Outreach Program JesuitRobotics.com
ABOUT JESUIT ROBOTICS AND STEM RESOURCES Learn about Jesuit Robotics’ five departments and how you can get involved in STEM Technology. Scan the QR codes using your cell phones camera app to access more information.
About Jesuit Robotics Jesuit Robotics is a high school STEM team specializing in the design, manufacture, and operation of underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs). Our team is comprised of highly-skilled members with multiple years of experience, providing us with the expertise to tackle a variety of challenges. Jesuit Robotics competes in the MATE Explorer Class, an international collegiate level competition, and has consistently ranked among the top teams, with multiple first place wins and additional awards. Along with competing in the MATE competition, Jesuit Robotics has an extensive outreach program and attends STEM-related events throughout the year, such as the California Capital Airshow.
21
5
Members Winning ROV’s
10
ROVs
SOFTWARE
Our Software Languages Javascript JavaScript is used in a NodeJS framework. This NodeJS framework allows JavaScript to act as code for the server. This server framework is what Jesuit Robotics uses for communication between the topside control unit and the ROV. JavaScript is also used as a client to this server in the form of the pilot and co-pilot interfaces.
The software department works to coordinate all of the systems on the ROV, such as the thrusters, cameras, and mission-specific tools. Software also builds the interfaces that the pilot and co-pilot use, as well as developing the communication between the interface and the ROV. The software department is divided into “topside” and “bottomside” interdepartments. Topside is responsible for the pilot and co-pilot interfaces, the server handles communication between topside and bottomside, and the power delivery system. Bottomside is responsible for bringing the ROV and all of its systems, including sensors, thrusters, and cameras to life.
Arduino
Arduino is a programming language specifically designed to be used with electronics. Arduino is used to program the electronics onboard the ROV. It’s used for communications between the main bottomside processor and the sensors, thrusters, cameras, and mission tools, most of which also run off of Arduino.
Python
Python is an easy-to-read language that still proves to be` to be versatile and powerful. This allows the software department to apply it in several different ways. For example, Python is used to control the cameras an for the image recognition software.
Resources
Codecademy
Swift Playgrounds
Code.org
Codecademy offers courses in a large variety of software languages.
Swift Playgrounds is a fun way to learn how to make code apps.
Code.org has a “Code Lab” that makes learning code visual and entertaining.
ELECTRONICS The electronics department works to build the bridge between mechanical and software systems by developing a safe, reliable, and capable electrical hardware architecture. The architecture ranges from high current and high voltage designs down to small microprocessing boards, which all come together to create a fully operational ROV. Jesuit Robotics has been researching and employing advanced techniques to both the design and manufacturing of custom-printed circuit board assemblies, or PCBAs (shown below). The custom made boards are used in the ROV to improve power over generic boards. On a daily basis the electronics team collaborates with both the software and mechanical departments in order to create deadlines and cohesively develop a fully-integrated system. At the beginning of the season, architectural development begins with good communication, Throughout this process, a variety of skills and understanding is required in areas such as electronic theory, basic mechanical and software design, and advanced electrical manufacturing techniques.
TinkerCAD
Arduino
TinkerCAD has a great platform for learning about circuits and circuit board design. The free web service can teach you a lot about completing circuits and using them to power 3D objects created in TinkerCAD. All that is needed to get started is an account with Autodesk and there are plenty of tutorials online to assist in your learning.
Arduino is a great way to experience both electronics and software with an easy-to-learn architecture. You can quickly learn early concepts in fields like electrical computer science, while also getting familiar with basic circuit design and soldering techniques. There are a variety of kits on sale that can help you get involved.
3 D DESIGN/CAD Computer Aided Design, or CAD, is an important factor to the success of the team. The original ROV design is first developed in CAD before machining of specific parts begins. The 3D design/CAD team uses a program called Solidworks to develop precise 3D models that allow the build team to “measure twice and cut once,” expediting the manufacturing process. Jesuit Robotics uses industry-standard software to design our ROVs, meaning our team members are ready to use their experience in real world scenarios
Solidworks Solidworks is what the team uses to model the ROV before building. It’s a very complex software and will take time to learn, but there are a variety of resources to speed up this process. Although there isn’t a free student license, discounts are offered to students at the linked website.
TinkerCAD
Autodesk
TinkerCAD is a web-based platform for 3D design. It’s not as precise and doesn’t have as many features as Solidworks, but it’s a great way to get started in 3D design. You can also print your designs, making it a fun way to bring your design to life.
Although we don’t use Autodesk, this professional suite of software is available to students for free. Autodesk is a great way to learn more professional features, and you can even learn animation and photorealistic rendering.
MANUFACTURING
Jesuit Robotics manufacturing team is in charge of building the ROV and its tools for specific missions. This team is trained to build on a variety of machines, some of which are listed below. Safety for the team members is paramount, and every person in the department is knowledgable about tools and how to use them properly.
CNC
The CNC precisely cuts plastics and metals.
3D Printer
The 3D printer can print OBS plastic to exact specifications.
Lathe
The lathe uses a drill to shape cylindrical parts by rotating.
Band Saw
The band saw roughly cuts parts to be furthur refined.
Sac Hacker Lab Youtube The Sac Hacker Lab is an excellent resource for lessons on machinery that the average builder wouldn’t have. With classes on everything from 3D printing to laser cutting, the Hacker Lab allows one to learn a variety of tools.
Yuri Ostr is a Youtube star who does a variety of fun and engaging projects. Besides this channel, there are thousands of Youtube channels available with DIY projects available, ranging from beginner to expert level.
Belt Sander The belt sander refines and smooths parts for the ROV.
Drill Press
The drill press bores out holes in a variety of materials.
MARKETING & PUBLICATIONS The Marketing and Publications department is reponsible for the poster, tech report, presentation, planning events, developing print aids, maintaining the website, and documenting the team. The poster is a trifold display board used to communicate information about our team and robot for the competition. It alone counts for a large chunk of the overall points. Along with the actual ROV mission run, the tech report accounts for the remaining points. The tech report is a 25-page document about the ROV and all of its specifications. The Marketing and Publications teams also develops the scripts for the presentation. It’s a 15-minute formal presentation that demonstrates to the judges our knowledge of the ROV and the competition. Planning outreach events is also a major task for this department, which involves finding suitable venues and working out specifics with the organization. Developing print aids are a major role for this department to efficently communicate information.
Adobe CC
Youtube
Adobe CC, or Adobe Creative Cloud, is a suite of software used for developing print publications and editing photos. The most popular software in the suite is Photoshop, but it also contains a wide variety of other software, including document layout software that was used to layout and create this document you’re reading right now.
Youtube is arguably mankind’s greatest resource for learning any program. The channel TastyTuts is a great resource for learning Adobe Indesign and Illustrator with a variety of tutorials on layout and development of graphics. Along with TastyTuts, there are a wide variety of channels that cover topics from photography and photo editing, to data management.
QUESTIONS? Fill out a contact form at JesuitRobotics.com