Ideas for a robot

[zizou244]

Hey Robot makers !
I am a moroccan student and I will be participating soon in a little robotic competition. (Yes ! Moroccan Universities are finally getting interested in robotics, yeay!  )

Here's the short version :

Two robots in a table have to collect as many little balls as possible and go put them in a dedicated zone. Each robot has its own collect zone (Red or Green). The balls are all spongy-like (6,5 cm in diameter).

Robot specs :
The robot with all attached tools must not exceed 40cmx40cmx50cm in overall dimensions.
The robot alone must not exceed 35cmx35cmx40cm.

Which means I don't have much space to include little hand-pliers to grab the balls.

Some pictures :




I need some ideas for transporting as many balls as possible to the dedicated zone, other than hand-pliers of course.
Thank you all

[jwatte]

You'll probably want a scoop that tips up. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/John-Deere-Big-Scoop-Tractor/dp/B002IC0T8G
That toy is a little too big (21") but I'm sure you get the idea.

[zizou244]

Great Idea ! Thank you 
I'll try to make something on Solidworks and post it here^^

[zizou244]

Would it be possible for me to build some sort of Lifting system? The robot would store the balls inside its body, then they would go on a platform which is then lifted upwards to be above the little 3cm wall and then make it possible to empty the balls into the collect zone ?

[jwatte]

You can build lifting systems either with a servo arm and a second idler arm, or with a jack screw. I think the arm would be simpler.

[Pogertt]

If the Idler Arm radius is linger or shorter than the Servo Arm radius,

The table will elevate at an angle, allowing the balls to roll to one end of the table.