[Clem1640]

So, we had a disasterous bumper year in 2008. Bumpers were an afterthought. In the last 30 minutes of build season. They worked, but could not be removed or installed in my life-time.

Starting 2009 we had a bumper mentor (most serene bumper guru - Mike Rizzo). The bumper mentor did other stuff besides the bumpers, BUT HE OWNED THE BUMPERS. A huge improvement.

In 2010, bumper design was first-of-mind during robot design (the opposite of an afterthought). Bumper change requires about a minute.

Our bumpers have male 5/16" bolts extending from them. They are as symmetric as possible and marked for proper installation. Wing nuts secure the bumpers to the chassis. We bring lots of spare wing nuts.

Key points:
1) we have a responsible mentor w/ students
2) bumpers & mounts are designed robot components from a very early stage