MorTorq 1515: Robot and Website Unveils

[msimon785]

Hey CD!
Team 1515 is ready to unveil both the 2012 robot and website. We are very proud of our work, and hope you all enjoy.

To start, I would like to introduce MetaBot World Piece.












The robot utilizes a dual stage conveyor system which allows for exactly 3 balls in each stage. The turreted dual-FP shooter shoots the ball approximately 6-8', but that is subject to change. We intend to substitute the 4" wheels for 6". Our bridge mechanism functions passively. Brought down by pneumatics, it serves as a wedge with which the drivetrain pushes down the bridge.

As always, our electronics are fully modular, such that all of the boards can be removed in the course of less than a minute. We utilize sliding rails in which the E-boards slide and clip in. All onboard wiring is run through industry standard WAGO mass connectors which allow for a single unplug to separate all of the actuators from the PDB.

Expect to see our famous touchscreen interface again, but with a new look and feel. As a result of the size constraints for the OI, we have rebuilt the Operator's Interface to allow for an entirely new touchscreen. Instead of running through an industrial PLC, we will be using a touch-capacitive display which runs a ruby application along side the FRC Driver's Station.

Additionally, 100% of the processing for our 2012 robot is now done offboard, on the classmate. This essentially makes the robot "dumb", such that it only runs the commands it is given.


Finally, our website crew put in many long and hard hours to revamp the BHRobotics Website.
Please take a look around. We made the decision to make the website entirely open source, so we encourage other teams to draw inspiration from what we have done.