[FUN] Recap and FRCTop25 with FRC118 Justin Ridley 4/11

[pilleya]

Originally Posted by waialua359

This is yet another example of why we love the Robonauts.
This is easily the most inspirational feat of the 2016 season.
Grappling hooks will become the norm in future robot lifting challenges.

The main reasons that the grappling hook method used by 118 is so effective, is that the whole system is light. But also that it is quick to activate. Being able to climb quickly is highly important as without a quick method of climbing, the robot may in fact be better off making more high-goals. But it’s not just the attachment method which is important; the thing which can make or break the effectiveness of a climbing mechanism is the speed at which the robot can be lifted off the ground to the desired height. The most effective method of doing this is by using a PTO (Power take-off) from one or both of the drive gearboxes, as it enables the use of the drive trains motor power to lift the robot, reducing motor count which reduces weight and making the climb extremely quick. With this in mind, and with the new off the shelf offerings from ANDYMARK and West Coast Products it is highly likely we will extensive use of PTO’s in future climbing/lifting challenges (Obviously a lot are being used already) Also consider that some recent climbing games such as 2010 and 2013, the utilisation of a grappling hook device would not have enabled the full climb to occur, or at least not without greater complexity.

I wouldn’t go so far as to say that 118’s grappling hook is the most inspirational feat of the 2016 season as there are plenty of other highly effective climbers some with arguably with higher reliability. Many new unique climbers will no doubt be seen at championship, but 118's will definitely go down in the history books as one of the greatest.