“The Green Machine” kicked off the build season with a bang. The combination of hard work and dedication was put to test at the Lake Superior Regional in Duluth, where they achieved remarkable results. Despite facing a diverse set of competition, the Team ranked #2 at the end of qualifications and led the second-ranked alliance as captain. Although eliminated in the quarterfinals by the #7 ranked alliance, who went on to the finals, 1816 received the General Motors Industrial Design award for their professional approach to robot fabrication. It is the Team’s third-ever award for Machine Attributes!
Throughout the build season, every team member played a vital role, working together to brainstorm ideas, prototype mechanisms, and refine designs. Before the build season even began, “The Green Machine” set out to organize the design process by establishing clear guidelines and integrating CAD (computer-aided design). During the preseason, design guidelines were developed to serve as a roadmap for the build season, ensuring that our brainstorming sessions were productive. By setting parameters and priorities upfront, we were able to avoid wasting time on ideas that didn’t align with our goals and objectives. Input from sponsors and mentors has also been extremely valuable, helping ensure our 2024 Robot, ZEN, robot meets high standards of quality.
From continuous CAD drawings and iterations to physical prototypes, the Team has been exploring various sets of ways to optimize performance and efficiency. Our collector features an under-the-bumper intake mechanism that pinches game pieces between two conveyor belts, while a carriage with two additional belts stores the collected items behind the shooter. To aim and shoot accurately, the robot utilizes a pivot mechanism with a 100:1 gear reduction ratio. Additionally, our climber gearbox boasts high gear reduction to generate the torque needed for effective climbing. By utilizing constant force springs and a spinning gearbox, our climber efficiently ascends and descends. The drive train consists of four swerve modules, enabling agile movement and quick turns in any direction. With our CAD designs in hand, and the router crew working diligently to cut our parts to order, “The Green Machine” was able to build the entire robot in just 3 days during the middle of Week 3!
With the Duluth event now in the record books, “The Green Machine” now sets its sights on the upcoming Minnesota Granite City Regional, scheduled for April 4 – 7 in St. Cloud, MN. With their determination and experience, they’re eagerly anticipating the opportunity to showcase their skills once again.
By Vihaan S.