Originally Posted by DavisDad

I've been advocating that our teams integrate the plywood bumpers into the robot chassis structure. With good quality plywood (
plywood article ) and good joinery, the plywood could contribute much more to the chassis structure than hanging on a metal frame. The arguments against have been:

• Would require skirts for quick change of colors and skirts don't work
• The attachment to the chassis would require much work to remove and reinstal for weigh-in
• Would look amateur
• "Nobody else does that" (not necessarily a bad thing IMO)
• "Judges won't like it"

I could certainty be missing something but if passes rules, could have the following benefits:

• Approx 5 lbs of structure is free and save weight in chassis
• Jointed corners would provide excellent racking strength
• Wood takes impacts well; particularly high quality grades
• Wood is relatively easy to work
• There are more skilled carpenters around than machinists

Think glued, dovetailed rigid perimeter that slips over and fastens to interior chassis.