Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

The folks at Robot Magazine sent us this:

We have just posted the Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge at www.botmag.com, where students age 14 and up can compete for a $5,000 scholarship check. Students apply to be one of 25 contestants who will receive free VEXplorer kits for use in the challenge. The object is to creatively develop an interesting, unique application using just the components that come in this RC robot kit. Mythbuster Grant Imahara will pick the winners. Contest rules require posting of entries on YouTube, and creating the best videography of your robot in action will also be evaluated. The top winner will receive a $5,000 scholarship fund, 2nd place a $2,000 scholarship, and (10) runner-ups will get $200 gift certificates to vexlabs.com.
Any who wish to enter will first need to email a short description of their design concept—Grant Imahara and Robot magazine will pick the 25 contestants from these applications by March 24, and the winners will be picked by Grant Imahara in early June—they will be announced in the September-August 2008 issue of Robot magazine.

Details can be found here: http://botmag.com/articles/contest.shtml

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

im under age and dont live in canada, i am really really sad :(

when i heard this i really really wanted to try this :mad: :( :mad: :(

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Very confused! From the rules...

The Promotion is open to legal residents of the 50 United States with a valid email address, over the age of 14 at the time of entry ("Entrants").

What rules were you reading?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I think Andrew actually lives in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, and the 'dont' is a typo.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Ah, how very American of me to assume that it was one of the several Burlington's in the US! :o

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

SolidWorks provides some helpful sites to get you started in designing robots:

www.solidworks.com/vex

and

www.3dcontentcentral.com; keyword:vexplorer


Contest was open to US residents only due to legal reasons. International laws governing contests are very challanging.

Marie

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Are we only allowed to use what comes in one kit and that's it?

anyone trying to go out for this?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I would love to, but there is one catch, I'm too old.:eek:

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Too old? I didn't realize there was an age limit. I applied for it, hopefully I get selected.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

yah sorry i meant to say dont live in the US not dont live in canada, oops!

and im underage :( :mad: lately ive been really hating age limits: web hosting, contests, adsense, other advertising programs, lots of other stuff

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

So I just received the email from the people doing the contest saying I was one of the 25 selected to do it. The kit will be mailed to me within a week and the dead line for the contest and you tube video of it working is June 1st. Also just stated in the email, I get an additional $100 to purchase anything form the vex site. wahoo!

here is my robot submission:

"Robots are becoming more a part of today's culture and are being integrated with everyday life. With that in mind, I present to you a modern twist on an everyday task. The robot will accomplish the task of playing fetch with a dog or even an enthusiastically active cat, while giving treats as a reward. The robot will be designed to pick up a ball with the supplied gripper and have a duel wheel launching system to fling the ball across the entire house or backyard. With the ball being launched far away from the robot, it makes sure the animal gets exercise and the joy of play time. When the ball has returned to the robot, via switch a treat could be dispensed rewarding the pet. The robot can be operated in a chair via a controller and use the camera system to locate the play toy along with the pet. The camera supplied in the kit would be used to locate missing balls once your pet losses interest and doesn't come back for that well deserved treat. This new way to play fetch with the family pet is especially useful to those who cannot walk, such as the elderly, or those with an injury or permanent disability. Solidworks will help greatly during the design process. I have experimented with the Solidworks program and other CAD software, and am excited to use Solidworks in the planning and building of a fun and easy to use robot which will play with the family pet. I have been involved in the FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) since 2003 and have built numerous robots in my life time. I am excited to have one of my innovative ideas come into being. I always try to come up with creative ways to conquer problems. I see not being able to play with your pet easily is a problem for both the human and animal. I believe that my idea is a great way to integrate robots into everyday life and is a progression towards more robots being used creatively to solve day to day problems."

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Way to go Alex!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Congratulations!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I'm one of the 25!

Dear Cody Smith,

Congratulations! You have been selected as one of the 25 contestants in the Grant Imahara VEXplorer Challenge. We received a wide variety of ideas and large number of applicants. We judged your idea to be one of the most interesting and compelling and welcome you to the competition.

We will ship a VEXplorer unit to you this week by UPS. If you do not receive it within a week, please contact...

Just got the e-mail today! So happy :)

Hello, my name is Cody Smith. I'll start with describing myself. I have always been interested in robotics and technology ever since I was a small child. I used to watch Battle Bots every day when I could until it stopped showing. I'm currently a Junior in high school attending Palm Bay high. I'm a member of the FIRST FRC robotics team number 2023 and the FIRST FTC team number 509. This year I lead our FTC team into the Florida regionals and placed 6th getting knocked out in the quarter finals. Our team did however win one of the six special judges awards. The Amaze award. For our omni-directional drive and our three point arm / manipulator. A picture of the O.R.C. or _O_mni-directional _R_obotics _C_law is attached to this e-mail. Our team is currently working on a bot to go to California for the Vex World Championship. We've handled all the Vex parts from the standard kit to Vexplorer's to the pneumatics. I also have done media work for a long time. I love media, Photoshop work, video editing work, etc. It's one of many things I like to do with my spare time on the computer and I have some pretty nice video editing software.

This competition to rebuild the Vexplorer is very interesting. we've already used the Vexplorer parts combined with regular Vex parts to build our three point arm but this limits the parts drastically. I do feel that it is more then possible to make something different out of those part though so here's my idea. The Vexplorer's best feature is it's ability to do recon. it's camera allows it to do so. But, it isn't all that versatile. My idea is to build a standard four wheel drive using two motors linked by the gears. And use the other two motors to make a separate pair of wheels on a rotateable axle. This would allow the Vexplorer to climb stairs, go over objects, etc. The overal purpose would be for extreme recon.

And yes, all 25 contestants get $100 to go shopping with on the vex site. Very, very cool.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

congrats to all it would be so cool if like half the people accepted were from CD

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I was recently informed that two members of our FTC robotics program were also selected as finalists.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

i was selected to be one of the finalists as well.....im pretty excited...

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Congrats everybody!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Thanks and Good luck to the others!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Very nice, good luck to all the contestants! But with that said, it is a competition :D

I'm currently in 4 robotics competitions right now, FIRST FRC Nationals, FIRST FTC nationals, Vex World Championship and now this. Robotics has consumed my life, so awesome... :)

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

One of our students was selected out of the top 25!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I got accepted! I screamed and cried when I did, I wanted so much to get this :3

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

wow such a good turn out so far considering there were only 25 spots

Alex Cormier
Cody Smith-2023
2 people from 448
Ryan Green - 957
1 person from 839
Rida - 2590


so we have a quarter of the entries and I am sure not all of the FIRSTers have checked in yet.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Congratulations to all those who entered and the final 25.


For help in SolidWorks, go to Help, SolidWorks Tutorials.

Dont forget to visit www.solidworks.com/vex for robot design tips.

Good luck in the next phase of the competition. Marie

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Ches (IbleedPink233) and I were selected as one of the top 25. We can't wait to get started on our robot!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Technically the kids from FRC 448 kids were from FTC 38 and 37.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Well it actually looks more like this:


Alex Cormier & Liz Smith
Cody Smith-2023
1 person from FTC38
1 person from FTC37
Ryan Green - 957
1 person from 839
Rida - 2590
notapinktruck & ibleedpink233 - 233

It's starting to shape up!

That's already 8 out of 25. If you actually think of it, I say we had a greater chance of being selected then the ordinary public because we have experience and more complex ideas which they were looking for.

All I know is we are excited and ready to build!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Wow, three kids from Brevard county, Florida. I've got to say that Piratech, Exploding Bacon and Pink team have been doing extremely well this year for Florida.

Piratech team 508 was on the winning alliance for the Florida FTC regionals.
Piratech team 509 with Exploding Bacon placed 6th, Piratech won the Amaze award and Bacon took the Innovate award.

At the FRC regionals at UCF Pink won, Bacon gave them one heck of a run for there money and Piratech won the Website award. I believe that pink also went to Hawaii and won the regional there too.

Good stuff... :)

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Did anyone get the kitbox yet?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I haven't, but I'm hoping to get it today. I've already ordered my $100 in parts and have a UPS tracking number for those, should get to me by the 9th.

-Cody

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Dang already? I don't think I've gotten my account information yet...when did you get yours?

Speaking of... I need to make that account.

How do you know it'll get here today? I hope it comes today too so I have all weekend to play around with it and make the generic model.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Two days ago they made me an account on IFI and sent me an e-mail explaining how to order the parts. I made sure that I got my information to them quickly.

My Vexplorer did not get here today... Still waiting :(

For my parts from VexLabs they gave me a tracking number from UPS. It went through as a special "purchase order." Just an FYI, they will not charge you sales tax on your order from VexLabs, only shipping.

However I'm guessing that our Vexplorer's aren't coming from VexLabs. I think Revell (which I believe sells Vexplorer's) is supplying the Vexplorer's. VexLabs probably decided to give us the $100 to spend after the competition was announced. And I'm sure Robot Magazine is doing something here...

Anyway looks like we won't be getting anything until at least Monday but luckily I'm on spring break. :yikes:

-Cody

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Did you get the letter from revell yesterday? What did they need our SSN for?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Regulations that govern contests are very strick in the US, especially when students are under the age of 18 and companies are requiring personal information. The students who receive the top prizes, including the $5000 scholarship, or the VEX Robot ($299), and the $100's of material offered by VEX labs will be sent tax information on their award. This is the law and why your social security number is required.

Even when SolidWorks Corporation presents small cash awards, we need to report information to the IRS.

Still, the tax requirements should not prevent you from participating, most students don't make enough income to file a tax return.

Marie

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Exactly, and yes I got the letter. Lots of legal stuff they want you to agree to but after reading the two pages I didn't see anything that I deemed as unsafe to sign on.

The SSN is for taxes, and like mplanchard said, if you don't make an income then you don't get taxed.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Correct Smart Kid. There are companies such as IFI, Revell Monogram SolidWorks Corporation, Robot Magazine, and of course a famous judge, all coming together to promote robotics with financial prizes. As a result, multiple companies and multiple students lead to paragraphs of legal terminology and tax documentation.

Lesson learned: when you are a public company, you just can't have a simple contest and give a prize away without the legal team getting involved. Most engineering students think about becoming design or manufacturing engineers, but there is a totally different side of engineering that involves tax laws, legal contracts, international export, and patents.

For now - just enjoy the contest and have fun with the design.

Marie

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I think it's interesting that they supposably shipped us the Vexplorer's before we signed the paperwork to begin with. I haven't signed or agreed to build anything for them. From a legal standpoint they just sent me some parts.

Now OF COURSE I fully intend to see my design through and compete but it is interesting that someone could have entered and for just sending an e-mail get $300 worth of free Vex stuff.

-Cody

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Now, what did you order?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

My design was the go anywhere, see everything bot. A stair climber among other things.

I got my information from IFI on how to order and I spent a few hours with paper planning everything out. My FTC team happens to have a few Vexplorer's assembled that we're laying around so I grabbed one during lunch and looked it over and saw what comes with the Vexplorer as far as usable parts.

My order consisted of these...
----------------
The Vexplorer tank tread add-on kit (Extra traction)
Two extra Vex-Blue Vexplorer motors (Will be needing these, very useful)
The flashlight kit (To see in the dark)
C-Channel
Bar locks
A 100 pack of the lock nuts (the ones you cant get off without a wrench)
A handful of extra screws
Longer 12" shafting (2pk)
----------------
Total with shipping: $99.16

One hundred bucks doesn't go very far on the Vex site, but I'm happy with what I was able to get and I think these parts will serve my design well.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

what is your shipping charge? Also how is this possible, i tried it and came with well over $100. did we get a discount or something?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

i would guess about $8 or $9 shipping but i put same information and i end up getting about the same under $100

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Shipping was $9ish. Know that sales tax was not included.

Tank tread - $25
Vexplorer motors - $20
The flashlight kit - $13
C-Channel - $18
Bar locks - $3.45
lock nuts - $2
A handful of extra screws - $2
Longer 12" shafting - $5
----------
Total: $88.45
+ $9 shipping
----------
Real total: $97.45

Like I said, these numbers are rounded but my total was $99.16

* Note that the motor pack comes with two motors...

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

err, not fair. my shipping comes in at $11.26

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Interesting, what state are you in? From Texas to Florida is like 2000 miles.

Also, fiar is fair, what'd you order?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

:P

I am up in NY. haven't sent the order in yet, when I was going to they went out of stock on the wrist. So I am waiting for tomorrow so it'll ship the same day.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Man I've been building that thing all day, mostly because I messed up three times. Took me 2.5 hours xD

It's a lot of fun to play with it. Anyone got it up and running yet?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Pictures anyone? I think our mentor has some of the thing our guys are building.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Did you get your Vexplorer? :confused:

If so then mine has to be showing up soon.......

And yes, I got the luxury of taring one apart to build our bots manipulator for FTC this year, fun.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I also got mine too, but can't play with it until Friday.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Yeah I did get mine. Saw it sitting in the hallway when I came home from school :3

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

UPS guy handed me a big brown box labeled Vexplorer. :)

I've got it built into the original config and have been playing around with it for a bit. Tomorrow I get the rest of my parts from VexLabs so I'll be set to tare it apart and get to work.

This is real, we all just got handed $300 worth of parts, everyone's already won.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

So, does anyone have any updates on their robot or such?

All we have done is the newly revamped base to acquire the balls done so far.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

My prototype is complete, I've just been busy with FRC and FTC for Atlanta and California.

I'll post a pic later...

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I also am one of the 25, Mine will be climbing up ladders.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

yeah, i tryed to think about something to submit for this, but I couldn't find a satisfactory list/picture of the entire contence of the kit, so I didn't really know what could be done with it. Plus, i'm /horrible/ with vex, so I think i'll stick to FRC, lol

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Just surfing around the website and I stumbled upon this link:

http://botmag.com/articles/revells_press_release.shtml

It mentions our robot idea as one of the examples. :)

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

An update from Grant Imahara: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_-9LfpozEE

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

So, looking for an update.

How is everyones robot doing and video? I am in the editing stage for the video and should be done shortly. I will post a link to the video on YouTube and add a few pictures here on cd.

Hope everyone Good Luck!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Here is the link to my robot.

Enjoy and Good Luck!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Nice robot...;) . The video looks great too. My favorite cat Misty was very well behaved. Too bad I wasn't there to help you film, but I see you've done pretty well without me. Good luck!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

VEXplorer and Misty created an entertaining video combination. Good luck in the competition. Marie

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Sorry, I've been busy. Our team went to California for the Vex World Championship and we did a presentation to Harris Corp. I finally got around to filming my bot in action (it's been build for a good long while now, just sitting in a box).

This is a draft of my video: Click here

-Cody

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

That looks great. I can't wait to see the rest of them.

Good Luck.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Thanks a lot.

I hope I do well but as always good luck to everyone in this.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Nice Vids Alex and Cody, I was really impressed when I saw them. I wouldnt be surprised if either one of you take first or 2nd.

Of course, everyone has already won because they all got a free vexplorer kit!


Here's my finished video,


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-J9Ynp5T9c

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Wow, that also looks really sweet. Right now i have you ahead of both of us just because you used the solidworks software and drew the entire robot in it. excellent job!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Yeah, you did really well as far as doing it by the books. The interesting thing is that this contest is not judged "by the books" Grant can choose whoever he wants for whatever reason he wants.

Just makes it interesting. So far all videos have been impressive.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Great looking bot Alex. Reminds me of those sleepless nights back in October and who knew that you could build a bot without "outsourcing"! :D Appears Misty is still just as playful in the day as she was at 3am :p . Good luck with the competition.

I'd build a bot to play with my dogs, however they are scared of anything I build that moves :o .

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Here is my submission:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=La9j5eEnEvU

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

wow, that's really well built and solidworked.

I have you in first place right now, great job!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Here is the submission from two members of our team. http://youtube.com/watch?v=UAM6_PFEz6s

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Thanks, Alex! I liked your robot too; the application is a lot funner! Pets rule.

BTW. All the videos are linked here:

http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexplorer-challenge.shtml

Good Luck to all!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

The winners were suppose to be picked today but does anyone know when we'll know who won or what place we ranked? Curiosity is getting to me...

lol, I'm 3 of 21 on the Vex page and on YouTube. (Star Trek joke)
We are the Brogue, you will be assimilated. Resistance is futile! Mahaha!

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Anyone hear anything yet?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Sorry I posted this on the VEXForum but forgot to post it over here too.

Well I still haven't found where the results have been posted but our kids have been notified that they recieved second place.

Congratulations to Jared and Tom!

Their Video.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

really? when were they notified?

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Dunno for sure. I heard on Friday the 6th late in the day.

I'm not sure they will post anything official on the internet until the article comes out, which is I believe coming out in the fall.

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

From this article, it looks like last years Fall issue came out in July, I recall from previous issues that it does come pretty early. Here is the link. http://thenxtstep.blogspot.com/2007/...fall-2007.html

Congrats to all the semifinalists.

Nate

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Robot Magazine just switched from 4 times a year to 6 times. So that means I need to write more articles. It also means that the VEXplorer awards will be posted in the Sept/Oct issue. However, this issue hits the newstands around mid July. Subscription customers will have it about a week earlier. Marie

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

I received the 3rd place prize which means I placed from 3rd to 12th.

Video

-Cody

Re: Grant Imahara VEXplorer Robot Challenge
 

Winners announced : http://www.botmag.com/articles/vex_winners.shtml

Quite satisfied with my free vex parts!