The Task:

In teams of three, design a machine that can place a Styrofoam ball in a cylinder with outer diameter of 15cm. The machine must start completely on a table that is 50 cm from the center of the cylinder (i.e. no part of the machine can break the plane of the table in its initial configuration).  The top of the cylinder is at the same elevation as the table top.

Each team will have one minute to perform the task.  Restarts will be allowed at the discretion of the judge.

Each team will be provided with:

1 gear- head motor, 2 pneumatic actuators (one "small" & one not so small), an electromechanical assembly (includes one small 12 volt motor, one 12 volt solenoid and miscellaneous  other "things"), 2 cable ties, a 12 volt Battery and an air supply.

We will also provide foam, cardboard, wood, glue, string, nuts, and bolts. You can also use other random parts found around the studio.

There are many ways of performing this task. Have fun with it.

The devices will be built during the lab section, and will be demonstrated in the last half hour of the lab.