Weight Issues

[AdamL118]

Hello again,

We are a rookie team and need some advice

Just one question:

My team's last plywood prototype before our final design weighs 50-60 lbs. During testing, it was moving pretty fast and was able to climb well (with four 12' pneumatic wheels). Should we try to stay at this weight, or should we try to build a robot somewhere closer to 100 lbs? Our main strategy will be, in order:

1. Herd small balls
2. Uncap and move mobile goals
3. Climb to the center and block other robots from hanging

Our final machine will be built of four aluminum 2'' X 4'' channels with a sheet of aluminum (1/8'' or 1/4'' thick) for mounting motor, electronics, etc. http://members.cox.net/rambot/Docume...ept%20rev4.pdf We should easily be less than 100 lbs because we are most likely not going to build any arms or other mechanisms on top of our drive train other than a plow. My question is: What are the advantages and disadvantages of both a light and a heavy robot? Should we add weight by using a thicker mounting sheet or would a lighter robot be better?

Once again thanks

http://members.cox.net/rambot/index.shtml