While my computer was in for repair, the robot work continued! We took "SCUBA DOOBA DOO" (the name of our robot) up to the lake with us during the end of the year 8th grade class trip. While at the lake, we did manage to get all the floats attached, but there just wasn't time to actually launch the robot. We were too busy having fun doing other things - like hiking up a mountain, canoeing, taking challenges on a high ropes course, and having chariot races! Given that all these other activities were going on, I am not surprised we couldn't squeeze in a little robot time!
On June 19th, however, we met at the local SCUBA store (Atlantic Aquasport) to launch the robot into its first saltwater environment. We wish to extend our very special thanks to Don, Ericka, and Derek for allowing us to use their pool! We had LOTS of FUN!
Jeremy secures some floatation pieces.
Maddie and Josh put the finishing touches on the buoyancy.
Our first underwater shot of the robot!
Maddie poses with the robot underwater
Josh waves to the robot camera - we can see him waving on the DVD screen!
SCUBA DOOBA DOO "spies" on a SCUBA diver taking lessons!
Paige swims up to SCUBA DOOBA DOO and says hello! (This is how we saw it on the DVD screen!)
Chloe takes a moment to pose with SCUBA DOOBA DOO!
The group steers the robot through the hoola hoop that is suspended in the pool - that's maneuverability!
The group with Ericka, Derek, and Kirby (the dog) in front of the Atlantic Aquasport sign!
One problem has developed. The Styrofoam being used for buoyancy control seems to slightly disintegrate when it gets wet. It is unacceptable to put such material into the Antarctic environment. We are going to epoxy all the Styrofoam and see if that will stop the disintegration process! Otherwise, we'll have to come up with some other buoyancy options!
Stay tuned - a great video is coming!
