Ball Catcher Mechanisms?

[alexander.h]

Hello! We're thinking of making a mechanism that catches the ball and I'd like some ideas of what some other teams use that works. Could somebody please give me links, videos or ideas of a catcher? Thanks!

[Justin Shelley]

Team 95 pure catching and assisting robot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjumHK5XHGo

Blazer Robotics Catching Arms
http://instagram.com/p/kBO4kPHf9c/

All the teams that i have seen have a similar idea on how to catch the ball. Though i'm sure there are better ideas powerhouse teams will come up with!

[azcalg]

Looks like most teams that took catching into consideration made their robot like a basket of sorts, like the two posted above. Generally, pool noodles are great at stopping stuff if you're having trouble with the ball bouncing out, so long as they don't get in the way if you're shooting. Another thing to consider is the 50 point penalty for possessing the other team's ball, I'd try to make sure it only catches what you want it to catch.
Either way, catching the ball from over the truss seems like a great way to get a quick 20 points + assist, and will probably make getting the ball to your robot from the human player easier, best of luck!

[AllenGregoryIV]

We assumed the balls would be mostly thrown from pretty long distance and not necessarily coming straight down on to us.

We have been testing with short passes, we aren't planning to catch to often but we should be able to catch the occasional truss pass or rebound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_GPEJK73go&feature=c4-overview&list=UUIYn8UJSmDmDyc0hANUuL0A