If you can dream up a design, you can build it with the TETRIX®Building System. TETRIX is a complete design system for students who are serious about engineering. Featuring heavy-duty, aircraft-grade aluminum elements for construction; powerful drive motors; and expandable capabilities, TETRIXprovides the ideal platform for creativity.
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EV3 Building Instructions & Program Descriptions
Building Instructions for Core Set Models
Program Descriptions for Core Set Models
Building Instructions for Robot Educator
Building Instructions for Expansion Set Models
Program Descriptions for Expansion Set Models
Building Instructions for Design Engineering Projects
Building Instructions for Space Challenge Set Models
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TETRIX MAX MiniMAX Assembly Guide - Kit 44715
Overview:
The TETRIX MAX MiniMAX Bot is a deliberate departure from the traditional mobile robot. It is purposely designed to expand the range and types of robots that students are usually exposed to and to showcase the versatility of the TETRIX MAX building system. The intent is to give the students reason and encouragement to explore different physical structures and corresponding mechanical considerations such as stability, load requirements, and nontraditional mobility. It also opens the door to the aesthetic aspect of mechanical design and encourages students to consider the importance of visual appeal in product design and adoption.
How It Works:
The TETRIX MAX MiniMAX Bot uses two 12 VDC motors mounted in opposition to provide a good example of a basic differential-drive robot. Two omni wheel assemblies are mounted in a nontraditional way to provide efficient pivoting abilities and to highlight the usefulness of this type of assembly. Servo motors mounted at shoulder and neck joints help create a humanoid aspect beyond just the physical structure. Students can explore the performance dynamic created by the differential drive and omni wheel combination with the wireless remote control and formulate a comparison to the same drive configuration on the RangerMAX Bot. Students are also introduced to the dynamic created via simple user- interface controls on the supplied wireless joystick gamepad system.
Getting Started:
• Refertopages54-129forinstructionsonhowtobuildthecompleteTETRIXMAXMiniMAXBot. • See page 130-131 for suggested sample activities.
Time Expectations:
90-120 minutes
Note: Many factors can affect building time, including such things as set organization and whether the builder has a partner. The above time is only an estimate and is based on an individual builder of average experience who is comfortable with hands-on building activities and has access to complete, well-organized sets. Actual time might vary.
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FIRST Robotics Grants - Texas Workforce Commission 2016-2017
On this page you will find the complete information regarding the Texas Workforce Commission Grant for the 2016 – 2017. Please read the information carefully even if you have applied for the grant in previous season, as grant information changes from season to season.
Purpose of Grant
To promote the development of new teams and events in the state of Texas, and to promote the outreach to teams serving military bases, teams made up of home-schooled students, and teams with members who have disabilities or are economically disadvantaged.
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VEX Robotics Competition
In the VEX Competitions, presented by the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation, teams of students are tasked with designing and building a robot to play against other teams from around the world in a game-based engineering challenge. Classroom STEM concepts are put to the test on the playing field as students learn lifelong skills in teamwork, leadership, communications, and more. Tournaments are held year-round at the regional, state, and national levels; local champions go on to compete against the best in the world at VEX Worlds each April!
A STEM Education Revolution for Elementary and Middle School- Elementary/primary to middle school
- Teamwork Challenge: Two teams working together to maximize their score
- Robot Skills Challenge: One robot & driver playing alone against the clock
- Programming Skills Challenge: One robot using sensors to run autonomously
- STEM Research Project: Research and present on a STEM theme
- Local, regional, national, and world competitions
The World's Largest and Fastest-Growing Robotics Competition for Middle and High School- Middle school, high school, and college/university
- Standard Matches: Two alliances of two teams each playing against each other
- Robot Skills Challenge: One robot & driver playing alone against the clock
- Programming Skills Challenge: One robot using sensors to run autonomously
- Online Challenges: Unique contests using CAD, animation, essays, and more
- Local, regional, national, and world competitions
- More than 10,000 teams from 32 countries playing in over 750 tournamentsFor more information, visit the RECF's website at http://www.roboticseducation.org or visit the helpful links on this page!
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TCEA Robotics Contests
Building STEM SkillsSTEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education is the focus of much discussion these days. Jobs in STEM fields are plentiful and lucrative, but the number of students interested in these careers is not keeping up with demand, especially in the cases of females and people of color.
TCEA’s robotics contests give students the opportunity to develop STEM skills with hands-on, collaborative projects. Students from elementary (Intermediate) and secondary (Advanced) schools design, collaborate, plan, redesign, construct, create, assemble, invent, reinvent, write, present, and compete to see who has developed a winning robot.
There are two distinct categories in the TCEA Robotics Contest. The Arena competition is a prescribed problem contest where students program their robot to accomplish a list of specific tasks. The Inventions competition is open-ended; students choose a real-world problem and create a robotic solution. They use marketing, programming, writing, constructing, and presentation skills as part of this competition.
Whether your team will be competing in Arena or Inventions, all participants must read and abide by the official rules.
https://www.tcea.org/robotics/contests/
Area Contests
TCEA Robotics Contests are held in each of the twenty areas of the state of Texas. Teams are invited to compete in one of the following four categories:
- Intermediate Arena
- Intermediate Inventions
- Advanced Arena
- Advanced Inventions
Contest Dates
Area Contests are held between December 3, 2016 – January 21, 2017.
Area Contests Registration
Registration is open from November 9, 2016 – November 22, 2016.
Registration fee: $50 per team
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FIRST Robotics Competition
Combining the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. We call FIRST Robotics Competition the ultimate Sport for the Mind. High-school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have.” Under strict rules, limited resources, and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team "brand," hone teamwork skills, and build and program industrial-size robots to play a difficult field game against like-minded competitors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. Each season ends with an exciting FIRST Championship.The positive impact on FIRST Robotics Competition participants is gratifying and well documented. Over 88% have more interest in doing well in school and 92% are more interested in attending college. View the impact resources.
2016 FIRST Robotics Competition Impact Infographic
FIRST Robotics Competition teams get to:
- Learn from professional engineers
- Master STEM skills
- Learn and use sophisticated software, hardware, and power tools
- Build and compete with a robot of their own design
- Improve teamwork, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Compete and cooperate in alliances and tournaments
- Understand and practice Gracious Professionalism™
- Earn a place at the FIRST Championship
- Qualify for millions of dollars in college scholarships
What does every FIRST Robotics Competition team need?
- 2 or more adult Mentors with both technical and non-technical expertise willing and motivated to “coach” the team through the build and competition season (and beyond)
- 10 or more high school-aged students willing to put in time after school (and maybe some weekends) and to do any job the team needs to succeed (lots of important jobs available for all skill levels and interests)
- A suitable meeting place
- A suitable space to design and build an industrial-sized robot (about 150 lbs.), that has access to a variety of machine shop power tools
- A standard kit of parts and a common set of rules issued by FIRST
- A community sponsor(s) that will help fund your efforts and provide other support
- The desire to learn, explore, strategize, build comradery, share ideas and talents, make new friends, be accepted, and HAVE FUN!
When does FIRST Robotics Competition happen?
In general, FIRST Robotics Competition operates during the school year. Teams form and register in the fall. However, the “official season” begins early in January when the season’s Challenge is announced at a Kickoff ceremony. Teams are then given six weeks to create their robot. District and Regional competition events start in late February and continue through April. Teams that qualify are invited to FIRST Championship at the end of April. There are also many off-season events in which teams can participate, strategize, hone their skills, learn new technology, meet other teams, and have fun!
What is the time commitment?
As a Mentor or adult Volunteer, you should be meeting with your team at least several times per week during the build and competition season (January - April). Many mature teams also meet throughout the school year, and some compete in off-season events during the summer. You, your family, and your available free time can decide together how much time you can devote to the program.
As a team member, the same applies. Be prepared to meet at least several times per week from January through April. Like any sport or other after-school activity, the more time you invest, the better you will become at your task(s). During build season, the pressure is on, so be prepared to also spend some nights and weekends helping your team.
Any special skills required?
The really cool thing about FIRST Robotics Competition is…all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. Teams need all kinds of skills to succeed, so what are you good at? We have a job for you. And we’ll probably teach you a few new ones while you’re with us.
Student team members are encouraged to bring any skills they already have, like programming, electronics, metalworking, graphic design, web creation, public speaking, videography, and many more. FIRST Robotics Competition welcomes every student, with or without special skills. Like our Mentors say, “This is the only sport where if you show up, you can play.”
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Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program - Texas A&M Engineering
Applications for the 2017 Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program are open! Create a team of 8-20 rising 6th - 9th grade students and apply to participate today.Zero Robotics Middle School Summer Program
June 12-July 21, 2017
Team Applications close April 17, 2017
Rising 6th - 9th Grade Out-Of-School-Time Programs
https://astrocenter.tamu.edu/zerorobotics/
Zero Robotics is a national five-week summer program in which teams of middle school students learn to program using a free-flying satellite known as SPHERES (Synchronized Position Hold, Engage, Reorient, Experimental Satellites) on the International Space Station. Finalists ultimately go head-to-head against teams from across the country, while astronauts referee the final competition live from space using the SPHERES. Texas schools and out-of-school-time providers are encouraged to create a team of 8-20 students and apply to participate. Teams comprising middle school students traditionally under-represented in STEM careers are particularly encouraged to apply.
Katharine Leysath | Program Specialist II
PK-12 Engineering Education OutreachOffice of the Vice Chancellor and Dean | Texas A&M Engineering
Engineering Activities Building A3127 TAMU
College Station, Texas 77843-3127
Ph: 979.458.9794 | F: 979.847.8654 | kleysath@tamu.eduConnect with us: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Engineers change the world.
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TETRIX Builders Guide
Introduction to TETRIX®Pitsco Education is pleased to bring you this TETRIX® Builders Guide.This resource has been created to:• Help new users become familiar with the TETRIX Base Kit and how it can be used to create original robot designs.• Provide an initial four-hour introductory experience, allowing users to successfully build and operate a R/C controlled robot.• Provide educators with up to 20 hours of standards-based, hands-on activity resources for the classroom.• Build confidence and generate enthusiasm for the fields of engineering and robotics.
Last Modified on November 8, 2018
