I can use symptoms and controlled tests to isolate an autonomous-system fault.
POE Unit 3 • Lesson 3.6
Rover Testing and Debugging
Focus question: How can engineers isolate whether a rover failure comes from hardware, wiring, logic, or calibration?
Mission Briefing
Today’s Plan
A focused sequence that advances the rover and VEX ground-support mission.
Opening promptConcept modelGuided practiceInteractive applicationEvidence checkExit ticket
Lesson Targets
What You Will Be Able to Do
Debugging record
The record changes one variable at a time and connects the observed symptom to a supported root cause.
Activity Flow
How the Lesson Moves
Each step builds the control-systems reasoning needed for today’s deliverable.
1. Reproduce the fault
Describe exactly when and how the failure appears.
2. Isolate subsystems
Test power, devices, wiring, and code separately.
3. Verify the repair
Repeat the original test and document the result.
Lesson Interactive
Debugging record Practice
Apply the lesson concept to an aerospace rover or VEX ground-support scenario. Use the feedback to correct reasoning before documenting the main deliverable.
Observed Symptom
Rover behavior: The program starts, the right motor turns, the left motor does not, and no error message appears.
Choose the Controlled Debug Path
Start with the smallest test that separates connection, device, and code causes.
Today’s Work
Main Deliverable
Rover Debugging Record
Create one focused engineering artifact that demonstrates today’s learning.
- Record the symptom, one-variable test, result, and likely root cause.
- Document the repair and show that the original failure no longer occurs.
Exit Ticket
Mission Debrief
State one control-systems or automation idea from today in your own words.
Name one measurement, calculation, trace, or test result that supports your design decision.
Identify one interface, logic, safety, or reliability risk to carry into the next lesson.
Resources
Lesson Resources
Lesson 3.6 PowerPoint
Use the presentation to review the lesson concepts, examples, and activity directions.
Principles of Engineering
Return to the POE course hub for units, resources, certifications, and course information.
Rover Mission + VEX Ground Support System
Use the integrated mission context when connecting logic, sensing, actuation, testing, and design-review evidence.