Design Awards

[Siri]

1640 won the Rockwell Automation Innovation in Control Award at the Chesapeake Regional for our 7th wheel drive train. Thanks everyone!
Tips:
1. Thoroughly review both the award description and any material you can find on winners (specifically this season, but also in general). For instance, Rockwell is about all mechanical, software, electrical, etc features that lend themselves to the control of the robot, not just programming as the phrase "control system" might indicate. (At least, it did for me.)

2. Listen to the judges. If they come for follow-up questions and the first word out of their mouth is "control", try to tailor you discussion to that.

3. Have documentation. We have a tri-fold design display, design highlight handouts, and a 3" thick design book. We also have CAD drawings and mock-ups of various features (some actual spares and some purposeful models, which, by the way, don't count in the withholding allowance). You don't need all of this, and really only the tri-fold helped significantly for Rockwell. Consider your options and know your limits.

4. You all know it, but let the students do the talking. Mentors can prod if something gets left out, but stand back slightly.

5. Make lists for yourself. Thoroughly review the features you want to highlight, both for the initial judges pass and for any follow-ups for specific awards. Your personal lists should be thorough, but you can keep your handouts concise. They just need reminders; students do the elaboration in person.

6. Practice. Think about what you're going to say. This'll help you relax as well as organize.

7. Relax! Judges are great people and they're here because they enjoy talking to you. Though, I say this in retrospect knowing that I talked rather quickly and nervously through my presentation/discussion. So if you do find yourself talking a little too fast, no worries. It may not impact the judging, but it is a lot more comfortable!

8. Never say never. We're a fifth-year team, maybe a 12 regular people and maybe $4,000 in the bank. None of us thought we could ever win a real regional award. (Watch the webcast, the announcer jokes at our utter and total shock.) So I say this in all honesty, anyone can do it.

As to the actual design, our drive train simulator and some possible white papers, etc will be up shortly.