Defensive Robots/Strategies?

[MARS_James]

Originally Posted by garyjune

Considering the shuttling and the importance of cycle times in this year's game, how effective would defensive strategies/robots be?

Very, even more so than last year

Originally Posted by garyjune

Would it be a better idea to defend against gear or ball scoring robots?

Why not both? But if I am being honest Gear robots are easier to defend against since ball scoring robots will be able to put themselves against a wall or in a safe zone and just shoot over you or between hits.

Originally Posted by garyjune

What design elements/components would increase a robot's defensive capability?

Powerful drivetrain, 6 cim, preferably two speeds to chase down and pin. Low ground clearance so as not to accidentally acquire game pieces. Max height for your size box. Low center of gravity. High traction wheels.

Originally Posted by garyjune

Would a hybrid gear + defensive robot be viable?

I think designing a robot to do both is a good idea, but during an actual match post Auto, it is better to focus on one task or the other.

Originally Posted by garyjune

What would defense this game look like?

So post Autonomous head to the area between your airship and their feeder station push/pin a robot heading to retrieve a gear till you either are nearing their safe zone or you need to break the pin. Wait for them to retrieve the gear.

They will either A)need to go around the air ship to not deal with you or B)try to get by you

If A: Go diagonally towards their desired path they will either: 1) Redirect and play chicken, 2) Run into you and now you have a pushing match heading towards your safe zone so they are risking a penalty 3) You pin them for a legal pin

If B: Don't let them by turning it into a pushing match or pinning them legally

Either they get by you or you spend the entire match shutting them down if it is the latter congratulations, you did your job and will be on someones pick list for effective defense if not.

Once they get into the area to score the gear that is not a safe zone, be as disruptive as possible and you will either slow them down or make them drop the gear.

Either they score the gear or they don't. If the latter once again congratulations, you did your job and will be on someones pick list for defense if not repeat the steps listed above.


If someone is making you waste this much time the whole match than there is no way you are cycling fast enough to engage the rotors by themselves.