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Originally Posted by TEE
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I actually disagree with the suggestion of using the roughtop "stomp pad." I think the ability to drive side to side would be more valuable/better than an articulating stomp pad. Given that the outrigger wheels would have to be pushed sideways in the defensive configuration, I'm skeptical that a stomp pad would provide greater traction. Really, the best thing to do would be to try both methods, though! If you're going to dedicate six weeks to building this, you want it to be extremely robust and the best it can be!
I agree with the other recommendations... think about heavy bumpers! Having the robot's weight rest on the outriggers would be optimal, so that the moment/torque problem isn't as severe! Perhaps put as much of the robot's weight in the outriggers as possible, too? I'd encourage you to make your dead weight "functional." For example, instead of bolting on some 15 pound dumbells, use steel over aluminum in key places.
I would encourage your team to pursue designing and building a winning minibot, though... Even if you spend 100 seconds on defense, getting to the tower and deploying to get 10 (or 30!) points for your alliance is great! Some of the most successful alliances in FIRST have been ones that had two robots that could score exceptionally well for 120 seconds, and a final team that had excellent defense and a great end-game! In 2007, (this game's "twin" in game pieces *and* in end-game significance) many champion alliances were like this. Having a competitive minibot provides a lot of flexibility to your alliance!
I love your team's ingenuity - I hope the GDC doesn't change the rules to make this illegal! I definitely think it's a potentially very useful robot strategy! Best of luck!