[EricH]

Originally Posted by spiffyspleen

Basically, we think that they could be advantagous in this years competition and we want to be able to use them if they are.

The key words in this statement are: "could be" and "if".

Right now is a really good time to do a mecanum drive as an offseason project. You get a chance for rookies to build a robot, you test out new technology, and you gain knowledge and experience.

But the problem is that when all you have is a hammer, every problem looks like a nail. When Kickoff shows up, you will be tempted to use mecanum, even if the game is reminiscent of 2002 (where high traction, great pushing and low maneuverability were great benefits). Trust me, you will be tempted.

So, what you do is you take your offseason robot and a competing drivetrain (say, 6WD drop-center, or a 4WD built from the Kitbot) and run them through a series of tests, either individually or against each other with an offense vs defense. Then you evaluate which is better.

I'll let you in on a little secret: 330 has had the capability to use mecanum drive since 2005; development/small-scale prototyping started around 2003, with a full-scale base during the 2005 build season (thanks to the Kitbot frame). The closest they've ever come was 2009 with a turning 6WD system in the middle of their robot. The only time they've used wheels with rollers in competition was omni wheels in 2010, for added agility on a 4WD. They just haven't found it advantageous to use them...yet.