K.R. Smith School: Ms. Fleischer's Science Club
Prabhneet-6th, Aurelio-5th, Salvador-4th, Marck-5th, Vijay-5th

Preliminary Design
Expert Response

Mr. Helper
Prototype Photos

• Door that astronauts open to take tools out of Mr. Helper • Speaker on left is used by Mr. Helper to talk to astronaut. • Retractable hook on left can be used to secure Mr. Helper to wall inside of the ISS as astronauts work. • The left end has a homing device that allows Mr. Helper to return to its docking bay to recharge when not in use.
The back( where the homing device is) has a fan like motor that helps propel it through the weight-less SSI environment.	The Front of Mr. Helper has an opening that rotates open to receive tools from the tool crib and seals close for travel.

Mission

To help with experiments by delivering tools, when needed, to the astronauts.

Device Description

The robot has a micro computer that can access the main shuttle computer for additional information when needed. It’s artificial intelligence allows it to have voice recognition and be able to respond to astronauts’ commands. It has a sensory perception device that keeps it from colliding with people and machinery. The robot has a small battery that recharges when it is in the docking bay. The robot’s body will be made of silicon. The robot will be extremely mobile. Mr. Helper has a retractable hook that can be attached to the side of the shuttle when in use.

Use

Imagine the following situation:

Astronaut Bob has a list of 150 experiments that he must conclude within a one month period. He has programmed Helper with the information about which tools will be required for each experiment. All he must say is," Helper, I wish to do experiment 15 at 10:00 am today." At 10:00 am Helper will find astronaut Bob, and deliver to him the necessary tools for experiment 15.

Helper’s Body

Helper is 50 cm long. It has a diameter of 25 cm.

It has a small motor that is powered by a rechargeable battery.

The body is made out of silicon.

When not in use Helper is in it’s docking bay.

Tools are kept in the bed of his body.

Provisioning

Helper goes to a tool crib where it pick’s out the needed tools for the experiment.

Answers to Expert's Questions:

How does Mr. Helper move around?
Mr. Helper has a small propeller in his back. It is part of its body and has a screen over it. The fan directs Mr. Helper.

How does he know where the tool crib is?
He has an onboard mini-computer that is programmed to find the tool crib.

How does it know where the docking bay is?
Mr. Helper has a computer homing device that takes it to its home (docking bay).

How does it get tools?
The tool crib is computerized and has its own mini-robot arm that can run back and forth and up and down in the tool crib. The arm selects the needed tools (that Mr. Helper’s computer requests) and puts them in Mr. Helper.

Why did you choose to build the robot out of silicone?
Because it is a light-weight.

How does Mr. Helper recharge his battery?
Mr. Helper recharges in its docking bay automatically.

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