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Originally Posted by M. Krass
I think this may speak volumes about how well designed this game is, as it really strips veteran teams of many advantages. It is a bit disappointing, at the same time, to have seen so little of other team's efforts so far.
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Things are quiet, because the more people design, the more they figure out that this is a
really tough game.
The goals are tall.
The game piece is not radially symmetrical, large, and heavy.
This game piece needs to get above these tall goals.
Teams are struggling to figure out the center of gravity issues which will be inevitable. They don't it one bit.
I've discussed team designs with some in private. I've heard things like:
Lifts in the order of four stages up and down, two stages in and out.
Three Axis Arms
Incredibly complex claws.
Picking up 3 or more tetras as a group once.
Also:
The autonomous is incredibly difficult, and though the camera is new and exciting, the limited feedback requires lots geometry with accurate placement in order to gage distance. Moving to a tetra isn't too bad, picking it up is tough, and designing a pathway to have your machine approach the goal with correct orientation will be incredibly difficult.
The standard drive train is excellent, teams are trying to get an edge by using more motors. This is limiting the amount of motors for their lifts. They are trying to develop ways to use pneumatics for some of the stages and prismatic joints. Also, the reduction in total number of motors from last year is having teams scratch their heads.
Just some thoughts.
Matt