With the need to get Capacitops on the outdoor test courses within the next few weeks, our team knew it had to complete the mechanical architecture of the vehicle soon.  Therefore, some of the team members spent this past weekend honing in on their mechanical engineering skills to create a functional, durable, and aesthetically-pleasing vehicle.  What was originally planned as a would-be-quick trip to the Home Depot for a few supplies evolved into a hardware-store shopping spree spawned by several light-bulb moments.  Noticing the slats of wood that were lying around the Engineering High Bay and thinking of the wooden computer shelving unit that Chris built for our vehicle, Kevin, James, Steven, and Phuong decided it would be ideal to also construct the vehicle’s shell from wood.  Not only would the material choice complement Chris’ creation, it was also a cost-effective material that the guys felt they could easily work with.

Back at the lab with a few slabs of wood, several cans of varnish and wood stain, and other miscellaneous items, the guys spent the next three days and three nights fabricating and attaching a beautiful shell to Capacitops’ chassis along with a mast for its mechanical E-stop.  The result is a vehicle that will undoubtedly garner a great deal of attention at the competition.  What can I say?  We EEs can do it all. ;)