Final Post

I can hardly believe that it time for my last post. My first semester at college has flown by. I am sad to not have this class in my second semester schedule. I have made friends in the class who I will definitely keep in touch with. I like that everyone in the course was a first-year. I have grown fond of the engineering studio where the class was held. The course creates an exciting environment full of energy and creativity. I would recommend this class to nearly everyone. I signed up for the class because I have always been interested in architecture, function and design. I always wonder about what is "behind the scenes." This class has shown me the "behind the scenes" of technology. I have a greater understanding of and appreciation for robotics, programing, and engineering in general.

Final Project- Exhibition reflection

Today was our big exhibition. A lot of people came from Wellesley College and from the town of Wellesley to see our final projects. There were older adults as well as kids in attendance. People enjoyed munchies as they walked around viewing (or interacting with) the projects. My project partner and I received a lot of compliments. I was very pleased to see our idea and product have such a positive reception.

Most people enjoyed interacting with the different sensors for a minute or two and then moved on to the next display. However, one woman played with our robot for a long time. She even came back a few minutes after she left to play with it again. One little boy played with it for a long time too. His mom placed him on a chair so that he was the same height as the robot. He was mesmerized. He excitedly took home the piece of art that he created.

However, not everything went perfectly. We had to make peace with the fact that our robot would not be perfect. The light sensor sensed darkness all of the time because the place where we presented our projects was substantially darker than the classroom. Due to this glitch, the motor reacted as if it were dark all of the time. This means that the robot moved forward all of the time, rather than just when the light sensor was shaded from light.

Final Project: Exhibition

Making some last minute adjustments

It's time to show everyone our finished product!

My project partner explaining how the robot works: "Clap your hands next to The Scream and the robot moves backwards."

Visitor clapping hands 

Everyday Sensors

1. Swipe-card to get into building
2. Computer monitor wakes up from sleep if mouse is moved
3. Fire alarm goes off if senses smokes
4. Hair dryer turns off if it is overheated
5. Vending machine releases food when money is interested
6. Refrigerator lights turn on when door is opened
7. Automatic door open button
8. Cell phone touch pad
9. Microwave turns on when buttons are pressed
10. Automatic doors

Final Project: Spray painting

We spray painted the box that the robot will move around in. It was a beautiful Sunday afternoon.

Spray painting

Gangsta 

My project partner and I are so cool!

More spray painting

Auto-Thresholding

We used PicoBlocks and the SciBorg to complete this programing challenge. This program allows the robot to adjust to new conditions.

PicoBlocks program

Final Project: Art and frames 2

We decided to make our own colored pencil versions of the famous artwork. Once we finished our versions of the art, we measured it and made sure that our frames matched the dimensions of the art. We hot-glued the artwork to the frames and then the frames to the shell of the robot.

The Scribbler

The Scream