Project: Build a robot
Product used: Energy Chain cable carrier, DryLin N linear guide system, igubal pillowblock bearings, DryLin S aluminum shafting

*Souhegan High School is the June 2008 Student Spotlight!

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Entropy can be broadly regarded as “chaotic”. More acutely, it can be defined as the tendency for all matter and energy in the universe to evolve toward a state of inert uniformity. At Souhegan High School, Entropy is the combined effort of a team of students and mentors to advance successfully in “Overdrive”, this year’s FIRST Robotics challenge.

In order to do so, team Entropy designed a robot to race around a 27x54 foot, rectangular track at a maximum speed of 8.5 feet per second. Instead of focusing on one particular role in an alliance, such as grabbing or lifting, this robot was built to succeed in scoring points across the board. Entropy used parts donated by igus® to give their robot the ability to capture, lift, and either place or hurdle the course trackballs – equaling ultimate scoring capability.

To raise the trackball, DryLin® N linear guide systems were used to structure a lift mechanism. Energy Chain® cable carriers were then employed to create a cable service loop, which was integral to the electrical and pneumatic connections. This mechanism allows for the sliding trackball carriage to move the balls around within the course.

During the off-season, the team will add igubal® pillow block bearings and the DryLin® S aluminum shafting to create a dynamometer, a device for measuring mechanical power of a machine. While the DryLin N linear guide, on its own, proved to be a very durable and reliable component during the competition, this added module will better characterize the closed-loop drive system response of the robot and help optimize the skid steering control algorithm.

Even the animation and web design teams stayed busy. This year, for the second consecutive year, Entropy was awarded the Autodesk Visualization Award at the BAE Systems Granite State Regional in Manchester, New Hampshire. The award is granted for outstanding achievement in student animation using Autodesk 3D Studio Max software. The team also earned the FIRST Website Excellence Award.

As a result of learning the benefits of igus products, team Entropy can reduce the chaos of preparation for next year’s FIRST event! Visit them here for more info.