2008 and drivetrains

[AdamHeard]

I think teams that quickly jump to mecanum and omni wheeled designs may regret that choice later on.

Yes, FIRST is discouraging defense, but do you really think with 6 robots on the field and 4 40" 10 lb balls there isn't going to be any collisions and interference? Knowing this is probably going to happen, I'd rather be the 6WD bot with nice high traction wheels than a holomonic (guess who is going to be knocked of course more....).

Now, a crab drive is ideal; but we can't all pull it off.

If there was ever a year to call Wildstang's, I think this is it.

[Daniel_LaFleur]

I'm interested in seeing how the lower traction systems will fair considering the forces that will be on the robot when attempting to turn at high speeds.

I suspect that those robots that can maintain speed while turning inside of their opponents will have a distinct advantage in this game. Which is why we're looking at low CG wide frame and high traction.

Oh, and just like NASCAR, I expect robots to "trade paint" ... so build 'em robust.

[Travis Hoffman]

Originally Posted by Daniel_LaFleur

Oh, and just like NASCAR, I expect robots to "trade paint" ... so build 'em robust.

I call it "trading foam". "Trading 1000 Denier Cordura Plus" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

"Trading noodle"?

[Tom Line]

Originally Posted by dtengineering

Remember that "tank drive" robots don't need to turn.... or at least not turn much... they can just go "forward" down one side, then "backwards" down the other, just like mecanums and other omni-drive systems.

I would recommend, however, that teams using mecanums get them finished earlier than usual so that the programmers and drivers can have time to get all the control loops worked out. Building a successful mecanum drive (especially with Banebots gearboxes and AM wheels) is much more of a programming challenge than a mechanical one.

What I am looking forward to is the emergence of "car" steering. We are seriously considering setting up just like a sports car... rear wheel drive, front wheel steering. While it doesn't have a "zero" turn radius like tank drive, it should work great for high speed cornering and swerving around other robots heading down the straights.

But we've got a few other tests to run before we commit to that just yet.

Jason

Sounds cool - but can I suggest you consider rear-wheel steering? Think about forklifts and how the ball moves, you might be better off. And if you drive the wheels you are steering you can still have a zero turn radius just like a forklift.

[Darunada]

All the mentors for our team were thinking a car-like drive system this year. The students quickly and outright shot it down... maybe they're scared...

[Jonathan Norris]

Personally I don't think omni's or mechanum are going to be very good for this game. First off you need your bot needs to be fast and with omni's or mechanum systems you can't gear them too quickly or you won't have enough tourqe to strafe controllably and with how congested this game will get there will be times where you need some tourqe and traction to get out of the congestion. A swerve drivewould be great for this game if you have the weight for it with a beffy arm.

[ChrisCook]

Originally Posted by Priyadarshy

most will disagree but i think a traction drive system (six wheel for example) will be a good choice this year, it is going to have a lot of control and not be giving way during all those high speed collisions

No, Since the game does not have any climbing, almost no pushing and since its really about reaching for a target and going fast. 2-Front wheel drive is very easy since you will have to push a ball around. In addition to the 2 wheel drive you can use the stock kit to build your drive platform. and focus on the design of game arm.

Check out my PDF I posted about 3 years ago, its got great info on these systems.

[JohnMorenski]

personally i like tank because i think its much more simple and would be easier to fix than an omni system

question: can you drive under those lane dividers??

[Tottanka]

Originally Posted by JohnMorenski

personally i like tank because i think its much more simple and would be easier to fix than an omni system

question: can you drive under those lane dividers??

no, it was the first thing we though about, there is plastic there.

[jason701802]

our team is thinking of using two high traction wheels in the front and free spinning omni's in the back because the closer to the ball your turning axis is the less the ball wants to run away while turning.

[rachal]

Right now I like mecanums, traction wheel + partial omni, crab, and ackermann, but it depends on the strategy and how the manip is holding the ball...choices choices

[Richard Wallace]

Originally Posted by Travis Hoffman

I call it "trading foam". "Trading 1000 Denier Cordura Plus" just doesn't have the same ring to it.

"Trading noodle"?

Tangling with pasta.

[MikeDubreuil]

I can't wait to see the first Ackermann steering robot in competition

[Dominicano0519]

i would love to see a team that has rack and pinion steering

just to see how they pulled it off cuz that requieres some serious changes being that the wheels have to be covered

[Tottanka]

Originally Posted by Dominicano0519

i would love to see a team that has rack and pinion steering

just to see how they pulled it off cuz that requieres some serious changes being that the wheels have to be covered

team 2669 is gonna be having one, but we are only participating in the Israeli regional which is between weeks 4 and 5.