Robot Design Process — Define Problem & Research
Where does a robot design begin?
- Describe the 5 steps of the Robot Design Cycle (RSF)
- Write a clear design brief with problem, objectives, parameters and constraints
- Conduct focused research for a chosen robot project
Overview
A good robot starts on paper. The Robot Design Cycle gives us a repeatable path: Define → Research → Brainstorm → Build → Test & Evaluate. This week we pick a real PNG problem (farming, disaster response, classroom help) and write the design brief for our term project.
The 5-step Robot Design Cycle
1) Define the problem. 2) Research existing solutions and constraints. 3) Brainstorm ideas and sketch. 4) Build a prototype. 5) Test and evaluate against the brief, then iterate.
Writing a design brief
A design brief captures the problem in one sentence, ranks the objectives (must-have vs nice-to-have), lists parameters (size, weight, power) and constraints (budget, time, materials, safety). If the brief is unclear, the project will drift.
Research — movement, energy, sensing, intelligence
Every robot has four sub-systems: how it moves, where its energy comes from, how it senses the world, and how it decides what to do. Research each briefly before jumping to build.
Write your team's design brief
- Form a group of 3–4 students.
- Choose one PNG-relevant problem a small robot could help with.
- Fill in the design-brief template: problem, ranked objectives, parameters, constraints.
- Research 3 key facts about movement, energy, sensing or intelligence for your robot.
- List the 5 steps of the Robot Design Cycle.
Reveal answer
Define, Research, Brainstorm, Build, Test & Evaluate.
- What goes into a design brief?
Reveal answer
Problem statement, ranked objectives, parameters and constraints.
- Name the 4 robot sub-systems to research.
Reveal answer
Movement, energy, sensing, intelligence.
Sketch a robot idea for a real problem in your village or town and write a one-sentence problem statement for it.