This week we focused the majority of our time working on writing our proposal. In addition to the proposal, we decided that we want to use rechargeable batteries to power our robot. Rechargeable batteries will be more cost-effective than constantly replacing disposable batteries. We want to order two sets in order to be charging one set while the other set is in use. This will ensure that we always have a charged set of batteries and not have to waste any time waiting for them to charge to do testing on our robot. We decided on a 2-pack of 14.8V, 5500mAh, Lithium-ion Polymer batteries that have fairly small weight and dimensions relative to other similar options we found online (152 x 50 x 36 mm), (1064.4g – total weight for both sets of batteries).

We also decided to postpone our construction of the test arena to either later this semester or over winter break. After evaluating our list of tasks, we reprioritized and decided that we want to focus on the mechanical design of our robot and on getting our rough model built. Once our robot is roughly assembled we will fabricate our test arena.