Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve W
If FIRST was concerned about this why did they not make it a requirement at season start. I understand the reasoning behind it but would be more concerned this year about exploding tanks.
I have seen quite a few different shooters and to try and "restrain" them could be very difficult. This would but major stress on a team at the regional as they cannot do anything while the robot is bagged. I also believe that there were games in past years without this new rule that were more powerful than this year yet there was nothing said then.
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Yes, in year's past there have been strong shooters. For instance, in 2010's Breakaway game, we saw strong hammer-like shooters. But that year, nothing could extend beyond the frame perimeter. This year, shooters can fire 20 in. outside the frame perimeter where body parts are carrying the robot. The example I cited of a gate latch holding back a fully charged actuator is taken from that year. While ideally the mechanism itself should be restrained, locking the gate latch with a pin may suffice to make it safe.
Naturally, each robot will need to be evaluated on its own merits toward creating a safe condition. Again, our goal is not to harass teams, but to try to reduce obvious risks. To do less would be unthinkable.
Dr. Bob
Chairman's Award is not about building the robot. Every team builds a robot.