Maneuverability
 

Regardless of the type of drive train, what determines a robot's maneuverability?Is it the speed, traction, acceleration or something else? I made the PWM output an exponential function and I currently capped the max PWM output of the robot at around 50% of the full capacity. So it goes really slow at the beginning and faster at the end. Everyone pretty much says that the handling is great, but we are only maxing out at around 9.3 f/s. Is that just hurting ourselves by having a slower bot? Is there any other way to have great handling of the bot without sacrificing speed?

Re: Maneuverability
 

Teach your drivers how to drive the robot at a higher speed?

Realistically, a robots maneuverability is a product of all of the things you listed above. Without knowing more about the specifics of the drive-train it's relatively difficult to tell you what will help aside from more practice.

Though, using the information you've given, I'd imagine that you could program the robot in such a way that it would normally max out around 50% signal (9.3FPS) then at the push of a button or flick of a switch the driver would have access to the full speed of the drive.

Re: Maneuverability
 

Just like Dustin said, all of those things you said are components of maneuverability. Speed, defiantly, the accuracy of the turning of the robot (Like how easily you can go from one orientation to another without having to re-adjust), and what I believe is most important, the amount of practice the drivers have.

I am sure that there are some ways that are better than others to make the robot maneuver better by programming or changes in design, but if it takes time out of driver practice, I would not recommended it.

Good luck in 2011!

Re: Maneuverability
 

Using an exponential function is a great idea but I would not reccomend capping the max speed. Try to derive a new exponential function that gives you the control at low Joystick values that you want (this will help position the robot to place the tube) but still lets you have the top speed for straight line driving (like back to the feeder slot)

Re: Maneuverability
 

We caught ourselves using this term "maneuverability" without defining it as well. We got caught up saying we want a maneuverable robot.

What is maneuverability? We defined it as being able to translate in both the x and y directions and rotating about some z axis (CG of robot). This is becasue you can have a fast velocity or great traction, but that does not mean you are maneuverable.

It was a very weird discussion we had...

Re: Maneuverability
 

The "what does maneuverable mean" discussion happens every year when the TechnoKats are selecting a robot design. I think we've settled on a general definition of "the driver can make the robot go in the desired direction".

Re: Maneuverability
 

Maneuverability defined as "strafing" is seriously limiting your mindset and point of view.

That said, I've heard good things about square or cubic functions - usually you'll want your speed to pick up a lot in the last half or third of your joystick's travel.

Keep in mind more limits your robot's speed than controllability.

Re: Maneuverability
 

Maneuverability will be key in this year's game. Unlike last year, there's no bumps to get over or tunnels. Nevertheless, you are still going to want a robot that get around the field efficiently, especially since you have to get the tubes from the other side of the field and bring it back. THat being said, you will want peed, but not so fast that you cannot control the robot or being too light and easily tipped over. If you are going to go with more speed, lower your center of gravity and distribute the weight evenly. As for handling, make sure your robot can turn efficiently and easily, and make sure your drivers know what to do in all types of situations and how to get out of them. good luck!