ABDUCTION
A REACTION-TIME GAME
“Abduction” is a reaction-time-based arcade game developed throughout Fall 2024 in GEEN 1400: First-Year Engineering Projects, themed after alien cow abduction. As Project Manager, I led communications, deadlines, and delegation for a 6-person team, as well as developing the majority of the project’s mechanical systems.
GEEN 1400 is a semester-long projects class introducing first-year students to the engineering design process. This semester’s prompt was rather open-ended: develop a tangible interaction device. In response, our team sought out to develop an aesthetically appealing arcade game meant to improve reaction time in young children.
Background
The game features two players grappling for control over the cow. At random time intervals, LED strips along the side of the board light up either red, yellow, or blue. Whichever player presses the corresponding button faster has the cow move slightly towards their side. A player wins when the cow reaches their side of the board, after which a win sequence is played on the LED strip and the game resets.
Goal
As Project Manager, I allocated tasks amongst my team and communicated with professors manufacturing experts. I created all CAD models, designed and manufactured the linear motion system, and constructed the central trapezoidal body of the game out of MDF.
Personal Role
Using a heat-insert, the cow is screwed into a carriage attached to a belt which moves along a 20×20 aluminum T-slot bar. There is a stepper motor on one end and a pulley on the other. When the buttons are pressed, Arduino code signals to the stepper motor to rotate towards whichever button was pressed first. Four custom laser-cut parts, featured on either end of the system, hold all components together, using T-nuts to fasten to the aluminum.
Linear Motion System
“Abduction” is fast-paced, competitive, and fun to play, while displaying a unique and visually appealing theming. The game uses a wall outlet for electricity and is easily taken apart thanks to use of fasteners. “Abduction” received 49/50 points at Design EXPO, earning the highest award in its class section.
Results
