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Originally Posted by Craig
What is the big problem with 12.5" wheels? Why will no robots with such wheels be succesful or have degraded drive systems? Is it merely because these wheels ride up on the small balls? Please elaborate
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The 12.5" wheels offer a bigger lever arm than most teams are used to. This will potentially allow larger forces to be transferred up the line to the remainder of the drive system than the smaller wheels. This will result in either very big currents through the motor windings or excessive stresses in drive system parts. Both will lead to rapid degradation of drive systems.
Also, the high ground clearance with most 12.5" wheel teams will result in high centering on balls or make the robots easy to push around. Further, by raising center of gravity, robots with the 12.5" wheels will be more likely to tip over when approaching the 6" step.
Teams which have anticipated these issues can design around them.