February 23, 2006
Today the students built a motorized traffic gate. The gate incorporated touch sensors and light
sensors into the design. The bar on the gate rotated up when a card was placed under the light
sensor to make it read a lighter reading than normal. The gate then remained upright for a moment
to allow cars to pass, and then returned to the down position.
The students also discussed different types of gates and where they are located. Different examples
included: card activated gates at private residences, clubs, or hotels; switch activated gates at tolls;
gates in parking garages; and a gate that works in reverse - the railroad crossing gate.
