Omni Casters!?!?

[its da PAT!!!]

Should non-driven omni wheels be allowed as casters?

[T3_1565]

I don't think so because they provide some (though very little) traction and all traction to the robot is supplied by the rover wheels only

[smartkid]

I don't think they will be allowed. However I have to tell you that any caster or wheel that isn't powered will reduce your effective pushing power.

[usbcd36]

<R06> ROBOTs must use ROVER WHEELS (as supplied in the 2009 Kit Of Parts and/or their
equivalent as provided by the supplying vendor) to provide traction between the ROBOT and
the ARENA. Any number of ROVER WHEELS may be used. The ROVER WHEELS must
be used in a “normal” orientation (i.e. with the tread of the wheel in contact with the ground,
with the axis of rotation parallel to the ground and penetrating the wheel hub). No other
forms of traction devices (wheels, tracks, legs, or other devices intended to provide traction)
are permitted. The surface tread of the ROVER WHEELS may not be modified except
through normal wear-and-tear. Specifically, the addition of cleats, studs, carved treads,
alterations to the wheel profile, high-traction surface treatments, adhesive coatings, abrasive
materials, and/or other attachments are prohibited. The intent of this rule is that the ROVER
WHEELS be used in as close to their “out of the box” condition as possible, to provide the
intended low-friction dynamic performance during the game

Basically, the only thing allowed to touch the ground are rover wheels.

Edit: They say the only things allowed to provide traction are rover wheels, but they say nothing about normal force. It does raise one issue: there must be no friction between the omni wheels and the ground, something impossible to do in reality.

[GBilletdeaux930]

Originally Posted by usbcd36

Basically, the only thing allowed to touch the ground are rover wheels.

Edit: They say the only things allowed to provide traction are rover wheels, but they say nothing about normal force. It does raise one issue: there must be no friction between the omni wheels and the ground, something impossible to do in reality.

Our team wondered about this as well... Is something used to balance the robot considered traction? It all depends on what they mean as traction. Do they mean anything that is trying to move the robot? Or stop it as well?

[Prontopwnage]

It says specifically that you can only use the Rover wheels.
NO more no less... That was my understanding

[amos229]

any wheel provides rooling friction which may be considered traction. q&a will be the final answer

[Otaku]

Originally Posted by GBilletdeaux930

Our team wondered about this as well... Is something used to balance the robot considered traction? It all depends on what they mean as traction. Do they mean anything that is trying to move the robot? Or stop it as well?

Traction is, by definition, the force of an object on another object and, in FIRST, that object's force of grip on the ground, meaning the only thing that you can use as "traction devices" (as in something touching the ground) are the "rover" KOP wheels.