Quote:
Originally Posted by Billfred
I'll break the topic into three questions:
1) Where can the materials used in the construction of bumpers be improved? Is there something other than plywood, fabric, and pool noodles that is more robust, cheaper, or more readily available during build season?
2) Where can the rules on mounting bumpers be adjusted to simplify design frustrations without compromising the bumpers' effectiveness?
3) Where can the rules on visual content (colors, numbers, etc.) be adjusted for ease of implementation and visual effectiveness?
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I personally do not like that bumpers are mandatory, but that being said I'll assume that they will continue to be and answer accordingly.
1) I'd like to see the backing material rules relaxed. Allow people to use what they wish for the backing material and rigidly enforce bumpers staying in the bumper zone. Thus if the bumper breaks and droops then penalties will accrue.
I'd also like to see the 'soft' section materials include other options such as 2" memory foam.
2) Mounting should be the option of the teams, but should be required to be robust. Again, if it fails then teams should be penalized and not allowed to return to the field until it is robust enough to withstand 'vigorous' robot-to-robot interaction.
3) The rules for this year made most robots look alike, which is boring to the casual observer. While the alliance color is a good idea, I'd rather see 2 sets of LED string lights controlled by a spike signifying alliance color. I loved seeing the different bumper colors and the unique look some teams had prior to this year.
Again, if I had my way bumpers (and their additional weight) would be optional.