Community/Open Source Chassis Project

Originally Posted by GUI

Craig, anything you could offer would be useful and greatly appreciated.

Sure thing. I don't actually have class tomorrow, so let me boot into windows and I'll get to work.

Originally Posted by Andrew Schreiber

Craig, I have to disagree on the durability of the kit frame. Having used the kit frame this year I can say that the machine took quite a pounding. It survived plowing at full speed into both the center divider's support pole and the back wall as well as 2 regionals, Championships, Kettering, and WMRI. That frame worked wonderfully out of the box for us.

That being said, the frame has limitations for some teams and I feel that having not one but multiple open source chassis available would be an interesting way of helping out teams.

Bumpers. I've had bad experiences with kitbot frames without bumpers. If bumpers are mandatory again in 2k9, then the kitbot is a viable options for rookies. I have a feeling they will be, so more power to the rookie teams. I also believe that teams can learn more about material selection and strength of design if they must design their own chassis. If you can correctly design a FIRST chassis that doesn't bend once, chances are you've learned enough to do build your own car chassis (not nearly advanced as automakers, duh).