In my robotics and programming class we are using our programming knowledge to design and build a mars lander.
First we spent a few lessons on Mars lander and figuring out how it works and the controls we had to use. After we had a good idea on how to move the robot and control it we looked at Sphero Edu and some designs that we could mimic so we would know what sort of designs and features would work.
For our brainstorm, we all sat together in a circle and shared our ideas with each other. Once we came up with a solid idea that we all agreed on, we thought extra ideas in case our main one didn't go as planned. After we had talked everything over, we got our materials figured out who as doing what so we all had a job to do. We all spent time constructing our pieces and sharing ideas on what works best and easiest. We made a hole in the bottom of four cups. We taped and cut straws to an appropriate size to fit the sphero in the middle of the square. We put the cups onto the end of the straws and taped them.
Mars isn't a very pleasant place; Arid, rocky, cold and apparently lifeless. There are no signs of things in its atmosphere that would assist life. The Red Planet is home to the largest volcano in the solar system, the deepest canyon and craziest weather and temperature patterns, Mars appears as the loneliest planet destination.
We have learnt how to control the robots on “Virtual Mars Yard” which is a game that allows you to drive a mars rover on Mars. While using this game we have learnt how to control a Mars lander using the X, Y and Z axis. You can also tan, tilt, zoom and even more depending on which rover you choose to drive.
I think our robot is going to work because we have considered the terrain, the weather conditions and how stable it needs to be.
