Geometry - Gear and Beam Math

LEGO® gears and beams allow us to learn about ratios, triangles, and relative size. Gears can increase or decrease speed depending on whether you are gearing up or gearing down. The gear ratio can be written as [number of turns of the driver]:[number of turns of the follower]. We use right angles to learn how beams can be connected to form a stable structure.

Invention and Design - Think of a solution to a problem and then make it reality!

Most inventions are made out of necessity; we have a problem and we find a solution. Problem solving takes ingenuity, creativity and perseverance.

The key to remember is that to practice problem solving you must have a problem. Therefore, problems are opportunities to invent!

Teamwork - Every member of a team has a unique and vital contribution.

Teamwork is crucial to engineering and inventing. Seldom is one person going to be an expert in every area necessary to complete a project.

The best way to succeed as a team member is to listen to others, take turns, and ask questions.

Kinetics - Energy associated with motion.

Making movement out of LEGO® is very different than building stationary models like we are used to.  Movement requires energy (a motor) and then gears, pulleys, and belts to transfer the energy into the desired motion. We also have to learn to build stable structures that can withstand movement. Easier said than done without nails and glue!

Sensory Input - Using input from sensors to create a reaction.

Just like humans use their senses to react to their environment, we use light and touch sensors to make our robots react to their environment. Click here to get more detailed information on sensors.

Computer Programming - Writing a series of commands in a language that a computer can understand and execute.

We are using RCX Code and Robolab which are graphical programming languages to program the RCX. This allows students to learn the logic of programming without worrying about the syntax. Telling a computer what to do takes very detailed instructions.  

The computer always does what you tell it to.  You must look closely at what you've told it to do if your robot is not functioning the way you anticipated.

The RCX microprocessor can be programmed with many different languages such as NQC (Not Quite C), Visual Basic, Perl, Java, and pbForth to name a few.

Infrared Transmission - The RCX uses IR Transmission to create a wireless connection to a PC.

The infrared part of the light spectrum is just below that of visible light rays in the red end of the spectrum. This means we can not see infrared light with our eyes without special equipment. Infrared transmission is used for controlling television sets with hand-held controllers, for exchanging data between desktop and portable computers (The RCX and your PC!), for wireless LANs, and for other purposes.

Infrared communication involves a transceiver (a combination transmitter and receiver) in both devices that communicate. Since IR is line-of-sight light transmission, it is sensitive to fog, and other obstacles. That is why if you put your finger over the RCX's IR port it will not receive IR transmission.

We have found in our lab many ways the IR transmissions have problems communicating. If multiple RCX's try to transmit at the same time they will interfere with each other. Fluorescent lighting can also interfere with IR transmissions. The screen flicker from your PC could cause problems as well as the autofocus feature of a camcorder (which uses infrared light).

Scott, one of our WSU engineering mentors, found a quick solution to these problems. If we cover the RCX and the IR tower with a box, such as a shoe box, while downloading we cut out all of the other possible interferences! An excellent example of problem solving and ingenuity!

For more information on IR look here: The IrDA is an association of companies from around the globe focused on providing IR standards to ensure the quality and interoperability of the Infrared Technology.

Scientific Method - If something doesn't work change one variable at a time.

We have to continually check and change variables in our building and programming to achieve the desired outcome for our robot.