pic: Robot Spacing for Scaling the Tower

[bEdhEd]

Originally Posted by Joe G.

I would say that a better takeaway from this image is, make sure you're gripping the bar well, and can hold on at non-ideal angles. Suspended robots in this position will push on each other causing their bases to rock or rotate in odd ways, rather than just simply not fitting, and your latch system should be able to handle this, instead of designing to operate in isolation.

One thing I would propose strategically if I were drive team coach again is this:

For three climbers:

Case 1: All robots stop at different heights.

The highest climber goes first, and the next highest follows, and the lowest goes last. Timing this so all three scale will be crucial.

Case 2: Two robots stop at the same height and one stops at a different height.

Ensure that the robots that stop at the same height are on the opposing sides of the castle tower, with the differing robot in the middle

Case 3: All robots stop at the same height.

Meet with alliance members pre-match and figure out which permutation of robot placement minimizes scaling interruption. Perhaps, depending on climb speed, this minimization can be better achieved by letting the fastest go first. Your alliance would have to share measurements, or possibly get all three robots on the practice field. If not, find an area in the pits to set up the robots to figure out the best permutation.

For two climbers:

Case 1: Both robots can scale on the opposing sides (stopping height irrelevant).

Let both robots scale the sides, timing is not relevant as they will not contact

Case 2: One robot MUST scale the middle while one can scale the side, and both robots stop at the same height.

Let the robot who scales faster scale first, followed by the second. If possible, plan pre-match which configuration will minimize robot interruption.

Case 3: One robot MUST scale the middle while one can scale the side, and both robots stop at differing heights.

Let the robot that scales higher scale first, followed by the second
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If you want to scale with multiple robots in a match, plan to be able to scale from any side, as this will be important in deciding who goes where.

Also, be aware that if robots are contacting and scale at different rates, it is possible for a robot to be pushed higher by an adjacent robot and risk unlatching from the bar on the castle tower. This is a factor that must be considered when attempting a strategy that involves robots scaling adjacent sides. It's the alliance's decision to weigh the benefit vs the risk.