pic: Cart Wiring Plans

[ebarker]

Not to rain on a parade here but, ( there is an old rule that says to ignore everything before a 'but' )

Student built machinery aka robots are operated inside of a confined area like a practice or competition arena. One of the reasons is for safety.

Put yourself in FIRST's position and think about this. What is the possibility and the effects of large numbers of teams building massive, strong, powered robotic carts for use in pit areas.

If an 'arms race' were to break out with teams trying to build the most sophisticated robotic cart without rule for confining safety hazards then that will be a BIG problem.

With all due respect to everyone here, student and amateur built stuff is generally lacking in safety and reliability as compared to professionally built stuff and safety agency approval. There is a significant risk of injury in a crowed noisy pit area.

To be completely fair and honest I have not read every thing in this thread in great detail. If the discussion is about a propelled cart than I think that is not going to work. If you have a cart with other electronic systems that pass some sort of inspection then that might fly.

I admire the creativity and hard work shown in this effort but this warning needs to be considered.

[geeknerd99]

Originally Posted by ebarker

If an 'arms race' were to break out with teams trying to build the most sophisticated robotic cart without rule for confining safety hazards then that will be a BIG problem.

Exactly. A big focus of this cart was to be cool, but very safe at the same time.

I don't like the idea of a propelled cart either. Just consider the amount of energy contained in a fully loaded cart slamming into something, or worse, someone.

We're not really working too hard on the cart right now anyways, as we have other, more relevant projects at hand.