy source have on the environment?
Ask a friend, family member, or another student to evaluate your robot design for effectiveness, appearance, and environmental impact. Show the person your design and record their responses to the following questions:
Do you think the robot will be effective at its task? Why or why not? What do you think could be improved to make the robot perform its job better?
What do you like or not like about the robot’s appearance? What would you change about the robot’s appearance?
How do you think the robot will affect the environment? Will it have a positive impact, a negative impact, or no impact on the environment?
If your robot could be mass-produced in a factory and sold to consumers, how would the robot change people’s lives in a positive way? How would the robot change people’s lives in a negative way? Explain your answers in detail.
Note that when you submit anything to your teacher, PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME IN THE DOCUMENT TITLE. For example, you might title it something like this:
