Ivy Tech’s Basketball Shooting Robot came to Harlan Christian School on Wednesday, March 28. Instructors and students from various college programs have worked on the robot, which can shoot free throws and three-pointers. There are many Ivy Tech programs involved in creating the robot, such as: Machine Tool Technology, Advanced Automation and Robotics Technology, Industrial Technology, Automotive Technology, and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology.
The robot, which Ivy Tech calls Mad Ants 2.0, is Ivy Tech’s third robot. Ivy Tech’s first two robots have already made past appearances at the Mad Ants games. Mad Ants 2.0, the first to shoot the ball, is considerably more involved than its predecessors, incorporating a programmable logic controller, a computer that uses sensors to control the system, speed control using pulse width modulation, a digital technique to control the monitors; and upgrades in electrical and mechanical components.
“Everybody’s always curious about what it’ll do and how it’ll do it and how accurate is it,” says Bob Parker, one of the instructors from Ivy Tech who works on the project. “It’s fun to watch it.”
The robots were student built in the robotics program at Ivy Tech. The robots are built and programmed by the students as part of the learning experience in this program. This is to prepare them for future jobs in their chosen fields. They complete these projects through both individual and team work from start to finish. It is important to know how to perform all aspects of a job, but also to be able to work well with others who may be part of your team and be able to problem solve in either capacity.
Students at Harlan Christian School were instructed by Mr. Parker about the technology of the robot. Mr. Parker drove the robot from the classroom to the gymnasium where the students were allowed to shoot balls using Mad Ants 2.0.
