Optimized Lego Mindstorms Models

[guandul]

Hello to everyone. This is my first Topic.

I created this page to post optimized versions of the robots from Mindstorms Education and Mindstorms Home.

There is a lot of room to improve the robots designed by Lego, especially the ones from the home edition. Basically, most of the improvements can be done by optimizing the software, although I consider that some mechanical advantage can be achieved if we import some of the building technics that fans have developed.

Colour Sorter from the Mindstorms Education Core Set.

This machine is used to scan objects and the place them in the right place according to their color.

When I first built this model I realized that the way it was built was extremely inefficient. The operator has to manually scan every object and then place them in the tray. That was a little disappointing since there is no way to connect this machine to a supply chain.

Original model:

Then I turned on the machine and things just you kept getting worse. The “sorter” (the part that deal with moving and placing the objects) uses a very obsolete algorithm to know the exact position where a piece should be unload: After unloading a piece, it has to return to the left side so it can star moving to the next unloading position.

I ask myself why. Well, because the sorter does not keep track of its movements, so it doesn’t know its location.

To correct those problems I rewrote the program aiming for two thing:

1) Making placing and scanning a single movement.

2) Including odometry in the algorithm, so the sorter can know its position by keeping track of its movements.

Modified version:

I made two changes in the mechanical design: 1) I relocated the sensor so it’s now over the tray

2) I moved the Intelligent Brick 4 studs to the left so I could free the 50cm cable to be use with the now moving sensor.

This is the result:

Let me know if you want instructions or the ev3 file.

Thank You

Edited April 28, 2015 by guandul

[lee82gx]

Can I see the program to compare? thanks.

[guandul]

Can I see the program to compare? thanks.

Sure. Here's the program: http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/dagupa/Mindstorms-Machines/Colour-Sorter-V2/colour_sorter_2.ev3

Let me know if you can make it more efficient, like less movements.

[salma]

Can I see the original program please ?

[tienminh89]

That's cool. Can you send me your instructions?

Thanks so much!

my email: tienminh89@gmail.com

[DrJB]

I'm not sure what optimization really means (in this context). When designs (cars and consumer electronics) are optimized, typically it is to take cost out of the product. Sometimes optimization refers to balancing various performances (ride vs. handling in cars). Optimization tends to go after costly parts. When it comes to software optimization, it usually revolves around speed and using less memory. Here, with the EV3, I am not sure what optimization will do, are we after faster running programs, smaller number of sensors, or else?

[vmln8r]

Nice tinkering!

I'm not sure what optimization really means (in this context).

Like the video shows - optimising the mechanics and software for more efficient operation?

[DrJB]

Like the video shows - optimising the mechanics and software for more efficient operation?

LOL ... I must have missed the video, I only saw pictures. Found it, it was a youtube link

[dagupa]

Can I see the original program please ?

That's cool. Can you send me your instructions?

Thanks so much!

my email: tienminh89@gmail.com

Sharing EV3 education programs and Building Instructions it's still a grey legal area. Anyways, there are VERY GOOD NEWS: The EV3 Education software is now available for free from https://education.lego.com/en-us

All you need to do:

1. Create a new account.

2. At the bottom to the page click "Download your software"

3. Click on the tab "Core Software"

The optimized software can be downloaded from http://www.brickshel...ur_sorter_2.ev3

I'm going to make PDF building instructions specifically for this modified model. I'll send them to you as soon as I complete them.

Edited July 27, 2016 by dagupa

[Student]

good

 

Edited February 22, 2017 by Student