Using the Tank Control example project enables the students to control the Clawbot using the Controller. Students will need to adjust the parameters in the left_motor.set_velocity(), right_motor.set_velocity(), left_motor.spin(), right_motor.spin(), left_motor_speed = controller_1.axis3.position(), and right_motor_speed = controller_1.axis2.position() instructions to control the velocity for each of the Clawbot’s motors and enable the Controller to control the motor functions.

For more information about any of the instructions, visit the Python help section in VEXcode V5.

The following is an outline of what the students will do in this activity:

1. Explore the Tank Control example project.
2. Understand the use of the while True infinite loop structure.
3. Complete the Robo-Slalom challenge!

If this is the student's first time using VEXcode V5, they can access many helpful articles in the VEX Library.

Autocomplete is a feature in VEXcode V5 that predicts the rest of the command you are typing. As students are working in VEXcode V5, encourage them to use the Autocomplete feature to help with the Python syntax. You may notice an autocomplete function as you start to type the instruction. Use your “Up” and “Down” keys to select the name you want, then press “Tab'' or (Enter/Return) on your keyboard to make the selection. For more information on this feature check out the Python article. 

1. This project will utilize the while True infinite loop structure to continuously check where the left and right Joystick's positions are. When the left (or right) Joystick is pushed up, the velocity is set for how far forward the Joystick is pushed. 
2. Thus, the farther forward the Joystick is pushed, the faster the velocity will be set and the faster the motors will move. The same idea works for pushing the Joystick back. The farther backward the Joystick is pushed, the faster the motors will move in reverse.

This step discusses the importance of the while True infinite loop structure. You should review the information as a class. You can model the behavior with your Clawbot and Controller, or if time permits, have the students run the program without the while True infinite loop structure.

If the students need further assistance with understanding the while True infinite loop, click here.

Without the while True infinite loop, the velocity’s value for each motor is set as soon as the project is run, and that value remains constant until the project is stopped. In other words, if you run the project without moving either Joystick, because the Joystick’s default position on its axis is 0, the velocity of both motors will remain at 0, even if you move the Joystick.

Likewise, let’s say you move the left Joystick up as far as it will go along axis 3 and hold it there. If you run the project above, the left motor will move at full speed and will remain at that velocity even if you move the Joystick down along axis 3. This is because Clawbot receives its initial instruction from the Controller as soon as the project is run; however, without a Loop, that initial value cannot update.

The while True infinite loop tells the Clawbot to constantly update the velocity and run for the duration of the project. In other words, the while True infinite loop, in this project, enables you to change the velocity of each motor by moving either Joystick along axis 2 or 3, and the Clawbot will respond accordingly until you stop the project or turn off the Clawbot.

Organize the students into small groups of 2 or 4 students. One student should be designated as the Driver - the person who will use the Controller to maneuver the Clawbot.

Have students complete this slalom by using the Controller to move the Clawbot along the outside of each “flag.” The Clawbot’s path must prevent it from touching any flag and allow it to cross the finish line. Flags can be any classroom material/object you have handy (eraser, roll of tape, tissue box) and can be set in place prior to operating the Clawbot.

If time permits, have students switch roles to give others the opportunity to drive the Clawbot. You could even turn this into a competition within groups or between groups by seeing how quickly each driver can navigate the slalom.

Q: Did the Clawbot respond to the Controller as you expected it to?

A: Answers will vary; however, the goal of this question is to promote cognitive thinking. Students began by predicting behaviors before testing them, documenting their results, and reflecting.

Q: What is the biggest challenge in moving the Clawbot forward or reverse in a straight line?

A: While answers may vary, a common response should be that both Joysticks must move in sync with one another to ensure that the Clawbot’s motors are moving in the same direction and at the same velocity

Q: How does using the while True infinite loop loop enable you to continuously use the Controller to move the Clawbot?

A: Without the while True infinite loop, the Clawbot would only perform the behaviors as determined by the instructions in the project once. The while True infinite loop tells the Clawbot to constantly update the velocity and run for the duration of the project. In other words, the while True infinite loop enables you to use the Controller to move the Clawbot indefinitely, or until the battery dies.