MathWorks Simulink

MathWorks Simulink is one of the programming options for use with the Cortex microcontroller available to BEST this year. It provides an interactive graphical environment and a customizable set of block libraries that let you design, simulate, implement, and test your program even before your robot is built. By dragging, dropping and connecting blocks from the BEST Library, a user can quickly create an embedded program for their robot. Once the program functionality is modeled, its execution can be simulated within the tool without the need for ANY hardware. The programmer can check that his/her program is producing the correct outputs based on various inputs. You can even connect a joystick to your computer for interactive testing, where the joystick provides the control input for your programming model in Simulink. Once verified, Simulink automatically generates C-code that is compiled/downloaded directly to your robot. Simulink is a very powerful tool used at many universities and throughout industry.

easyC v4 for Cortex

EasyCv4 for Cortex is one of the programming options for use with the Cortex microcontroller available to BEST this year. It is a block-based drag-and-drop C programming environment. It has a simple to use graphical interface which does all of the syntax and spacing, allowing the student to focus on program flow and design. It is a great tool for teaching the basic construction of a C program. Function blocks are provided for major programming constructs (e.g., WHILE, DO LOOP, IF-THEN-ELSE, etc.) as well as robot control functions (e.g., SET_SERVO, SET_MOTOR, etc.). Each function block includes a direct link to a detailed help file page that shows how to use that particular function. Additionally, easyC V4 includes 14 tutorials that will get new and experienced programmers familiar with all of easyC's features.

RobotC for Cortex

ROBOTC is one of the programming options for use with the Cortex microcontroller available to BEST this year. It is a powerful C-based programming language with a Windows environment for writing and debugging programs, and the only programming language at this level that offers a comprehensive, real-time debugger. ROBOTC is the more advanced programming environment for students offering a complete integrated design environment. Students write their own C programs from scratch using the built-in source code editor and compiler. It includes many code templates to eliminate the need to type or memorize many functions. Over 100 code examples of performing different functions with ROBOTC are included.

SolidWorks

SolidWorks is a powerful 3D solid modeling solution for rapid creation of parts, assemblies and 2D drawings with minimal training. Students use SolidWorks intuitive user interface to design mechanical models of their robot. Full part and assembly drawings can be produced to aid students during the construction process. It includes data management, photo realistic rendering, and a sophisticated components and parts library. BEST provides SolidWorks models for many of the components in the Return Kit and Consumable Kit so students can quickly integrate them as they virtually model their robot. During this workshop, the basic functionality and use of this powerful Computer Aided Design software used by millions of designers worldwide will be introduced.

HSMWorks is a Computer Aided Manufacturing suite that works within SolidWorks and will be available this year. It allows students to interface directory to manufacturing system like a CNC milling machine for producing the parts that you just modeled in SolidWorks.

The "Fundamentals of SolidWorks Training" by Inspritech is a suite of video-based companion tutorials for SolidWorks that gives the student step-by-step video instructions for using the tool in various ways. This product is included for BEST teams and Inspirtech instructors will be hosting the SolidWorks workshop.