Standard vs. Custom Frame

[ChrisH]

Originally Posted by Andy Baker

Weak is a relative term.

Reminds me of talking about "cool air" - with the Engine (jet) Group. You can roast a turkey in air they think of as cool.

One of the best things you can do for the kitbot is to fill the center bay with a plywood sheet and fasten it to the rails. This will drastically increase the strength of the frame. If you do this and still think the kitbot is "weak" then I suggest you plan on your next robot weighing about 200lbs with a "structurally adequate" frame.

On the other hand I can readily see how somebody who did not do this and just mounted their controls on the cross plate that goes over the kit trannys would regard the frame as weak.

That is because tying the front and back pieces together with a piece of plywood creates what is known as a shear web. Those front and back pieces are effectively turned into an I-beam 36" deep. It will be far stronger than required for FIRST. The key is proper reinforcement in the proper place.