2 Speed Transmissions in the Future

[Alan Anderson]

Originally Posted by Gabe

...the 2004 challenge didn't really seem to favor multi-speed transmissions because on top of the platforms there was no need for the high speed, with very little room to maneuver. If there is any serious obstacle the driver must slow down (except for the few who try to fly). The more obstacles, the fewer opportunities there are for the driver to use the fast speed...

One of my favorite tools for out-of-the-box thinking is to turn things around the other direction. In this case, you seem to be implying that the purpose of a second speed is to go faster. But it's just as reasonable to have a "normal" driving speed plus a second slow speed, used for extra torque when needed. Instead of a medium-speed robot that can switch into a higher gear to zip across the field quickly, consider a medium-speed robot that can switch into a lower gear to hold its ground or push others out of its way.

If the playing field is open, high speed tends to be an advantage. If the field is congested, pushing power tends to be an advantage. Both situations are well served by a shifting transmission.