Pi Wars 2019 – The entries are in
24th Sep 2018
Its that time of year again, where Hitchin Hackspace get slowly obsessed with Pi powered robots, in the build up to Pi Wars. Hitchin have again applied with two entries, this is post will be focused on the entry for Tauradigm, another fully autonomous entry and successor to last years Piradigm entry.
Key bits from the application form:
| Team/Robot name: | Tauradigm |
| Team category: | Advanced or Professional |
| Team details: | Mark Mellors: Professional Mechanical Engineer, lead on the mechanical and electrical side of the robot. Previously did majority of work (across all disciplines) on last year’s (disastrous/’ambitious’) Piradigm. Rob Berwick: Professional Computerman, lead on the software side. Previously an adviser and supporter on Piradigm Both Mark and Rob have also contributed to all of Hitchin Hackspaces Piwars entries, from main team members in ‘16 to occasional advisers in ‘18. |
| Proposed robot details: | Fully autonomous in all challenges, obviously 4 wheel drive, lego/custom wheels tyres as default configuration Custom chassis using unusual materials/construction techniques 🙂 Stylish, lightweight, UFO themed bodywork Home made pcbs for power and signal distribution Arrays of various sensors, including: internal (encoders and inertial measurement), proximity (distance sensors, reflective) and vision (pi camera), possibly supported by offboard sensors (beacons, ‘eye in the sky’) Software: Separated architectural units Fast IMU/encoder feedback with continuous location estimation, much like actual spacecraft (so build a virtual map then use that for navigation, with occasional corrections when known markers are detected) Advanced route planning algorithms Automated hardware self testAttachments for challenges Space invaders will have a much more powerful soft projectile system with vision based auto aiming supported by encoders and distance sensors Spirit of Curiosity may use one or two homing beacons or visual markers Navigate by the Stars and Blast Off may use a rocket (jet, no flames or pyrotechnics!) propulsion module The Hubble Telescope Nebula Challenge and Pi Noon: The Right Stuff will use vision again, supported by distance sensors and encoders (plus be more tolerant of changing lighting conditions this time!) The Apollo 13 Obstacle Course will be attempted autonomously without on course markers this year, using a range of sensors |
| Why do you want to enter Pi Wars?: | Retribution! To show that full autonomous is possible! But also, as before, to inspire, share and stretch ourselves. |
| Which challenges are you expecting to take part in?: | Remote-controlled challenges, Autonomous challenges, Blogging (before the event) |
| Any more information: | Piradigm would like to attend as an exhibitor this year |
The entry only went in last week (sorry Mike and Tim for leaving it late!) yet we’ve already realised we might need to make some changes to the robot design.
Initial draft CAD rendering:
Render of Tauradigm
Fingers crossed we get accepted!
We should find out in the next week
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