Robolution: Rise and Shine
Robolution is the official robotics club of Bit Mesra, where students come together to explore the world of robotics and enhance their technical skills. As a member of Robolution, I was given the responsibility of being the vice captain during a challenging year when funds were reduced.
Apart from organizing and conducting various workshops and events, Robolution also actively participates in the annual robotics competition called ABU Robocon. It is a platform where teams from different colleges showcase their talent and compete against each other. To prepare for this competition, we worked tirelessly, even skipping a few classes if necessary. Our main focus was on designing, fabricating, controlling, and competing with our robot.
That particular year, the problem statement for the competition revolved around loops suspended high up in the air. Our robot had to shoot balls through these loops, which were attached to the end of a rope. Alongside managing the team, I was also in charge of the gripper mechanism. The gripper needed to release the ball precisely, with no delay, and hold it securely even at a high rotation speed of 140 rpm. Additionally, we fabricated two holonomic drives with omni wheels to ensure smooth locomotion of the robot. For navigation within the arena, we utilized line sensors.
Unfortunately, on the day of the competition, we encountered an unexpected hurdle. The line sensor, which played a crucial role in guiding the robot, did not work as intended due to the varying lighting conditions. As a result, we were unable to complete the other parts of the competition.
However, despite the setback, we learned valuable lessons throughout the process of building such a colossal project with a large team. We may have come up short in the competition, but the experience of working together as a team will forever remain cherished in our hearts. Because after all, competitions may come and go, but the bonds forged through team building can last a lifetime.
Robolution continues to be a beacon of knowledge, innovation, and camaraderie for aspiring robotics enthusiasts at Bit Mesra. It provides a platform for students to explore their passion for robotics, nurturing their technical skills and fostering personal growth. It not only enhanced our technical skills but also taught us the importance of dedication, perseverance, and adaptability.