What could go wrong?
 

What do you predict will be the number one thing that teams will fail to prepare for or underestimate that will cause a lot of trouble at competition? In 2013 it could be loading frisbees from the human player. In 2012 it would be a team's bridge lowering mechanism.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Defense. Unprepared teams can get completely shut down if they are up against a solid defense.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Corralling bouncing balls or ground-loading.
I'm seeing a bunch of catapults on social media, but no one is glorifying their floor pickup/loading method. One must get a ball before one can shoot a ball.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Good point. I was going to say something similar to this, mostly regarding having a hard time picking up balls because some robot is harassing them. Or trying to line up for a shot/catching a ball, only to be pushed away by another robot.

What do you think the best thing a team can do to prepare for intense defense?

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Autonomous.

Teams are going to neglect the importance of having an accurate auton, not use the appropriate amount of sensors to ensure they are consistent, and then insist that they preload a ball and shoot every match. Then, when they miss, it is the burden of their alliance to get their ball into the goal before the cycles can start happening.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Driver practice, Driver practice, Driver practice

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Didn't even think of the hassle that would be, good catch.

I think the movement of the ball is going to be very strange and will take drivers a while to get used to, and could get caught off guard by other bots in the way.

Communication between alliance partners is going to be interesting. I wonder if it will be a relay between coach to drivers or if entire teams will be talking at the same time to get objectives done.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

And to elaborate on that, one thing you can do is get an old skid/tank robot you might have sitting around and have someone drive it against the new robot.
The drive team might complain about the defensive bot's driver knowing their robot too well, or what they're trying to do, but it's practice for a reason. It will only force them to get better.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

This is exactly what we do. We are going to have 3 other driving robots in order to practice to the full extent. It is extremely helpful and is the best way to prepare for defense.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

That's a lot of batteries.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

It won't be a robot issue.
It'll be a communication and strategy issue with their partners.
It's hard to get people on the same page in a ten minute period.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

This. I also hope egos don't get in the way, but.... it could happen.

Re: What could go wrong?
 

"We need you to play defence."
"But we need assists!"
"We can make up the difference."
"But we need assists!"
"You guys are far more valuable as a defender"
"But we need assists!"
"You cause more penalties than you score points."




"But we need assists!"


Can't wait for these conversations...


-Nick

Re: What could go wrong?
 

The secret endgame!

Re: What could go wrong?
 

Damage.
Most teams seem to be following the Ri3D approachs, all of which have vital assemblies spending time outside the protection of the frame perimeter. Ask yourself if your pickup/shooter/catcher is going to function after a solid hit at speed.
Make things robust and easily repaired/replaced. Bring plenty of spare materials. Avoid difficult to fabricate (or obtain for COTS) items.