Inventor’s Guide
Vex starter kit
getting started • 5
01/31/05
beginners,
continued
6
Solo Soccer Challenge
Your fi rst challenge awaits you in Appendix C, the Challenges section
of the Inventor’s Guide. Turn to Appendix C, and read the challenge
titled “Solo Soccer”.
First, fi nd a usable area of fl oor space. Tables are not recommended
for challenges because they are too small, and they pose a danger for
robots which may accidentally run off the edges. A carpeted playing
surface will make the game easier (the ball will not roll away as
easily), while a hard, smooth surface will make for quite a challenge,
indeed!
Place the two goal uprights (empty soft drink cans or toilet paper
tubes work well for this) about a foot apart, and place the ball on
the ground three or four feet away. Drive the robot so that it pushes
the ball through the goal, without driving the robot through as well.
Don’t hit the bumper on the front of the robot, or you will lose control
for a few seconds… it’s soccer, you’re going to have to dribble!
The fi rst few times you try this challenge, you may want to simplify
the task a little by starting the ball and robot in line with the goal.
You can work your way up to the actual challenge. Once you have
succeeded a few times, try the challenge as written by starting the
ball and robot in different positions that are not lined up with the
goal mouth.
