[Paul Copioli]

This was posted in another thread, but here are the equations:

General force equation (assuming constant mass and somewhat constant accel which is good enough for now):

F= mass * accel

The wheel to floor interaction is governed by this equation:

F = mass * g * COF (Coefficient of friction)

Set the equations equal to each other and solve for acceleration:

accel = g * COF

So your maximum acceleration is entirely based on the planet you are located and your coefficient of friction. Since the GDC couldn't control where we play the game, they simulated this by mandating a certain COF for all.

Assuming the COF is actually 0.05, then our maximum accel is 32.2 f/s^2 * 0.05, or 1.61 feet / sec^2

Anyone with more acceleration than that will slip. This is not about 1 motor or 2, but about how we manage acceleration.

For those of you that think this doesn't make sense, just think of this:

While it is true you can get more pushing force from a higher weight, it is also true that you get less acceleration due to the increased mass. This trade off is the center of drive base design for this year's game. If you can control acceleration, then you will control the game play.