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Rube Goldberg Machine Invades Technology Class

Complicated machine, simple task

by Heidi Rethmeier on May 07, 2008

Once again a Rube Goldberg machine has taken over a classroom at Elgin Public, only this time the use of technology was a very integral part of the project.  The Designing with Technology students spent the second semester becoming familiar with LEGO Mindstorm robots and the associated programming.  We applied concepts that were studied the first semester such as gears, torque, and electrical components.  The class decided the overall goal of the machine was to push the Guidance button on the phone after starting from the opposite corner of the classroom.  Each student was required to build and program a robot to be included in the machine as well as any interconnecting steps.  Once the machine was started, no outside help was allowed so each robot was programmed with a sensor to trigger the next step.  The students struggled with some of the integration of robots but the outcome was great!  Overall they learned a lot about technology, teamwork, and working towards a goal despite setbacks.  The attached video illustrates the machine.  Here are the steps:

1. The first robot is triggered by sound and releases an arm with a ball.
2. The ball falls through the funnel and tube, and hits the touch sensor on the next robot.
3. The second robot has a winch system that pulls a weight upward.
4. The weight tilts the cardboard, which drops the doll.
5. The doll slides down the rope in front of the “puppy” robot.
6. The “puppy” robot’s ultrasonic sensor “sees” the doll and the puppy says “Have a nice day” then takes off.
7. The string tied to the puppy’s tail pulls the black piece of paper off the light sensor on the next robot.
8. The fourth robot is programmed to move forward when the light sensor “sees” light when the paper is removed.
9. The fifth robot’s ultrasonic sensor “sees” the fourth robot move past it and is programmed to move its arm down, grab a ball, and then drop it onto the sixth robot.
10. The sixth robot is similar to a pitching machine which “pitches” the ball and sends it along the rulers to the touch sensor on the seventh robot.
11. The seventh robot has a winch system that pulls a bolt upward to the touch sensor on the eighth and final robot.
12. The eighth robot is triggered and an arm rotates down with an eraser attached to it and presses the Guidance button.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!

View the movie of our success here:  RUBE GOLDBERG MOVIE