Quote:
Originally Posted by Hagar Topeka 1
I'm sorry if I don't understand, but what advantage does the robot gain from this tread system over the out-of-the-box raised one included in the KOP? Besides that, looks awesome and I'm amazed at the CAD and machining skill.
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Well, there are a few advantages and a few disadvantages as with any system.
The two main advantages are the center of gravity and the climbing ability. The center of gravity for our drive train is only around 3" off the ground, which would be difficult to achieve with the kit bot and makes it more likely to tip over. The tread system also helps to maintain traction when going over the bump, since the entire bot can follow the slope, increasing the contact area and decreasing any bouncing motion.
Past those, it integrates the chain run directly inside in a way that it's almost impossible for the chain to come off, even without a tensioner, while protecting it. It also lets us achieve some nifty styling options that couldn't be done with a kitbot, but that's getting into opinion.
The disadvantages are the usual with going custom - the need for fabrication, longer time to get a driving bot, potential for mishaps in the actual design, etc. but we feel that our experience with tread systems in past years and the availability of sponsors to do fabrication makes it worth our time.