[Tom Line]

We've done the numbers, and it appears very difficult to "throw" the ball over the hurdle, nevermind controlling it on the other side.

Any throwing system will have to be very close the ground to prevent the bot from tipping. In additional, a simple potential energy to kinetic energy computation tells you that you have to hit one of these balls VERY hard to get them to move. 220 lbs of force applied over a 6 inch distance with a 2" bore 6 inch stroke pneumatic cylinder will get you pretty close, I believe.

I can't wait to see someone try this - it would certainly be exciting and any team that takes the chance on that kind of system would get kudos from me!

Even a spring/winch system will put some pretty awesome loads on your chassis.