Final Machine

Our machine has evolved significantly as the semester has gone on...

Slot module
This module uses paddles powered by planetary motors to move balls toward the flipper and under the wedge. The current design has the motors mounted on top of a wooden frame which hangs from the table in the slot. These motors drive belts which turn paddles mounted on a rigid axle near the bottom of the starting zone. The paddles are at right angles and are different lengths to conform to the slot starting zone.

Compare this design to our original idea of a slot-mounted aluminum frame. Changes in the design were a result of budget constraints and rule clarifications.

Wedge Module
The wedge remains largely unchanged from the initial stages. It still has the same function: block the flipper and let balls under to our bin. The first main difference is the notches in the lower part of the wedge, which keep the wedge in, should the bumper be pushed from the other side. The second difference is the brass tips on the wedge, which create a denser lower half, keeping the wedge oriented vertically as it falls. The third difference is the pair of notches used in conjunction with the release mechanism to make a clean release. These changes are a result of tests and design insights.

The original model was a solid piece of aluminum, which would have been difficult to make and ineffective in play.
Top Bot

The top bot remains almost completely unchanged, and is our best-designed and most robust module. It is used to displace balls defensively and can collect them as a backup offensive measure. Any changes in the design were minor and took place early in the process.


It has been a long, frustrating, busy, FUN semester!!!! We learned a lot and built a functional robot... gearing up for 350 next semester

Last sign off,

-Team MA