Lab 1: Rube Goldberg Machinedue Wednesday, January 25 in class…...….….

Teaching Assistants: Kate Killfoile

Steven Shamlian

16-311 Introduction to Robotics

What is a Rube Goldberg Machine?

A Rube Goldberg machine is a device that achieves a simple task through a process

of overly complex steps.

Example R. G. Machine

Challenge Statement

Build a Rube Goldberg machine that triggers the launch of a flying craft Acceptable triggers include pushing a button,

pushing/pulling a lever or yanking a string. If you think you have a good idea, ask us!

Acceptable flying crafts include airplanes, hot air balloons, space shuttles, and blimps.

Constraints

Base Constraints: 3’x 4’Height Constraints: 5’Cannot use electricity in the forms of

batteries or wall power. Other forms of power generation welcomed.

Grading

A(95): 5 Energy TransfersB(85): 4 Energy TransfersC(75): 3 Energy TransfersD(65): 2 Energy TransfersF(55): < 2 Energy TransfersF- (0): No Machine at all

Bonus Points

+5 points (+2 after) for each machine successfully attached to another machine in serial.

A serial connected machine is defined as one whose first energy transfer is initiated by the final energy transfer of the previous machine. The machines are serially connected if either the flying

craft triggers the next group’s machine, or the final launch mechanism of the flying craft triggers the next group’s machine.

Bonus Points (cont.)

Bonus Points = 5+(n-2)*2 (where n = total machines running to completion in

serial)

Ex: 2 machines together +5 bonus

3 machines together +7 bonus

……….

10 machines together +21 bonus!!

Tell Steve by 12:00pm on Sunday if you want to pursue bonus points!

Human Interventions

Machines are allowed two interventions one to start the machine one if something unexpected occurs

Serially connected machines are allowed n+1 interventions one to start the machine one if something unexpected occurs per group

machine

Questions?

The webpage is your friend. See http://www.generalrobotics.org/labs/lab01/.

Kate is your friend.Steve is your friend if your question isn’t

dumb.