Since early television we have all
been subjected to countless images of robots. A number of years ago I
started fiddling with computer programming and beginners robotics. I
never had the skills to do much when I first started but I kept at it and
eventually became proficient in very basic robotics. I have read 15 or
20 books with a wide range of robotics topics.
Below is a operational outline
of my project to create a series of robots and systems designed to complete
independent sub tasks while acting as an integrated system with high
level task completion parameters.
I will attempt to use salvaged parts from common items such as old
computers (hard drive parts, motors, buses, etc.), scrap sheet metal and
thrift sale finds. A major goal of the project is to have the kids
learn and discover new things during this process - salvaging parts is fun and should
keep the kids interested. I would also like to integrate the HO scale
railroad hardware we have into this plan.
The El Roacho Robot System will
be designed with many autonomous robots
and systems that will
function in and around the Barn. Each unit will have specific
tasks that as a whole will address the following high level goals.
High Level Goals:
-
Maintain a "Rodent Free
Zone" in the Barn, Quail Cage Area and Quail Feed Storage Area
-
Monitor and maintain
environmental control systems in the Barn, Quail Cage and Quail Feed
Storage Area
-
Manage and improve
electricity consumption in the Barn
-
Maintain a fresh and solvent
water supply to the Quail Cage
-
Maintain ideal chemical
levels in Pool
-
Utilize a central control
unit that serves as a docking station, data warehouse and process
control unit
-
Operate based on data or
event driven triggers with no human start / stop interaction
-
Create a self correcting
error handling routine
While completing this project it is my goal to use this as a family
education project. Through participation and observation I hope to
attain a few educational goals.
Education Goals:
- Work with Skylar so she is able to complete basic computer
code and use logic to help design action requirements. An example:
How does The Seeker droid navigate from the workshop to the stove room
while avoiding unknown obstacles. Skylar will discover that more
can be done with computers than play on PBS.org. Skylar will gain
working knowledge of basic electronics components and principles.
- Work with Ellis to discover the mechanical operation of light motors
and gears, develop basic computer interfacing skills such as working
with the mouse and keyboard and develop deductive logic skills focusing
on basic task completion.
- Quinn will learn not to touch sensitive electronic components.
Each unit will be named in with an Alpha Numeric and Nickname and be
listed here as we progress through the project.
Name List:
- ELRRS-0 Control Station
- ELRRS-1 The Seeker
Updated
November 9, 2005
