Getting Caught Up!

Even though our team has just started posting about what we do, we've been working for a while. So let's get you caught up! Our team consists of multiple subgroups, each group has a special and important role. Today, I'll be telling you all about what each subgroup has been doing, is doing, and their goals for the upcoming weeks!

First off, we have the 3D printing team! So far, they've created mounts for the t200, bilge pumps, designed and printed a frame for the robot, printed shrouds for the t200, printed shrouds for the bilge pumps, and also learned how to use fusion 360, blender, and on-shape. They hope to finish the frame and all 3D printed components within the month and strive to make their design process more efficient. Currently, they are finishing parts of the frame and designing the attachment for the cameras, along with coordinating with the claw team.

And that leads us on to the claw team! Currently, the claw is being overhauled. The design will be 3D modeled and printed. A lead screw system will be used to open and close the grippers. A goal this year is to have the claw be able to rotate electrically rather than manually. The grippers are also going to be improved so that they are able to be replaced easier.

Next, we have our documentation group! They constructed emails to community clubs and groups requesting to host and present our ROV. With this, they hoped to extend our company’s community outreach and inform more people about underwater robotics. They finished and sent emails to local clubs like boy and girl scouts, and the YMCA. They are currently working on getting in touch with Eastman. They also decided what other groups we were going to reach out to, this includes all of the local elementary schools.

To follow up, we have the electrical team! Previously, they worked on the hardware for the ROV. They installed Raspberry Pi's, Arduino's, motor controllers, and other boards. They are currently working together to get the digital cameras to work with a new board that allows for multiple cameras to work on one Pi, and they plan on getting the 2 new Raspberry Pi's to work with one another in the near future.

Now onto the camera group! This year they are making a switch to using digital cameras rather than analog. They are going to be using Pi Cameras which are not only smaller than the analog cameras from previous years they are also more reliable and have much better quality.

And last but certainly not least, the frame team! This year they are making the switch from aluminum to a 3D printed frame. They are making this switch due to the weight of the aluminum prohibiting the maximum points at competition. This also allows them to make any design they want as they can custom design each piece. The frame shape we went with is a rectangle which makes it easy for us to put the frame together along with also giving us straight bars to attach the needed components.

Thank you so much for reading this week's post! To keep updated, make sure to subscribe so you can read our posts every other week!