Quote:
Originally Posted by garyjune
Considering the shuttling and the importance of cycle times in this year's game, how effective would defensive strategies/robots be?
Would it be a better idea to defend against gear or ball scoring robots?
What design elements/components would increase a robot's defensive capability?
Would a hybrid gear + defensive robot be viable?
What would defense this game look like?
|
There are 2 core defensive strategies (from a general design standpoint) to consider based on the 2 volume constraints:
1) Vertical Defense- Use your robot to block potential fuel shots by choosing to build using the volume option with a focus on
height (30 in. by 32 in. by 36 in. tall (~76 cm by 81 cm by 91 cm tall)).
This option is difficult to pursue for 2 reasons:
- Most balls shot in the high efficiency goal most likely follow a steep trajectory that your 36 in. height limit may not be able to block.
- If your robot is able to block shots, getting your robot in position to block will be quite difficult, and will require manueverability that our robots may not be capable of. Well trained drivers are advised for this strategy in particular.
2) Horizontal Defense- Use your robot to effectively pin opponents by selecting the volume option with a focus on
width (36 in. by 40 in. by 24 in. tall (~91 cm by 101 cm by 60 cm tall)).
- The greater width of this design allows for greater blockage in tight spaces. Here are the rules for pinning:
G11.There’s a 5-count on pins. ROBOTS may not pin an opponent’s ROBOT for more than five (5)
seconds. A ROBOT will be considered pinned until the ROBOTS have separated by at least six
(6) feet. The pinning ROBOT(s) must then wait for at least three (3) seconds before attempting to
pin the same ROBOT again. Pinning is transitory through other objects. If the pinned ROBOT
chases the pinning ROBOT upon retreat, the pinning ROBOT will not be penalized, and the pin
will be considered complete.
- This strategy takes a more contact-centered approach to interfering with shots; since shooting into the high efficiency goal will be such a challenge for teams this year, any light interference to a robot setting up for a shot may be enough to cause the opponent to miss. If you take this route, be mindful of the rules regarding contact:
G08. Don’t tear others down to lift yourself up. Strategies aimed at the destruction or inhibition of
ROBOTS via attachment, damage, tipping, entanglements, or deliberately putting a GEAR on an
opponent’s ROBOT are not allowed.
G09. Stay out of other ROBOTS. Initiating deliberate or damaging contact with an opponent ROBOT
on or inside the vertical extension of its FRAME PERIMETER is not allowed.
In terms of contact, both
vertical and
horizontal builds should be equally effective, but the width of the
horizontal should be more effective for pinning.
In regards to height, the distance from the ground to the top of the high efficiency is roughly 27 in. The maximum height for a
vertical bot is 36 in. and for a
horizontal bot is 24 in. The
horizontal bot should semi-effectively block shots into the low efficiency goal, so this is something to consider when picking a strategy.
In summary, your most viable option is probably to pursue interfering with ball-shooting robots. They are easier to throw off, as many teams seem to be implementing safeguards against gears falling off.