Have an event that we have to move/lift objects(D-batteries, tennis ball, ping pong ball, 2X4 lego) into an 11.5 oz plastic coffee can in the corner of one of the 4 quadrants.

The surface is 4'X4' piece of masonite(smooth side) divided into 1/4's. One 1/4 is separated by 11/16" quarter round that the robot or whatever is moving the objects has to be able to travel over. The perimeter of the 4x4 masonite has 1x2's boxing it in. The 1x2's are on top of the masonite.

The robot or whatever must fit inside of a 30cmx30cmx30cm plexiglass box, it can extend to whatever size once it fits in the box. It can be controlled by radio or wired controller. If radio controller is used specific frequency controller must be used. Frequencies of 75.41-75.99, 26.995-27.255 and 49.8302-49.890 are acceptable. Maximum battery power of 9.6V.

Here is a link to the event(hope it works)

http://www.soinc.org/events/sample/RoboCross_B08_v10.pdf

Any suggestions or HELP is greatly appreciated. TIA Pete

BTW this event is for 6th, 7th and 8th graders.

How about this:

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r167/jwamod/TC%20stuff/minime.jpg

Sorry couldn't resist :D

Sounds like fun...... this is what I would do..

Get a used RC-10 or similar RC vehicle. Get an FM, 6 channel controller.
Modify the chassis and wheel base to fit within the 12x12 cube.

Pick up some simple aluminum tubing, some thin wire, used for lifting.
construct a scoop such as used on a bobcat. Attached arms, and pulley system, attach pulley system to servo for lifting.

Create a catch arm the is also controlled by servo......

Oh never mind, I am going all Macgyver on it......

I took a class in college where I had a powered car, but instead of using a controller, I had to program the chipset using sensors. The car would follow a line and retrieve a ping pong ball.

Anyhow good luck. I will say that since it require electrical, you'll need either slow moving motors with a wire that goes to your remote, or a multi-channel controller to move everything, since everything must be electrical.

I am probably thinking way to much into it, and there are much easier routes to take.

Good Luck, let us know how it goes.

Big D

You may get some ideas here: http://www.parallax.com
There will definitely be a tradeoff between speed and control here. I would probably emphasize control, something a basic RC-10 car will not provide. Think more along the lines of low gearing here.

I would look for lots of RC channels because the more servos you can drive the more flexibility. If you want to get into microcontrollers, then you can do even more.

You are going to need a lift capability. I might ponder the concept of a scissors lift.

Really big batteries are your friend (think ballast).

Picking up multiple objects at a time/cycle might be cool.

Negotiating the bump puts a twist on things... larger wheels would be good. Perhaps large foam R/C airplane wheels/tires. Tracks might be good here too.

But basically with Science Olympiad the students are supposed to come up with the ideas... so we should not give them too much help ;)

Sounds like fun, do they have an adult ego class for grins? :beers: