<R08> Section M

[Daniel_LaFleur]

Originally Posted by Craig Roys

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.

During 'Rack and roll' our robot, with a maximum speed of 6.5 ft/sec broke our front bumper (38" long, only supported on the ends) 3 times. I'll grant you that we played a lot of defense (who doesn't up here in New England) but we never received any penalties for ramming / playing too aggressive defense.

Having an unsupported bumper this year will invite broken bumpers.