Re: motorized robot carts
 

Yes its really safe. Theres a lip all the way around and I hold onto the robot while driving. Drives like butter on flat ground, like a snake on angled.

Re: motorized robot carts
 

hmm, I've never driven a snake before, care to elaborate?

Re: motorized robot carts
 

Strait line speed is slow unless zig-zagging is pleasurable O.o

Re: motorized robot carts
 

I am working on CAD-ing a mecanum drive cart for production during our preseason. :D Shall use old robots electronics. Photos when done.

Re: motorized robot carts
 

Question regarding any carts in general. We had a less than stellar cart last year and we had trouble going over the bumps that covered the wires on the ground. How did you guys overcome that problem?

Re: motorized robot carts
 

1. Make sure you have ample ground clearance (4+ in.)
2. Bigger tires go over bumps easier, so having a relatively large wheel size helps.
3. To go along with 2, a tire with some give also makes the transition over a bump less severe, so pneumatic tires work extremely well for that.

McMaster P/N# 22925T71 also comes in a rigid form factor that allows you to use the ideal steering setup of 2 casters and 2 fixed wheels.

Hope it helps.

-Brando

Re: motorized robot carts
 

Probably a bad idea on non-flat terrain. And there's just enough non-flat terrain at a FIRST event to make this troublesome—cable raceways, floor protection panels, small ramps, etc.. I suppose it wouldn't be a huge deal if you can just push it to overcome those obstacles.

Re: motorized robot carts
 

I thought of that and our mec's have large enough rollers and a sufficent diameter for wires. We also will use a pnematic suspension on the rear two wheels to accomidate non flat surfaces. But in the end our 4 super cims should power through the bumps ;)

And we have no problem going over 4 inch bumps on our wheelchair powered cart. Ground clearence, grippy/large tires and way to much power is key.

Re: motorized robot carts
 

Sorry I didn't see this thread earlier. Please be advised that due to insurance regulations at various venues, you may be asked to remove a powered cart or to at least disable it's drive while at that event. Insurance for an event like ours is pretty hard to write especially with all of the students and volunteers present. Adding a power driven cart to the mix when it will be used in tight places and dark areas is just too much to ask. Others have weighed in on the sound system but let me add, that often alliances are discussing strategy and assisting other with software rewrites in the Queue. With the sound coming from the field, additional sound is counter-productive and as Kara has pointed out a violation of the rules.
Again, you may be asked to remove or disable a powered cart, be prepared.

Re: motorized robot carts
 

We've drove our wheelchair cart for 7 years with no problems. Besides we always bring a push cart just in case our cart fails.

The mecanum drive is more manuverable than tank drive and gobs safer.