Thread: Open Source IMU designed for FIRST robotics
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Unread 10-12-2013, 21:22
slibert slibert is offline
Software Mentor
AKA: Scott Libert
FRC #2465 (Kauaibots)
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Re: Open Source IMU designed for FIRST robotics
Quote:
Originally Posted by yash101 View Post
I don't see why we use gyros and accelerometers! Just have two free-wheeling castors with two encoders (one speed, the other rotation) on each. That should report where you are, even if you are pushed around!
The main reason we developed Nav6 was that we wanted field-oriented drive capabilities for the two omnidirectional drive systems (Mecanum, and Crab) we have developed. In field-oriented drive, when the driver moves the joystick forward, the robot goes forward (relative to the driver / the field, not relative to the current orientation of the robot).

This allows us to get more students involved in the driving without requiring them to have the somewhat advanced skill of "putting their head in the robot" while driving.

There are some other capabilities an IMU can provide (like measuring tip/tilt so you can balance the robot like in the 2012 game) as well.

But for sure you can build a great robot without an IMU.

Cheers,

- scott
Last edited by slibert : 10-12-2013 at 21:34.