Electronics Division

The 2013 BEST competition is known as Gatekeeper. For Gatekeeper, we have created a robot that compiles components into a computer processing unit: Lopez 2.0!

Our robot must compile components in three stages.

In Stage 1 the player must place transistors, which are represented by red and white dowels, into multicolored PVC tubes which are where AND, NOT, OR, and NAND gates are created.

In Stage 2, these gates are represented by multicolored coathangers. In order to create the vital computer components (representing Adders, Muxes, Data-Latches, and Decoders), our robot hangs these coathangers onto PVC pegs that are placed into towers. This portion of the field is known as the IC Fabrication station.

In Stage 3, each of the computer components we obtain in Stage 2 translates into specific puzzle pieces. The goal is to place all of the pieces into their positions in order to create a simulated 8-bit or a 32-bit computer processing unit.

Our Robot: Lopez 2.0!

To compete in Gatekeeper, Oak Mountain High-Tech Solutions has developed the robot Lopez 2.0. Lopez has proved to be the robot we desire in all three stages. Lopez relies on a spring/bungee system and pulleys in order to move into position where he is able to easily obtain the game pieces.

His claw uses two hollow squares attached to sliders on a track. Linkages move the fingers.

A metal dowel attached to a small motor rotates the hand and allows free movement.

A rotating base turns 360 degrees. This rotates the arm to perform efficient movements to complete the game requirements. The base is composed of a circular piece of wood that spins on a Lazy Susan. It is powered by a small motor that is attached to a wheel.

In Stage 1, Lopez grabs the wooden dowels and rotates them a full 180 degrees while being able to reach the farthest NAND gate. In Stage 2, the hand uses a bent metal rod to quickly and efficiently pick up and place the coathangers. In Stage 3, the tips of the fingers grab the short handles of the computer pieces to put them in place.