Vaccum System

[t.selfors]

R66: The following devices are not considered pneumatic devices and are not subject to pneumatic rules (though they must satisfy all other rules):
A. a device that creates a vacuum
B. closed-loop COTS pneumatic (gas) shocks
C. air-filled (pneumatic) wheels

[MrBasse]

Is it easier to store vacuum or just generate what you need when you need it?

I'm not sure if a solenoid would work but it's worth a try. I know most require a minimum pressure to function properly, but a vacuum would achieve the same thing if plumbed in reverse.

We used a vacuum pump in 2013 to pick up frisbees. We had to be pretty darn precise with placing the manipulator though. But ours was from a Food Saver so it was pretty minimal amount of vacuum.

[Michael U]

We, team 2980, used a ventrui suction device from Piab. It worked well for flat objects although it fell flat when we tried to use it to pick up the fabric covered balls (should have seen that coming). It runs well at 22 psi and can be reliably controlled by a solenoid. Just in case you were looking for alternatives.