[DonRotolo]

1/16" is plenty for scrape protection, especially if supported.

For impact protection, thicker is better - BUT aren't you guys thinking about bumpers for this year? If so, let THEM be your side protection.

Although they must be made from 3/4" plywood, you don't want CDX (the plain builder's plywood) --- use hardwood plywood (not the luan stuff Home Depot sells, but Maple, Birch or Oak, also known as marine plywood or aviation plywood) as it is really strong - I mean realllly strong. And, there's no weight*!!

Don

*well, not included with the robot, and enough to surround your entire bot won't exceed 15 pounds either...