Robotics: Scientific Measurement


One of the primary uses for robots is to do scientific measurement in environments where people cannot go, such as on other planets or under the ocean. We will simulate scientific measurement with this assignment. Calibration is an important part of measurement, and so calibration will undoubtedly play an important role in getting this assignment to work.

Construct a robot that can measure the length of a rectangular cardboard box. For your demo to me, I will bring in my own box to try it out. You can assume that I will not try to trick you intentionally. The box will be reasonably sized, i.e. I will be able to carry it by myself and it will not be smaller than the RCX brick. You will be able to place your robot anywhere you want outside the box, then push the start button. When the robot is done measuring, it should display the length and width of the box, in centimeters, in succession on its LCD screen.

As a subgoal, you might want to write a program first just to measure the length of the box.

Good luck, and have fun!


Authored by Dave Musicant. Inspired by Jennifer Kay.