The goal for the robot body is a simple design that does the job. We would like a Watertight room to place the computing module to avoid unwanted environmental interference such as dust and splashed water. In addition, we want a platform on top of the robot to accommodate payload for sensors, robot arm, etc.
To simplify the design, we decide to build part from only flat aluminum pieces. However, as we can see, we also add plexiglass windows to be able to see the inside of the robot, which add to the attractiveness of Beobot2.0. In addition, we counterbore the screw holes to flush out all the screws and recess the window to have the have a flat exterior. Lastly we hard-annodized the aluminum with our school colors (highly recommended) for presentation purposes.
Because the computer system is built on top of a sturdy base, which already carries the heavy components (motors and batteries), the aluminum plates to construct the box do not have to be overly thick: we choose a thickness of 3/8 inch. This is so that we can carry a payload up to 50lbs (for example a 25lbs scorbot robot arm, placed on top of the robot).
To create a secure and clean area around the computers, we divide the inner structure to two rooms as illustrated in figure above. The back room is the secured aree where the cluster is placed. The front room is reserved for the cooling system which include the radiator that is cooled by the fans. That area is open to allow for maximum air flow.
