Shocker MINDSTORMS Challenge
Line Follower
Apprentice Mission (Beginner and Beginner II Teams)
Description:
Follow the line! Can you follow the line around the course using a light or color
sensor? Through the curves, over the hill, and through the rumble strips as the line
changes color, you have three minutes to complete the course.
Scoring is based on how far you make it through the course. Your robot must begin
its run while the back of your unit is lined up with "A". You achieve points when
your robot completely passes another checkpoint (B, C, D, etc.). If you leave the
course, we will allow a 1-inch tolerance on each side of the course track. If it is
more than one inch, in the judge's opinion, you will lose the points for that section.
You may not re-position your unit should it get off course. Additional points will
be given based on your time of completing the entire course.
The purpose of this Apprentice Mission is to utilize the light or color sensor capability
of the NXT/EV3 unit. You must therefore show satisfactory evidence to the course Judge
that the unit is utilizing a light or color sensor to guide its path when following
the course centerline. If, in the judges considered opinion, sensors are not being
used, a score of zero will be recorded for the run.
Bill of Materials:
Any 4x8 ft material would be acceptable for the base. Sketch dimensions are accurate.
Track is flat black in color with 3/4" wide Yellow and White electrical tape identifying
the course centerline. The remaining track aesthetics and color scheme are not important
for the course build as they are off the course track. Competition course is secured
to a 2" Styrofoam base (for light-weight rigidity).
Course utilizes 3/4" wide electrical tape, identifying the track center line (White
through the beginning of the course and transitions to Yellow between 'I' and ‘J'
through the end of the course.
The entire visible surface was painted with Green spray paint. The track course was
painted with a flat black spray paint after masking off the non-track surfaces. The
White and Yellow electrical tape was laid out as noted in the sketch dimensions. The
tape segments (between turns) are cut to fit and do not overlap at the turning points.
The ramp is 1" tall, 19" in length, with a 15 degree angle on approach, 25 degree on opposing end and uses tempered
hardwood painted black with white electrical tape centerline.
The rumble strip area is made from the rough surface of painters trays cut to size
and secured with adhesive.
| Material | Quantity | Availability | Estimated Unit Cost |
Estimated Total Cost |
| 4' x 8' 5.2 Luan | 1 | Home Depot | $12.97 | $12.97 |
| Flat Black Spray Paint | 2 | Lowe's | $3.77 | $7.54 |
| Green Spray Paint | 2 | Lowe's | $3.77 | $7.54 |
| Electrical Tape | 2 | Home Depot | $3.57 | $7.14 |
| Adhesive | 2 | Home Depot | $2.97 | $5.94 |
| Masking Tape I | 1 | Home Depot | $1.97 | $1.97 |
| 4'x8'x2” Styrofoam ** | 1 | Home Depot | $22.42 | $22.42 |
| 1”x2”x8' furr strip ** | 4 | Home Depot | $0.87 | $3.48 |
| 1/4" x 4' x 8' Tempered Hardboard | 1 | Lowe's | $8.98 | $8/98 |
| Project Source 18-inch Tray (painters tray) | 2 | Lowes (Item #495885) |
$7.98 | $15.96 |
| $93.94 |
* Used for construction, not part of the finished course.
** Not required for course completion. Added for durability and strength.
Scoring:
|
Task |
Points |
Cumulative |
|
Your robot must begin its run while the back of your unit is lined up with "A" |
||
|
B |
25 |
25 |
|
C |
25 |
50 |
|
D |
50 |
100 |
|
E |
50 |
150 |
|
F |
50 |
200 |
|
G |
75 |
275 |
|
H |
75 |
350 |
|
I |
75 |
425 |
|
J |
75 |
500 |
|
K |
100 |
600 |
|
L |
100 |
700 |
|
less than 30 seconds |
100 |
800 |
|
30-60 seconds |
50 |
750 |
|
greater than 60 seconds |
0 |
700 |
Drawings (pdf)Maximum time limit for an official run is 3 minutes. The run will end at 3 minutes and teams will receive the score earned up to that time.
Course Photos (jpg):
Overview 1
Overview 2
Overview 3
Overview 4
Bridge
Up Ramp
Down Ramp
Corner
Rumble Strip