After literally running with a 135lb robot in tow through the Atlanta tunnel to get to our match right after lunch on Friday (and missing lunch too
), I am an advocate for
reducing the maximum allowed robot weight. At competitions like Philadelphia '08 where there are only 40 robots and each team has 11 qualifications, there is potential to have to carry the robot on and off the field up to 13 times in a 6 hour period on Saturday.
We could return to something like the tiered weight system again, where 6' tall robots may only be 100lbs, 5' @ 110, and 4' @ 120, or a reduced starting footprint tiered system. This means that bulkier bots have to be lighter so they're easier to handle off the field.
Quote:
Is there a solution? Are there lighter cables to be had/bought? Would the GDC consider allowing us teams to cut the cable length? (assuming the team has the proper expertise of putting on a new cable end).
Personnally-I doubt there would be allowances made.
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There is aluminum wiring available, but specifically banned by the rules for safety reasons. It tends to start fires if too much current is drawn.