The ten commandments of robotics!!!

1.      For the most stable robot, build its base as close to the ground as possible.

2.      For robo race and other like events, use high speed (500 or 1000 rpm dc geared motors).

3.      For tug of war, robo wrestling, sumo robot and all terrain robots, you must have ultimate control over your robot. Thus, you must opt for high torque (250 rpm for other events and 100 rpm or lower for tug of war).

4.      As far as possible, use 4 wheel drive (robot driven by 4 motors). And also take care that all of the motors you use must be of the same rating (in terms of rpm). Otherwise, your robot will not go straight while you press the forward switch. It will traverse in the direction of the bot, which has the highest rpm.

5.      Your wheels really matter!!! The broader the base of your wheels, the better will be reliability of your bot in the case of all terrain robot. Not only that, try to purchase wheels that are made of soft rubber (so that there would be better shock absorbing characteristics).

6.      Do not overload your robot. Your bot may run well in a smooth surface while overloaded. But when it comes to muddy terrain or uneven surface or an uphill, you will be embarrassed!!!

7.      Understand one fact thoroughly. The higher the rpm, the lower the torque; and vice versa.

8.      Your motor’s torque depends on the supply current. While you overload it, your motor consumes more current to meet up the increased torque requirement. As this process keeps building up, your motor’s windings will ultimately get burnt up and will be rendered unfit for future use.

9.      For wired or wirelessly controlled robot, try to use relay feedback to make the robot stop abruptly when you release the control switches. This will enhance the control on your robot.

10.  For wired robot, fix a rod of approx 20 cms on any corner or midway in the sides and tape the wires to the rod tightly. This will avoid the wires from getting entangled into the wheels when you run the bot.