Retro Arcade Rube Goldberg Machine
// ABSTRACT
For EGR 121, a team of 20 students designed a themed Rube Goldberg machine to transport a golf ball without human intervention using electromechanical design. Within this team, a sub-team of four developed two themed sections, one driven by an Arduino microcontroller and one using analog circuitry with sensors to detect the ball and trigger actions. Both sections, an Arduino-initiated elevator and the analog grand finale, performed successfully and integrated well into the overall design. The complete machine operated twice successfully within 8 minutes, a speed record within the class.
SKILLS
TOOLS
Objectives
For EGR 121, teams of 20 were assigned to create a themed Rube Goldberg machine that transports a golf ball without human intervention using electromechanical design. Each team was then subdivided into sub-teams of four, each responsible for two themed sections: one involving an Arduino microcontroller and one involving analog circuitry with sensors to detect the ball and trigger actions.
Outcome and Contributions
The two sections produced by my sub-team, an Arduino-initiated elevator section and the analog grand finale, performed successfully and integrated well into the overall design. The complete machine operated twice successfully within 8 minutes, a speed record within the class.
Arduino-controlled elevator circuit schematic.
Technical Details and Skills
- Used laser cutting and engraving to produce the visual arcade screen and decals.
- Designed and programmed an Arduino microcontroller system that detected the ball's location with an ultrasonic sensor and engaged a motor at the appropriate distance.