Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

we are having a robot competition,in september.The participants are needed to control their robot with android and make it open a gate and reach specified spot ,whoever reach the spot first wins,,
just don't know where to start ,how to,just having no idea what am i gonna need to prepare.
Obviously,its gonna be in group,but it is a must to take responsibility for at least some jobs,what should i do??

sanguine04 - From the sound of your note you may have a difficult time gaining sufficient knowledge and skill about accomplishing your goal. The organizers of this competition must presume the contestants have prior knowledge and experience with robotics, programming, sensors and interfaces. I would first do a web search on 'Android controlled robots'. You will find a lot of material on the subject and it will help you understand how some of these simple robots use Android (often by using a suitable cell phone) and the Bluetooth interface to control a robot remotely. The robot itself capable of opening a gate (what kind of latch is involved?), and being controlled by a remote may be a complex task by itself. The use of an Android phone may simplify the interface to the robot. Do a web search on 'Android robot apps' and you will find some available apps that might be suitable for your experiment.

You mentioned that this will be a team effort. See what members of your team have different skills that might be assigned to accomplish the goal. Some electronics, some mechanics, some software experience comes to mind. Good luck. You have some time before September, but I would get started very soon.

Rick Marz