What happens in the Omnicave...

What happens in the Omnicave doesn't necessarily stay in the Omnicave.


Last Saturday I smuggled these videos out just before I could be stopped by the Omnicave dwellers.


   "I thought you stuck it on!"

Here is video of the Demolition mission where things don't go exactly as planned...

Here is the robot's second attempt after getting him back into fighting shape. 

Much better, cave dwellers!


   "Who's in charge here?"

Here's what happens when you manually start the robot at the same time that your partner on the computer wirelessly uploads and starts the same program two seconds later.

Once the cave dwellers got their duties sorted out the robot starts to show what it can really do.

Way to go boys! Keep up the good work.


- Coach caveman

New Mission Table

We needed a new mission table and the boys took care making that happen. Well done! Looking forward to many hours of fun as they work to own this years Trash Trek missions!

Here are Tyler and Simon cutting and assembling:

 

- Coach Michael

T minus 5 days, and counting...

In just five days the 2014 FLL challenge will be released!

Spotlight on "The Smartridge" (tm)

Have you seen this thing? The Omnitechniks have designed and built a very cool device.  It's named the Smartridge (for Smart Cartridge), and it's what allows the SmartSpenser to accurately deliver a single pill at a time. It's made using acrylic (looks good but it's hard to work with), wood (easy to shape), a 40-tooth LEGO gear, hubs and axle, and glue (which doesn't stick to acrylic all that well) :^/

When the gear is turned it turns the axle which is fitted with two hubs embedded in the wooden wheel. As the wheel is turned it passes by a hopper containing pills and a single pill drops into a hole carved into the outer rim of the wooden wheel. The hole is carved to match the size and shape of a single pill. As the wheel continues to turn, the hole containing the pill reaches the bottom of the Smartridge which is open to allow the pill to fall onto a ramp and down to a tray designed to catch the pill. A single full rotation of the gear delivers a single pill. It's ingenious!

If you're ever nearby the SmartSpenser, pull out a Smartridge and give it a look!

SmartSpenser Submitted...

Today we submitted our innovative idea (the SmartSpenser) to FLL Global Innovation. Our idea will be judged along with hundreds of others from around the world with the chance to be awarded $20,000 if chosen as the top idea of the year.  That money would be used to further development of our idea or for other team purposes.

You can view our idea submission here (http://fllinnovation.firstlegoleague.org/smartspenser). The submission process only allows a rather short description of the idea as well as some supporting documentation.

We'll have more detailed information available soon including a video of the SmartSpenser in action, so stay tuned!

About Us

The Omnitechniks were founded in 2010 (the Body Forward season) as a team comprised of home-school students.

• Won the Project Presentation award for the best innovative idea with our SmartSpenser - automated medicine dispenser (Senior Solutions) - 2012 Qualifier
• Achieved third highest robot game score at SD State Championship (Food Factor) - 2012
• Competed in the SD state championship (Body Forward) - 2011
• Team established (Body Forward) - 2010