Robotics & Systems · Lesson 5 of 8
Sensors: predict, test, mount
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Today's goal
Predict and test what sensors can detect, find where they fail, and mount one on the car.
By the end
A sensor investigation table, one sensor mounted, and a claim with a failure case.
What we'll do (60 minutes)
- Intro: what can each sensor detect, and what can't it? See the terrain course layout.5 min
- Predict a reading for each sensor, surface and distance, before testing anything.15 min
- Test and record actual readings. Compare with your predictions and look for failures such as glare, angle or soft surfaces.20 min
- Mount one sensor on the car. Check its live reading with the car held still.15 min
- Write a claim: which sensor suits which job, with readings as evidence, one failure case and a confidence rating.5 min
Need a hand?
A partly-filled table and a worked example row, testing one sensor on two surfaces.
Want a challenge?
Test two sensors on the same surfaces, repeat readings to find the spread, and decide which is more reliable for the terrain course.