Picking up from both sides

[Tom I]

Originally Posted by EricH

If you have a 2006 Behind the Design, someone did do that. I don't remember who, though.

It was FIRST Team 123 (page 82 if anyone has the book). They specialized in picking up from both ends and dumping, but they didn't have a thrower. They had a big open hopper to store the balls in.

In this game, I think you're not going to want to. Even if we could pick up an unlimited number of balls, it'd still be better to only have one gatherer. Not only is it easier to build and maintain, it'd be easier for most to control. MOST (there are exceptions to everything) drivers have it easier maintaining ONE frame of reference, as in "I pick up from the front." The time it takes to switch orientation from driving forwards to back probably isn't that much faster than pulling a U-ey in an agile robot, so I'd say focus your efforts elsewhere.
That being said, if your team's hearts are set on it, go for it! Let us know how it turns out!