Snack Run

Description

Mars has finally been settled! Thanks to the Cosmic Interplanetary Rations Company (CIRC) the settlement has been outfitted with a state of the art vending machine. You’ve sent out your rover with your credit cube to acquire some snacks for a party you are hosting. However, the vending machines were not properly designed to withstand the harsh Martian environment and there are no on-site technicians. You must operate and service the machine as needed to procure enough snacks to feed your party guests, otherwise the party will be lame. The party starts in just one hour so get to it!

Requirements

  1. Tap your credit cube to load the machine with funds
    1. The cube will be approximately 3”x3”x3” in size and weigh less than 1kg.
    2. Each tap will load enough credits for one item. You can tap multiple times but any unused funds will result in a deduction.
  2. Maneuver a transport box under the vending machine to catch dispensed items
    1. The box will be approximately 12”x12”x9” and will weigh less than 5kg fully loaded.
    2. This transport box must be brought back to the starting point by task end for full points on dispensed items.
  3. Use the vending machine buttons to select items to dispense
    1. Buttons will have a pressable area of approximately 1”x1”.
    2. Some items will need to be visually identified to the judges for scoring.
  4. Refer to the vending machine technician manual to service malfunctioning components. The manual will be provided in the documentation section at a future date. Servicing will include:
    1. Careful percussive maintenance
    2. Entering manufacturer bypass codes
    3. Timing button inputs
    4. Reconnecting components
    5. Manipulating handles and switches
    6. Manipulating a conductor without shorting to the chassis

Supporting Documentation

Task documentation will be provided as it is created in advance of the event.

  1. Diagram of the vending machine including locations of buttons, displays, switches, and other components.
  2. Diagrams of the transport box and credit cube.
  3. Vending machine technician manual for servicing of the vending machine.