1519 - Video of "Speed Racer" in Autonomous

[BenjyPoore]

Yes, we did run the Speed Racer in 2 practice matches on Thursday. The idea was that both robot configurations could be fielded in separate matches, just not at the same time. When we got there, the head inspector sent a quick email off to the GDC, which came back negative. They basically said, "If it looks like two robots, it is two robots." We had prepared a booklet for the judges describing the two-robot-configuration. We sent that off as an email to the Q&A system about thursday lunchtime, in case the decision had been made without enough information. We have not yet received a response.

We then proceeded to focus on the other configuration, the hurdler, named "Fezzik". It was very successful, definately being one of the best 'bots there. Along with 126 and 1307, we managed to take the 1st-seeded alliance of 121, 40, and 134 to 4-match semifinal.

In the two matches that Speed Racer played in, the crowd loved it. It did indeed make a 6-line autonomous run. It was managing the make 7-second laps when the corners weren't too crowded. Unfortunately, our robot has the kinetic energy of a 350-pound linebacker running at full speed(1/2mv^2). This was too much for the poor front frame brackets. They broke once in autonomous, and again during the teleoperated period of another match. As a result, the entire front frame member came off, still attached to the front bumper. This made the steering motor the forward-most part of the robot. We avoided any collisions we could, stopping when a portion of the track became congested. We only got 8 laps per match. I think we could have got 12 or more if we didn't have to be careful.

It's so much fun to drive.