[Adam Freeman]

This is a good design lesson!

If you can't design it to be robust enough to survive a hard impact (because of weight, material, etc), then make sure you design in some flexibilty or a known weak link that can be replaced easily when damaged.

In 2012 we over designed our arm to survive extensive impact, using 2"x3"x1/8" square tubing. Even then we collapsed our arm in the elims at Champs and had to spend valuable time fixing it instead of planning for our next match.

Other years we have used lexan or other materials to create a flexible joint that can survive competition play.

Always try to understand the environment your part is going to have to function in.