Build a robot that can drive up to a gap, deploy a bridge, and then use the bridge to cross the gap.

Each team was limited to a maximum of two large yellow plates.

Before starting this challenge, we reviewed some techniques for building better robots. These included:

• Planning ahead
• Know your connectors
• Use multiple points of connection
• Use right angles where possible
• Cross bracing
• Never use an axle to do the job of a beam
• Support rotating axles in two places
• Cable management.

We also had a look at some other examples of solutions to this challenge from Ian Chow-Miller’s class for inspiration and ideas.

This is a technically difficult challenge, so it was impressive how much each group was able to achieve in the time available. By comparison, the last time we did it, we spent two weeks working on it. It was also impressive to see that most of the teams sketched their idea before they started building. Maybe that’s why they did so well!