Vex robotics design?

Question

I have this assignment to come up with a design of a robot that is 6 inches wide. It has to climb 4 stairs 4 inchs up, 6 inches in depth, and 2 ft across. it has to since a line perpendicular to the riser before moving to the second step, a 2 inch hole beofre moving to the third step, and the a red led light before moving to the fourth and final step. this cannot leave the surface so it rules out going air born, and it has to be fully autonomous. We can use any vex parts, so others if we can justify it, but there is not point in transmitters since we cant use a remote controll.. I can seem to think of a good design I feel confident would complete the task of climbing the stairs and finding this things all on its own. any help ya'll could offer me would be great! thanks

Answer 1

well the basic robot would have the regular sensors for black line (light reflection), hole (range finder or tact switch) and red light (IR phototrans).
I would recomend the unit be on tracks with a low point in center of bottom chassis. this will give you a better chance of recovering if it starts to slip off the step.
as for going up the step I would suggest two legs on the back. when climbing the legs would extend and the center of gravity would push the front/bottom of the moving tracks against the riser, helping it up. when it reaches the top the tank will move forward onto the upper step. then raise the legs behind.