[EricH]

Please note that my team used wedges as defense...
I think that wedges are great as long as you know what you are getting into. 2003: We used wedges to hold us on the platform and to make sure we didn't slip backwards on the ramp. As long as you came up elsewhere or backed off, you were fine. If you came up on us and tipped, and we hadn't moved, that was your problem.
2005: Side wedges. If you saw us (and most of you probably did) you know that we only had one that could possibly be used as a tipper by us. If you came at us from the side, and you tipped (as one robot did in practice), that was your problem. In back, maybe or maybe not. And at least one team (number withheld) got up the steep side wedges hard enough to damage acrylic panels pretty badly.

However, there was one robot at L.A. Regional that was a low box with four wheels and a wedge that lowered. They were careful not to draw penalties, and that is good. However, at least once they lifted a goal. Not good.

Use of wedges depends how they are used. Tip a robot or two deliberately and get DQ'd. Accidentaly and get a warning.