We added a wire strap under our prototype robot and still had some static buildup but I didn't really get a chance to really test it fully. It may have lessened it. Our electrician/parent/mentor also attached a wire from the floor to an electrical ground. This may or may not help as we have individual panels and each panel may have to be electrically connected in order to work. The official field has only three panels so --
if this is the solution -- there is not much additional work involved.
Glasteel doesn't have any specs as to electrical properties, but of course that isn't it's main selling point. It is great stuff for restaurants -- my company uses it all the time.
Here is the robot in question. The top and bottom frames have been connected electrically with a wire. I'm guessing the orbit balls are generating the charge as they are being pushed up the ramp. They are also held in place, so there is additional charge buildup by the inner brushes as they spin.
Dave Flowerday: I'm not too worried about the zap -- I use the back of my hand to ground. But it does surprise some students. "Now maybe you'll listen to me when I say watch out!"
MCahoon: when you first mentioned helicopters I thought of
these two youtube videos.
Too bad we can't harness all that static electricitiy!