Drive Systems

[Ernst]

Originally Posted by Zoughtbaj

I'm curious if anyone is going to try to build a drive train to actually circumvent the barrier. The only things I can think of to do that would be either rather large wheels or a tread drive (after actually seeing the barrier, normal wheels will likely be an "improbability" ). Then again, the rules are strict enough in regard to passing over the balance boards (G25, G28, G29) that I doubt there will be a need to go over the barrier. Our team has been developing a 6-wheel drive system that we are pretty happy with, because of the increased mobility over the 4-wheel. However, 4-wheel drives will have a fine time navigating the field as well, I think.

I've come up with about 5 or 6 different ways to climb over the 4 inch tall barrier. Are the biggest wheels allowed this year 8 inches? I couldn't find anything in the "The Robot" section of the manual. If so, then I instantly have another half dozen solutions.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ZehP

I've come up with about 5 or 6 different ways to climb over the 4 inch tall barrier. Are the biggest wheels allowed this year 8 inches? I couldn't find anything in the "The Robot" section of the manual. If so, then I instantly have another half dozen solutions.

If you can't find a rule restricting wheels, then wheels should be considered unrestricted. Have at it.

You could always ask the GDC to be certain, but I can only think of one wheel restriction rule (back in '09).