Remote Control Rover

WHAT

• Design and construct an original remote control rover to complete an obstacle course consisting of bumps, ramps, and sharp turns.

• Maximum size: 10" x 12".

HOW

• Led CAD design of servo-powered parallel steering mechanism, 3D printing components and making major modifications to design by identifying solutions to problems that arose during the manufacturing and testing processes.

• Created 2D sketches and SolidWorks models of rover chassis, leading design of overall shape and layout of electronic components.

• Fabricated chassis with use of basic machine shop equipment (drill press, bandsaw, sanding tools, etc).

• Graphically designed team logo and sticker to add aesthetic appeal to the rover.

RESULTS

• Successfully completed course in 33.12 seconds, putting us at 15th place out of 56 total teams.

• Rover withstood multiple wall collisions, flips, and falls from the ramp with minimal damage.

• Steering mechanism could have used further improvement:

  • Turning radius to the left was much wider than to the right because front wheel hit the side of the chassis.

  • Tolerances between fitments of linkages were too wide, causing components to be loose.