Vacuum Cleaner
Build a vacuum cleaner that cleans your table.
This project is compatible with all eXperiBot sets.
Many thanks to Lars Pelz, whose idea led to this project!
Task
Your eXperiBot should move around inside a ring. Your eXperiBot should reach every point on the inner surface and push all objects lying inside the ring out of it.
The task is successfully completed when your eXperiBot has pushed all objects out of the ring.
Setup
In order for your eXperiBot to push objects in front of it, it needs a kind of “collection basket.”
Assembly with Cubies
For the assembly shown in the picture, you’ll need Cubies from the eXperiBot Smart Set:
Assembly with the Explorer set and additional building blocks
If you are using the Explorer set, you can use building blocks from other building block systems to help you out. Use the adapter plate—which is usually used for the “foot” of the eXperiBot—and attach it to the top of your eXperiBot or anywhere else where you would like to attach additional blocks.
If you don’t have any building blocks available, you can also try using paper, pens, and tape. You’re sure to find a solution!
The Ring
Take a large sheet of paper (at least A2 size) and draw a circular black outline on it that’s at least 3 cm wide. The ring doesn’t have to be a perfect circle. If the line is too narrow or not dark enough, your eXperiBot might not recognize it when it drives over it.
Alternatively, you can use black tape for the boundary line.
Objects to “vacuum”
Place objects inside the ring that you want your vacuum cleaner eXperiBot to push out of the way. If you have the Smart Set, the red, green, and blue foam cubes are ideal for this. Make sure the objects are tall enough. Your eXperiBot will have a hard time recognizing objects that are less than 2 cm tall.
Hints
Have your eXperiBot drive straight ahead until it sees a black line. The easiest way to detect the black line is with this block:
In our case, it doesn’t matter whether “right” or “left” is selected.
When your eXperiBot reaches the black line, you should have it turn around.
To keep your eXperiBot from behaving too predictably and to ensure it can reach all areas of the ring, you can have it turn by a random number of degrees.
Adjust the value range for the “random integer” so that your eXperiBot travels within the ring and reaches all points on its surface.
You can use the “repeat until” block to make your eXperiBot keep moving until it detects the black line. Also, use the “Motor set speed” block without a time limit:
More ideas
Add a second Multisensor to your vacuum cleaner eXperiBot that faces forward. Use this Multisensor to determine whether your eXperiBot has finished cleaning.
Have your eXperiBot clean both forward and backward! This will save you time.