Autonomous Competition Robot
Overview
Designed and built an autonomous robot for Georgia Tech’s ME 2110 design competition. The robot used motor-driven motion, pneumatic actuation, and timed mechanical sequencing to complete a course task within strict size, timing, and activation constraints.
What
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Designed and fabricated an autonomous competition robot to complete four independent tasks in a timed engineering challenge.
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Developed a fully integrated electromechanical system while maintaining a project budget under $100.
How
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Modeled custom components in SOLIDWORKS and used Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate and refine critical designs.
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Programmed an Arduino-based control system in C++ to coordinate motors, sensors, and pneumatic actuators.
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Collaborated with a team of engineers to develop, test, and optimize mechanical and electrical subsystems.
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Utilized 3D printing, laser cutting, woodworking, soldering, and rapid prototyping techniques to manufacture and assemble the final robot.
Results
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Successfully completed all required competition objectives within the allotted time constraints.
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Achieved a competition score exceeding 100 points.
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Advanced to the playoff rounds against other design teams.
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Demonstrated reliable autonomous operation through iterative testing and design refinement.
Autonomous Control Logic
Reflection:
This competition was my first opportunity to develop a complete electromechanical system from the ground up. While technical skills such as CAD, FEA, programming, and manufacturing were essential, the most important lesson was learning how to iterate quickly when designs did not perform as expected. Every subsystem required testing, troubleshooting, and refinement before it functioned reliably. Seeing a robot that began as a collection of ideas and sketches successfully compete on the field was extremely rewarding and strengthened my interest in hands-on engineering design.
Competition Footage
Arduino-Controlled Pneumatic System