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Build: Candy Cane Catapult
What better use of the Robot Inventor set than to deliver sugar during the holiday season!
This robot catapults candy canes through the air at the press of a button. Okay, yes, it's more like a trebuchet than a catapult, but 'Candy Cane Catapult' has a certain ring to it, no?
It can launch candy canes of various sizes, though the smaller they are, the further they will go. The smallest ones I’ve tested can be launched up to 2 meters.
This project features many innovative solutions:
- The button uses the light sensor to detect when it is pressed.
- The gravity feed system uses a reciprocating arm to isolate and release a single candy cane to the throwing arm.
- The launch trigger requires a single motor to both prime and release the throwing arm.
- The hub itself and the two extra motors are used as ballast for the throwing arm.
The video shows a complete throwing cycle, then shows the various aspects of the design.
* Many candy canes were eaten while making this model.
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