Day 7

In our continuing drive onwards, many things were accomplished today, although perhaps not as many as we could have hoped.  The pneumatics were organized, blanks were cut for the gearboxes, and some priorities were finalized. Most momentous, possibly, was the disassembly of last year's protobot into its components. We continue to move forward, and are on schedule.



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Day 6

Today, progress was achieved towards the goal of building and manufacture. Plans were drawn up, minibots expounded upon, and the 2010 bot was hauled into the fablab for the evaluation of maneuverability.  The 2010 Classmate was reimaged, and the software team, so often unoccupied during the season, set a course for the future.  By this plan they would update the 'ware on all of the electronic implements used for Competition. Much was aflutter, and it is believed by your correspondent that construction and prototyping is imminent.

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Day 5

Your correspondent apologizes for the lateness of this post. As of late, his circadian rhythms have been shot to bits, so any malfeasances upon the continuance of this news service are greatly grieved about.
Anyways, today was a day full of election and decision. While our correspondent regrets that he was not present at some of the meeting due to band, he surmises that some progress was made towards a decision about the robot, between three concepts:

• A telescoping rail-based laddervator with suction cups.
• A roller-gripping arm.
• A beaked arm mounted on a telescopic pole.

The decisions were made based on several criteria, such as speed, weight, safety, versatility, and the like. Whether the choices were made or not, our correspondent has high hopes that construction will commence by the end of this week, ringing in the new Build.

In other news, everyone wants Ben to come back. Including Manley.

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Day 4

With the light flurry of snow earlier today, many in the area held a single glimmer of hope for a late start tomorrow. Sadly, this was not to be. However, all was not bad in the robotics rooms. Many concept groups have finished their presentations, and the cavalcade of concepts begins tomorrow. Watch this spot for more to come tomorrow, Decision Day 2011! This year of years, with a two-robot challenge, will be exciting and vivid as we debate what design has more merits. Remember, watch this spot for updates!





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Day 3

The first weekday of Build, Monday dawned bright and cold, with black ice riming the streets of Corvallis and inhibiting the morning drives of students and teachers alike. In the world of 997, the conceptualization process continues, with most groups working on finalizing the the math and presentations that make of their concept. The suction cup test build worked through by Matthew and Lance was a big hit, and proved successful in picking up and placing all of the game pieces. Other projects, such as the roller-gripper and the articulated arm were in their final stages. All in all, we had a profitable day and look forward to finalize our robot concept choice in the coming weeks.

Day 2

So far, so good.

We have begun the conceptual part of the robot design process, and have made our way through two thirds of the design flowchart. With the weekend coming to a close, some concept teams have begun prototyping, and designs of ladders, arms, elevators, claws, and suction cups will sing our team to sleep tonight. Our busy first week continues tomorrow, with prototyping scheduled for mid-week.

Kickoff-day 1 of Build

As the new season dawns, Team 997 has already begun the extensive planning process that is robot design. Already two-thirds through our design flowchart, this year is looking good.