This season’s INTO THE DEEP challenge has brought us some exciting and truly unique tasks, and one of the most thrilling among them is the Ascent Challenge. This isn’t just about reaching new heights; it’s about the engineering, strategy, and skill it takes to achieve the coveted Level 3 Ascent.
The most interesting part of FTC 2024-25 challenge is the Level 3 Ascent
So, if you’re ready to dive into designing a robot that can master the climb, read on for insights and strategies that can help your team get to the top
Why the Ascent Challenge Matters
The Ascent Challenge in INTO THE DEEP is more than just a way to score points. It’s a test of our robot’s structural strength, stability, and control. When the match ends, each robot is challenged to “ascend” to different heights on the Submersible by hooking onto various rungs. Robots can score points based on the height they achieve:
Level 1 Ascent: Contacting the Low Rung earns us 3 points.
Level 2 Ascent: Fully supported by either the Low Rung or the High Rung for 15 points.
Level 3 Ascent: The ultimate goal! Supported solely by the High Rung and entirely above the Low Rung, this ascent bags 30 points.
The higher the ascent level, the more complex the mechanics become—and with complexity comes greater rewards!
The Real Challenge: Reaching Level 3
A Level 3 Ascent requires serious design, as it pushes every aspect of our robot’s stability, power, and control. To accomplish it, our robot must:
Be fully supported by the High Rung: No ground contact or assistance from other robots or structures.
Be completely above the Low Rung: Achieving a full, independent elevation.
Meet timing requirements: The ascent must be complete by the end of the match, requiring a quick and controlled lift.
Successfully reaching Level 3 not only showcases team’s ingenuity but also earns top points—potentially enough to tip the scales in our favor during a match.
Strategies to Reach the Top: Two Winning Approaches
Here are two different strategies, each designed to tackle the complexities of achieving a Level 3 Ascent. Each approach is unique, but all prioritize balance, strength, and precision.
Both approaches assume Robot has already achieved Level 2 Ascent. There is only 15-inch gap between higher rung and lower rung - make sure the robot fits in under 15 inch when hanging.
1. Telescoping Arm with a Hook, Wire, and Pulley System
For a reliable and smooth ascent in the FTC INTO THE DEEP challenge, this is an interesting approach that combines height, control, and stability. This design uses a telescoping arm to deliver a hook to the High Rung, with a wire and pulley system providing the lifting force for the robot’s ascent. Here’s how it works in detail:
Check Telescopic Phishing Rod, Hiking Stick, or Baton for Telescoping Arm
How It Works:
Stage 1: Extend the Telescoping Arm – The robot starts by extending a telescoping arm carrying a hook attached to a strong wire. The telescoping arm, powered by a high-speed motor, reaches up to the High Rung.
Stage 2: Engage the Hook to the High Rung – Once the arm reaches the High Rung, magnets positioned near the hook help it detach easily from the telescoping arm, securing it firmly to the rung. This magnetic release allows the arm to leave the hook in place without complicated mechanisms.
Stage 3: Retract the Telescoping Arm – After the hook attaches, the telescoping arm retracts back, clearing the way for the ascent. This retraction ensures the arm isn’t left extended, reducing the risk of interference or destabilizing forces during the climb.
Stage 4: Lift the Robot Using the Pulley – Finally, the pulley, driven by a high-torque motor, winds the wire, gradually lifting the robot off the ground. The wire provides controlled flexibility, allowing the robot to tilt slightly as it rises, naturally finding a stable hanging position that aligns with its center of gravity.
Why It’s Effective:
Natural Stability with the Wire and Pulley – As the robot lifts, the wire allows slight tilting to occur smoothly and without interference. This natural freedom helps the robot stabilize without the unpredictable forces a rigid structure might exert.
Optimized Balance Using Center of Gravity – By attaching the wire at an optimal point on the robot, aligned with its center of gravity, we can control the robot’s hanging orientation. This means we can achieve a precise, steady lift, reducing wobbling and maximizing stability.
Simplified Detachment with Magnets – Using magnets to release the hook from the telescoping arm provides a simple, reliable solution to detach it from the arm once attached to the High Rung. This prevents unnecessary mechanics, focusing on a smooth transition from extension to lift.
What to Watch For:
Wire and Hook Durability – Ensure the wire and hook are strong enough to support the full weight of the robot. Using a high-quality, high-tensile wire minimizes risks during ascent.
Precision in Motor Control – The high-torque motor should deliver smooth, controlled motion to prevent jerky movements that could destabilize the robot as it ascends.
Fine-Tuned Arm Retraction – Smooth and timely retraction of the telescoping arm is essential to avoid any interference with the robot’s ascent.
2. Dual Linear Actuator System with Sequential Engagement
The Dual Linear Actuator System is a controlled ascent approach, using two separate actuators positioned on the same side of the robot to engage with the Low and High Rungs in sequence. This setup provides stability by preventing excessive swing and ensures a smooth, continuous lift as each actuator engages at key points of the ascent. Here’s a detailed look at how this system works and manages balance without vertical support from the 2-inch barrier or the Low Rung:
How It Works:
Stage 1: Initial Lift with Low Rung Engagement – The first linear actuator is calibrated to engage the Low Rung to start the ascent. As it begins lifting, the robot is naturally guided by the 2-inch barrier of the Submersible structure. While this barrier doesn’t provide vertical support, it does help limit the robot’s initial swing inward, allowing for a stable start as the robot begins rising.
Stage 2: Transition to High Rung Engagement – To ensure smooth transitioning, the second linear actuator is extended and positioned near the High Rung but remains disengaged until the robot rises 2-inches above the barrier. Technically, the robot is hanging on the first rung. At this point, the calibration ensures that the second actuator’s hook precisely aligns and engages the High Rung. This engagement provides stability and prevents the robot from swinging inward as it rises.
Stage 3: Shift to Full High Rung Support – As the second linear actuator engages the High Rung, it becomes the primary lifting mechanism, raising the robot further above the Low Rung. The Low Rung hook disengages naturally as the second actuator lifts the robot higher, allowing the robot to transition smoothly to being solely supported by the High Rung.
Stage 4: Final Ascent to Level 3 – The second linear actuator continues to pull the robot upward, achieving the complete Level 3 height requirement by fully raising the robot above the Low Rung. Since the Low Rung disengages automatically, the ascent remains uninterrupted and controlled.
Why It’s Effective:
Controlled, Sequential Engagement – The timing of each actuator’s engagement allows a smooth ascent, providing stability at each stage. By precisely coordinating the engagement with the High Rung, the design prevents any excessive inward motion, ensuring that the lift remains steady and predictable.
Reduced Swing without Vertical Support – Although the 2-inch barrier and Low Rung don’t provide vertical support, they offer a minor boundary that helps keep the robot from tilting too far inward at the start of the lift. The High Rung engagement further stabilizes the ascent, minimizing the need for vertical support from other elements.
Automatic Low Rung Disengagement – The design ensures that the Low Rung hook disengages naturally as the second actuator lifts the robot, streamlining the ascent and eliminating the need for complex detachment mechanisms.
What to Watch For:
Precision in Calibration – The transition point at which the High Rung hook engages must be precisely calibrated to avoid any instability. A misaligned actuator could destabilize the robot or lead to premature swing.
Actuator Strength and Control – Both actuators should be powerful enough to support the robot’s full weight and operate smoothly. High-torque, controlled-speed actuators are essential to maintain a steady and controlled lift.