<R08> Section M

[Craig Roys]

Originally Posted by eagle33199

I highly doubt that rule will be changed. As they said in the kickoff video, they are expecting a lot of high speed impacts this year. Because of that, I believe the GDC feels that the bumpers need to have plenty of support - support that won't risk cracking and breaking after a dozen matches.

High speed in this game won't be more that 7 or 8 fps. You need traction to gain speed quickly. With 6 robots and trailers out there on a slippery surface, no one will be able to gain high speed for a collision. Collisions in the past 2 or 3 years were much higher. Also, it will take an awful lot of force to break 3/4" in plywood with padding in front - considering it will be hit with another padded bumper, I don't believe there is any way that a reasonbly supported bumper would break.

I am not anti-bumper here; in fact, I like being able to use bumpers. We've used bumpers every year since our rookie year in 2006; even when they were optional. They save a lot of robot wear-and-tear. What I do object to are bumper requirements that limit creativity with robot design due to the requirements. Take a look at the length of the bumper portion of the manual compared to other sections. In 2006 and 2007 the bumper requirements were two pool noodles covered by fabric, backed by 3/4" plywood securely attached to the robot. Last year they became a little more detailed due to the fact that everyone was required to use them. This year, they seem to have gone crazy with the bumper regulations.

Oh well, we'll deal with them whatever the rules are - some of the requirements just seem very unnecessary.