[FTC]: Question regarding materials on our FTC Robot

[MonikkaM]

Hello,

My daughter's FTC team has a manipulator arm for their robot.

They want to put in a "bumper"/"cushion" so that the arm is lowered, it dampens the impact with the robot.

Our first thought was to use a foam (like a pool noodle) similar to the bumpers that are required for FRC and place it on the robot to cushion the arm.

Several of the students (and few adults, myself included) have read the rules and can't figure out if this would be allowed or if using the foam for this purpose is excluded.

It's the holiday and we can't contact the person who has the TIMS information to ask on the main site so we're hoping someone here can give us some help!

Thanks!

[Al Skierkiewicz]

Monika,
You may not use pool noodles but there are several items on the allowed list that may used. You can cut small section of a non-skid pad and stack them, or you can use rubber bands stretched under the arm. Surgical tubing can also be cut and bound together. Please read through R5 and section "c" in particular.

[gotrobot?]

I agree. I would use either surgical tubing or rolled up non-skid matting. Good luck.

[PAR_WIG1350]

I, personally, would take 1/16" - 1/8" polycarbonate sheet and make a 2 loops, one for either size to act as springs to catch the arm and slow it. For 1/8 inch material, a larger loop would probably be used than for a 1/6 inch loop, but testing would have to be done to determine the right size based on a number of factors.

[MonikkaM]

Thanks everyone! The folks at Home Depot were very impressed when we walked in and asked for the non-skid pad by SKU number. :)

We have layered the pad using double sided tape to cushion the arm.

[Team 2844]

R5.c.33. (Regarding the tape)

The way you are using it right now is against the rules. I would suggest using a screw, ziptie, or something else to hold it in.

[PhilBot]

To avoid "material rules" issues with my team, here's the sequence of events I use when somone asks me whether they can use something:

Student: Can we use xxx on our robot?

Phil: Did it come in the kit of parts?

Student: Yes... Phil.. Well OK then.
Student: No.... Phil.. Well, No, unless you can show me in the rules where it says you can use it.

It's safest to assume you can't use something, rather than the other way around.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

R5.c.33. (Regarding the tape)

The way you are using it right now is against the rules. I would suggest using a screw, ziptie, or something else to hold it in.

Monika,
I have to agree, c. 33 prevents the use of any tape except as listed in this rule.
Al