It’s time to level up your challenge! In this lesson, you'll code your VEX AIM Coding Robot to transport multiple pieces of cargo using VEXcode AIM. You’ll build on what you learned in the previous lessons to plan an effective path and code the robot based on that plan. Then you'll create a project to navigate the robot around the obstacles on the field and transport two barrels to AprilTag ID 4!
Watch the video below to learn about:
- Precision while path planning.
- Strategies for planning paths for more complex tasks.
Now that you have watched the video, capture your thoughts in your journal. Answer these questions to guide your thinking and help you prepare for a whole-class discussion:
- How is the path planning in this lesson similar to or different from the path planning you've done up to this point? Write at least two observations in your journal.
- What did you see in the video that supports your claims? Be specific in your answer.
- Are there other ways to plan or document that you can think of? Explain your idea as best you can.
- What other questions do you have about planning for a more complex task? Write at least two questions in your journal.
Guided Practice
Now that you have watched and discussed the video, it is your turn to practice!
Step 1: Set up the field as shown below.
Step 2: Model the movements of the robot needed to complete the task using Drive mode.
- Your task is to drive the robot around the obstacles and deliver both barrels to AprilTag ID 4. Document your driving, then plan how to code that movement.
- Use this task card (Google / .docx / .pdf) to guide your practice.
- Pro Tip: Be precise with your plan. Ensure that you are paying attention to and recording the orientation of the robot, the direction of movement, and the distances for turns and movements.
Step 3: Code the robot to complete the task.
- Use your plan from Step 2 to code the robot to move around the obstacles and deliver both barrels to AprilTag ID 4.
- Use this task card (Google / .docx / .pdf) to guide your practice.
- Pro Tip: If you need additional room to document changes to your path plan, use the Path Planning Sheet.
Step 4: Use the Predict-Drive-Measure-Code process to iterate on and improve the precision of the robot's movements, as it picks up and delivers multiple objects.
- Predict
- Choose the first measurement you need to adjust. Make a group prediction about how to improve either the distance measurement or angle using this sentence stem, and record it in your journal:
- We think the distance/angle should be about ____________ millimeters/inches/degrees.
- Choose the first measurement you need to adjust. Make a group prediction about how to improve either the distance measurement or angle using this sentence stem, and record it in your journal:
- Drive
- Test your prediction by using the controller to drive your robot. Document any observations you make while driving that could help you to improve your precision.
- Measure
- Place your Robot Protractor under the robot, or use a ruler to measure the point at which the robot stopped driving.
- Code
- Use your adjusted measurement in your coding project! Run it to test. Does the adjustment you made improve improve your precision and make picking up and placing the barrels easier? If not, repeat the process and try again. Be sure to record your measurements and observations in your journal as you go.
Resources for Practice:
The articles linked here are available if you need additional support while completing the activity.
Wrap-Up
Now that you have practiced, it is time to share what you learned. Answer the following questions in your journal to help you reflect on your learning and prepare for a whole-class discussion:
- What is something you learned while driving that helped you in coding? How did you document that learning?
- What is something you learned about precise planning that helped you complete the task?
- How did you collaborate with your group to determine the best plan?
Select Next > to move on to the Unit Challenge.