Mechanical Foundations with REV DUO

Explore the mechanical principles behind robotics design and construction in this hands-on camp using the REV DUO system! Through engaging projects and challenges, participants will learn how to build stable robotic structures, understand power transmission, and design custom drivetrains capable of tackling real-world challenges. This camp is perfect for students who want to develop their skills in robotics engineering by mastering the mechanical foundations needed to design, build, and maintain robotic systems confidently.

What You’ll Learn

• Structural Design: Build strong and stable robotic structures while learning about balance and center of gravity.
• Power Transmission: Understand mechanical advantage and how to transmit motion effectively using gears, sprockets, and chains.
• Drivetrain Systems: Design and evaluate various types of drivetrains to suit different terrains, payloads, and speed requirements.
• Hands-On Building: Gain experience with tools, hardware, and REV DUO kits to construct and test robotic systems.

Camp Highlights

Day 1: Strength, Stability, and Balance

• Morning:
  • Introduction to Structural Design:
    • Learn about strength, stability, and balance in robotic systems.
    • Explore basic building techniques using REV DUO components.
  • Mini-Project: Rectangular Base:
    • Build and test a rectangular base to understand foundational stability.
• Afternoon:
  • Mini-Project: Reinforced Base and Center of Gravity:
    • Learn how to reinforce structures and maintain balance by adjusting the center of gravity.
  • Mini-Challenge:
    • Build and test a 3D reinforced structure for maximum stability.

Day 2: Power Transmission and Mechanical Advantage

• Morning:
  • Introduction to Transmissions:
    • Explore how motion is transmitted through gears, chains, and sprockets.
  • Mini-Project: Basic Fan and Gear Train Fan:
    • Build a motorized fan and experiment with gear trains to observe changes in speed and torque.
• Afternoon:
  • Mini-Projects: Faster and Stronger Fan Builds:
    • Create fans with increased speed and torque by modifying gear ratios.
  • Mini-Project: Chains and Sprockets:
    • Use chains and sprockets to transmit motion efficiently.

Day 3: Advanced Transmission and Riverbed Crane Project

• Morning:
  • Mini-Project: Even Stronger or Faster Fans:
    • Experiment with advanced gear combinations to maximize performance.
  • Unit Project: Riverbed Crane (Part 1):
    • Combine your knowledge of stability and mechanical advantage to start designing a crane capable of lifting objects.
• Afternoon:
  • Unit Project: Riverbed Crane (Part 2):
    • Complete the crane design, focusing on transmitting motion effectively.

Day 4: Drivetrains and Movement

• Morning:
  • Introduction to Drivetrains:
    • Learn about different drivetrain components, including motors, wheels, gears, and chassis design.
  • Mini-Project: Basic 2-Motor Drivetrain Build:
    • Assemble and test a basic drivetrain to understand movement principles.
• Afternoon:
  • Mini-Projects: Omni Wheels and 4-Motor Drivetrains:
    • Experiment with omni wheels and build a more powerful drivetrain using four motors.
  • Mini-Project: Traction Wheels:
    • Explore how traction impacts movement and stability on different terrains.

Day 5: Advanced Drivetrains and Final Challenge

• Morning:
  • Mini-Project: Mecanum Wheels:
    • Build a drivetrain with mecanum wheels to enable multi-directional movement.
  • Unit Project: Obstacle Climbing Drivetrain (Part 1):
    • Design a custom drivetrain capable of climbing over obstacles.
• Afternoon:
  • Unit Project: Obstacle Climbing Drivetrain (Part 2):
    • Complete and test your obstacle-climbing drivetrain.
  • Camp Wrap-Up and Showcase:
    • Present your final projects to the group and celebrate your mechanical engineering achievements!

Who Should Attend?

This camp is ideal for students who:

• Are interested in robotics, engineering, or mechanical design.
• Want hands-on experience building and testing robotic systems.

What You’ll Gain

• A solid understanding of mechanical foundations in robotics, including stability, power transmission, and drivetrains.
• Hands-on experience with tools and hardware in the REV DUO system.
• Problem-solving skills through real-world building challenges.
• A portfolio of projects demonstrating your knowledge and creativity in robotics.