Page 126 - LEGO MINDSTORMS - Robotics Invention System-2 Projects

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Robot 4 • MINDSTORMS F1 Racer

Although a car is a very common type of vehicle, it is built very much unlike a
common robotic vehicle. Robotic vehicles are usually built so that separate
motors control the wheels on each side. This setup is advantageous because it
is easy to build, and navigation is easily controlled through software that has
direct control over each wheel. Going forward, turning, and going in reverse
can all be achieved by a simple combination of forward/reverse commands to
the motors. A car, on the other hand, is usually not built this way. The motors
are not attached directly to the wheels; rather, one motor is devoted to driving
the car forward. This means that the motor must be able to steer the entire car
without access to the driving wheels.
This MINDSTORMS model is a simplification of a common car. Like a car,
this model is driven by its rear wheels through the use of a differential. It is
steered by a rack and pinion system, also like a real car. One motor is used to
drive the back wheels and one to steer the car. The chassis gives the model sta-
bility and body work is added for the final decorative touch.
This car is built in stages, also somewhat like a real car. You will first build
the chassis, then add individual components (driving motor, rack and pinion
steering system, steering motor, front bumper, and a spoiler) to the chassis, and
then put the wheels on to complete the car. The RIS kit does not include many
steering or driving parts available in other TECHNIC sets, so you will have to
be creative with the parts you do have.
After you finish building your car, you can make some simple programs to
drive it around. For an extra challenge, try to add a bumper system so that
your car can react to obstacles!

NOTE
For a more detailed model of a car, check out LEGO TECHNIC Model
#8448: The Super Street Sensation.

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