[Chris is me]

Some stuff for designers to consider working on this challenge:

1. CG is a *huge* problem with this game. You're given a smaller base than normal, a heavy, and the opportunity to lift it more than 8 feet in the air. Especially if you are lifting more than one cube at a time, CG needs to be a driving design focus. How many pounds can you afford for your end effector, keeping in mind you're already putting 9 pounds "up high" before you even start?

2. How will you grip the cubes? A 9 pound wooden game piece with smooth edges is not going to automatically work with any permutation of a roller claw. How will your manipulator handle the forces at play? Can you create the necessary static friction force with your rollers? We don't have the advantage of actual prototyping here, but try to be realistic.

3. You're only given 18 inches of extension. With the bumpers, that number shrinks to ~15 inches, not much bigger than the length of one cube. Keep this in mind for any over the bumper mechanisms.

I've been wrapping my head around this when I have spare time between exams. I'll post a "teaser" of what I'm doing in the next day or two, and I'd be happy to explain what I came up with when and if I finish a basic model.