Bumper Dilemma

[IndySam]

So it’s been a tough regional with lots of defense. You have seen a lot of rough play and collisions between robots.

Your alliance partner asks you to remove your bumpers so you can fit on their robot, do you do it?

[Jeff Rodriguez]

No way. They should have taken bumpers into consideration in their design.

Note: We have a wooden base and it would get chewed up by a metal frame.

[Brandon Holley]

Well its not like bumpers are SUPER vital to a robot...theyve only been around for a very short time...well around regularly. I look back at the old bots Ive made and they have taken a BEATING, but they still get the job done. Honestly if its the difference between 30 pts and 0 pts, take the bumpers off and do ur best to not destroy the bot.

[groves]

Do each of the opposing alliance have bumpers? that could help you.
Can you be damaged robot defence?
What kind of robot lifting system will not allow bumpers?

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by groves

What kind of robot lifting system will not allow bumpers?

One that is not wide enough to contain a robot and its bumpers

[Tim Delles]

No you do not remove the bumpers. Any team that picks a partner just for the purpose of ramping should make sure that bumpers do not need to be taken off in order for them to fit.

If they have not taken this into consideration they should not be chosen (or atleast should be a last resort for a ramp bot... considering that is an extra 15 pounds you have for your robot)

You should always design for the maximium length and width allowed.

[Brandon Holley]

Originally Posted by Tim Delles

No you do not remove the bumpers. Any team that picks a partner just for the purpose of ramping should make sure that bumpers do not need to be taken off in order for them to fit.

If they have not taken this into consideration they should not be chosen (or atleast should be a last resort for a ramp bot... considering that is an extra 15 pounds you have for your robot)

You should always design for the maximium length and width allowed.

Ok now get down to the point where you are with a team that cannot let you climb with your bumpers on

Scenario: Your in the finals at your regional of choice, you cruised through to the finals, but now the opposing alliance can easily get 2 robots off the ground 12 "...do you really sacrifice those 30 points that easily?

[Joel J]

It all depends. Look at the pertinent details, then make a decision. There are situations where it would not make sense to take your bumpers off, and others that make it a foolish decision to leave them on.

Its a strategic choice, just like most things related to the matches this year.. you have to optimize your alliance for each match, including the ones during the eliminations.

[MrForbes]

I agree, it depends on all the details the situation. If you are still planning your robot, it might be wise to make it so that it can support two other robots with their bumpers on (so you don't have to take your own off unless your own ramp system fails), and also to design your frame to take a beating without your bumpers installed, and your drivetrain to give maximum pushing power without the added benefit of bumper weight.

[Fuzzy]

Depending on the size restraints of their ramp/lifting mechanism and your drive train, you might not have to remove all of your bumpers, so it's not like you'd lose all protection completely. Again as Joel said, it's all going to come down to scenario.

[Ben Piecuch]

There have been prior examples of top-seeded teams asking a picked team to change their robot and/or strategy to win a match. I believe that the top-picked team has a right to ask whatever they'd like from their alliance partners. However, also I believe that the alliance partners have the right to refuse to what is being asked to them. Conversations such as this should be handled prior to the alliance selections.

If I were in that scenario, I would probably remove my bumpers and ensure that I was able to get the 15 or 30 points at the end the match. We didn't use bumpers on our robot last year due to ramp clearance issues. Our robot is still operational, and while a bit beaten and battered, I wouldn't hesitate to do it again.

BEN

[Ericgehrken]

I'd take off the bumpers for the thirty points because every point counts and these matches are probably going to be close. If you don't want to wreck your base then stay out of trouble (at least try to).