Week 26: 4/17/17 - 4/21/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This past week, we spent a significant amount of time preparing for our job interviews as well as almost finishing our code. Kieran has his interview on Tuesday and I have mine next week. This upcoming week, I also have my TED Ex youth audition where I will be presenting my robot.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
This week we completed the job hunt and began planning our interviews. We also got to a very good point in our project with our code and we plan to continue that the week.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
We are still just working through our code but I think that we are right on track to finish and have i talking by the end of the year. I doubt that we’ll get to bio signals.
Week 25: 4/10/17 - 4/14/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
Last week, we continued working on the code. We also began working on our job resumes and cover letters for Mr. H. We are at a hard part of our project because the work is very tedious with very little outcome but we are pressing through.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
This upcoming week we need to finish Step Setup2 and finish our final drafts of our job applications. We are working our hardest to stay on focus and finish the full working step in time for the exhibition and the ted talk.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
In the past several weeks we have been really struggling to finish this code. We have been working through our coding roadblocks and hope to finish on time.
Week 24: 4/3/17 - 4/7/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week Kieran and I sat in the robotics lab and tested the code over and over again. We did this for 3 days. We continued working on the new second part of the code but we didn’t make much progress.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
We finished finding job postings for ourselves which was homework assigned this week. We also finished organizing the code but this is also a more ongoing task.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
This week it was hard to keep testing just because of how detailed and repetitive the work was. This week we plan to finish the 2nd step code.
Week 23: 3/27/17 - 3/31/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week Kieran and I almost finished the code. We organized it and made it easier to read and work on. We almost got Teto to take a full working step and end in the starting position.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
We wanted to finishes the code but we weren’t able to. We are very very close and we will most likely finish the code this week and start working on bio signals. We also have the TED EX night coming up which we will begin to prepare for.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
This week we worked very effectively on the code. This was a good week and we worked very well together and got a lot done. Kieran missed class on Friday but I was still able to work on the code and get a lot done.
Week 22: 2/27/17 - 3/3/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week we began designing the walk function code. We started by designing a function to allow the robot stand up then we coded the front right and the back left leg. Even with just the two legs coded and the stand function, the robot was able to walk forward without falling. Kieran and I basically accomplished the moon landing.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
We accomplished a lot this week. We finished building and wiring. We began the code and got a substantial part of it done. We also got the robot to walk forward without falling.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
This week we got a lot accomplished and didn’t have many blockers besides the fact that the code is a little bit challenging to figure out. This upcoming week is our last week in the quarter so one of our blockers is that we are about to go on a large break.
Week 21: 2/13/17 - 2/17/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
Last week, we wired our robot up and began working on the code. This week was very productive and we finished several of our Asana tasks. We finished the the chassis and finished fixing the joints.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
We completed the chassis, began wiring, began coding, and fixed the joints with a few washers.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
This upcoming week, I am missing Thursday and Friday so Kieran will have to work by himself again. He will start working on the code. We should have a working code function before the end of the quarter.
Week 20: 2/6/17 - 2/10/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This past week, I missed Thursday and Friday's class. Kieran said that he got a lot done. He finished the chassis but we need to do some finishing touches. Kieran said that we would have to reinforce the joints with metal washers which he will make this week. Our plan for this week and next week is to finish the chassis and begin coding.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
We are almost done with the chassis. We need to do some finishing touches and begin to look into codes and bio signals.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
I've been missing a lot of class recently due to sports. Last week, I was only here for one class. I'm here for this whole week. Then next week I am only here for another day before I leave for a Water Polo tournament.
Week 19: 1/30/17 - 2/3/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week, I missed Friday's class due to our swim team's BIIF Championship. Regardless, Tuesday and Thursday's classes were great! Kieran and I have been working away in each class period. We began screwing the lower leg joints onto the previous attached leg.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
This week, we accomplished attaching the legs onto the chassis and beginning to attach the servo's onto the legs.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
Since I missed a day, I wasn't able to get as much work done. I'm assuming that Kieran got work done but I'll talk to him in class about it tomorrow. This week, I will also be missing Thursday and Friday's class because I will be at swimming states in Oahu. Although, our strong work ethic should make up for classes missed.
Week 18: 1/23/17 - 1/27/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week went great! Kieran and I used the drill press and began attaching the legs to the chassis. We had to rebuild the servo brackets because the instructions in the beginning were for a different project and not for joints. That was a step backwards but we got caught up and continued building.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
We weren't able to finish all 4 legs this week because of our minor set back with the servo brackets. We still were able to get the thigh part of the legs attached and this upcoming week, we will attach the lower half of the legs.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
Besides the servo bracket scenario, this week went really well. We were able to get a lot of work done. We didn't finish any major milestones but we will most likely finish them this next week.
Week 17: 1/16/17 - 1/20/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week was fantastic! Kieran and I began building the 3rd prototype as well as the mini 3D printed quadruped. The mini quadruped might have to be put on pause because we need to order a few tiny screws to finish it. On the other hand, we built a smaller and lighter weight chassis out of vex parts. We built all four of the new joints. Since the joints weren't designed to fit our project perfectly, we are going to modify how we build the rest. All in all, a very productive week!
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
This week, I successfully introduced Kieran into the project and described the history of my project to him. We also got a very good start to the next building phase of the project.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
While working alone is fun, having a partner is way better. We are able to correct each others mistakes before we forget about them and they become bigger problems. By working together, brainstorming ideas, and correcting each others mistakes as we go along is ideal! This week was great!
Week 16
Week 16: 1/9/17 - 1/13/17
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
Hello again, Friend. Nothing like a new semester to jump start a fresh beginning of an old project and I come bearing great news! I have decided to take on a partner for my final semester, Kieran Wiese Gibson. Kieran has coding, building and robotics experience as well as being one of my best friends. Together, we will keep each other on task and cover twice the amount of material. He begins on Monday where I will begin by showing him the ropes. I am very excited to have a partner because I want to get to a good stopping point before I graduate and turn this project over to somebody else. I feel like Kieran is the necessary tool to accomplishing that goal.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
I reassessed my project, updated my Asana, remade my project plan, and began a fresh start!
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
There were only two classes this week but it was just a enough time to get Kieran on board and organize my space. This week was a "back to the drawing board" kind of week and well needed!
Week 15
Week 15: 11/28 - 12/2
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
During the week of Thanksgiving, we had one class period and last week we had all three. In the past few class periods, I printed a 3D quadruped off of Thingiverse. Something went wrong while printing it the first time, so we printed it a second time. Each time we printed, it took 39 hours. I also began preparing for my final project. This week, Thursday, I have my final presentation. Last week, I began preparing my visual aid and practiced talking about my projects in front of my classmates.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
I finished printing my a mock chassis. I emailed Dr. Bill about winter break job opportunities. I also began practicing and design my final ISR presentation.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
Last week was very productive. Besides having to reprint the first chassis, it was a good week where I got a lot done. This week I plan to finish my final presentation and present the continuing to build my mock chassis.
Asana Tasks
Build 3D Printed Model
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/226160805517963
Finish Final Presentation and White Paper
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/226160805517970
Present My Final
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/226160805517975
Week 14: 11/14 - 11/18
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
Last week, I continued researching different kinds of mini quadrupeds. For fun, I also researched the different types of robots that were successful in the DARPA awards. I found several different kinds of robots that were really interesting. This week I will look into these designs more and look into trying to 3D print some of them. Some of my more favorite designs are linked below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oYSkWIvlyp8 (Stag)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuPD9FJhPu8 (Shuffling Robot)
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:38159 (The one I'm going to 3D print)
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
I found some very useful robots (as linked above) and I am very excited to start 3D printing one of the designs. I learned a lot about the robots height off of the ground, length of legs, and I began reading up dynamics. Next week, I will 3D the third link listed and finish researching.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
I am still waiting for the new parts to arrive but besides that my project is going well. It's a little slower moving than I hoped but it'll be worth it in the end when it works.
Asana Tasks
Talk to Dr. Bill about Winter Jobs
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/217937034975706
Finish Weekly Summary
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/217937034975713
Finish Research
Week 13: 11/7 - 11/11
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
Last week, I found the new parts that I will need for for my next prototype. I found micro servo brackets that will work as a joint. This week I also researched other forms of multi-jointed robots to see how its joints were built.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
Last week I completed the tasks of staying on task and ordering the new parts that I will need. This was a productive week and I will continue researching other robots this week to familiarize myself with the parts before they arrive.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
The parts were ordered now I just have to stay on task and be productive until the parts arrive. I will go back to the drawing board and try to redesign my project. Overall, last week was a shorter week and I only had 2 class periods. This week I will get more don with another class period. I will also continue to stay on task and learn more about the parts I ordered and how to use them.
Asana Tasks
Research other robots
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/213240112196790
Stop screwing around: Print Chassis
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/213240112196795
Continue working with TinkerCAD
Week 12: 10/31 - 11/4
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This past week, I began building my third prototype. I cleaned out my bin and began remodeling my design. While building, Mr. McKenna, my AP Physics teacher, gave me some advice on how to make my robot better. This week, I also was a test subject for Sienna's project on lighting and brain activity.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
This week I finished my NCWIT application and submitted it. I worked on the retractable reels and stayed on task. This week was a good week for my project because I was able to accomplish a lot and get motivated again.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
This week, while remodeling my design, Mr. McKenna, in the most polite way possible, completely disproved my project with the laws of physics. I was pretty bummed out in the moment because I felt like I just wasted a year building a robot that could never have worked and that I should have taken physics and math before attempting this project. I guess you just live and you learn sometimes. I am now excited that I can redesign my robot in a way that will actually work instead of wasting my time.
Asana Tasks
Redesign Everything
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/209693878407727
Order Parts
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/209693878407732
Keep Working Hard and Stay On Task
Week 11: 10/24 - 10/28
Describe highlights from the week, including major milestones and events
This week I had my meeting with Mr. Ferrell and Mrs. Petteys. It was a good meeting and they reminded me that I need to stay on task to finish what I set out to do. Also, Alicia interviewed me this week again which was fun because we talked about my project and science in general. It was productive and it helped me realize how much I have achieved in this project so far by verbalizing it but I still have a long way to go.
Summarize tasks completed, emphasizing what was achieved
The retractable reels came in this week. I haven't physically got them yet but they are in the elab. I am going to work with those this week but I think I might transition into working with the bio signals.
Explain challenges encountered and the actions you took to address them
This week I submitted my Early Decision application which was very stressful. Now that is out of the way, I can work more efficiently on my project. The meeting with Petteys and Ferrell also made me realize that I am behind on my goals that I set and I need to pick up the pace. This week I will stay more focussed by isolating myself from friends in the class and just get my work done.
Asana Tasks
Stay on task
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/205619687331531
Check NCWIT Application
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/205619687331535
Work on the Retractable Reels and Bio Signals
https://app.asana.com/0/176187828114681/205619687331545