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Ed Yeates ReportingLittle Red Riding Hood and Harry Potter had something in common today as bizarre looking machines ran their courses at the University of Utah.
The University's Union Building was the place to walk lightly and cautiously today. That's because little Harry Potters and Red Riding Hoods were scurrying all over the place.
Harry Potter wasn't the only one running through a maze, picking up clues, racing for the trophy at the other end. The "U" had its own maze, but inside, autonomous robots with sensors navigate, picking up electronic clues and depositing a ball in the winning goblet.
Third year engineering students had to design their own machines, spending not more $200.
Like Little Red Riding Hood, over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house they go. First year engineering students had to tread water, climb hills, plow through gravel.
The won that won for best design catapulted a grappling hook then pulled itself to the other side.
Too much bother? Just shoot your whole machine over all the obstacles. But don't break the egg on board!
As always, the devices were pretty unique. Everything included -- protection for the egg, propulsion, motors, waterproofing, catapults -- the devices could not go over the $15 mark."
First prize went to Markus Montandon, Whitney Shapiro, Luis Lemus and Roy Stevens for this spring loaded flyer that won for speed and distance.
"A curtain rod for a shower, coat hangars, the bottom part is the sole of a shoe."
All for $12. And what do they get?
"No final exam, no final exam"
We've said it before and we'll say it again. For a college student, no final exam is better than a cash prize.
