Software Design
While good design is key to the performance of our robot, it would not be able to function without a well-written software code. Our program, which received the Software Design Award at War Eagle Best, was created and tested in Simulink, and includes features from a tank-style drive system to an option for drivers to switch between a left-handed and right-handed control mode. Our robot's four electrical subsystems—each functional element that is controlled by a motor or set of motors—were programmed within their own independent section of the program. You can see each of these sections, or subsystems, in the slideshow on the right.
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What is Simulink?
Simulink is a visual programming environment that allows the user to connect various blocks together to design a model-based program, as well as simulating and testing their program on the computer before deploying it to the hardware. It was created by MathWorks, and is used by industries ranging from Hyundai Motor Company to the United States Air Force. MathWorks is a national partner of BEST Robotics, and provides BEST robotics teams with a free one-year license to Simulink, as well as an in-software support package* and online training. GEARS is excited to participate in this opportunity to let our students gain experience using this industry-standard programming environment—experience that will be potentially invaluable in their future careers. Please click on the links to learn more about MathWorks and Simulink.
Learn more about Simulink
Learn more about MathWorks
Learn more about Simulink
Learn more about MathWorks
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2016 BEST Simulink Design AwardEvery year at South’s BEST, one team receives the Simulink Design Award for the best use of MATLAB and Simulink in the competition to program their robots. In last year's "Bet the Farm" competition, at the South's BEST regional competition, our team won this award out of all the top teams from five states. The winning submission included a short video describing how our Simulink program worked, which you can watch on the left. For more information, visit the BEST Simulink Design Award pages on the BEST Robotics, Inc. and The MathWorks, Inc. websites.
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Updated 11-07-17 by ENL