Tips for Robots in Parades

[DonRotolo]

Make a big-drum-style hanging strap or harness for your operator, so they aren't using their hands to carry the operator station. Anyone in band will know what I mean. The operator held the battery in a small backpack.

The duct tape is what we use, but start with a single layer of blue masking tape - otherwise getting the duct tape adhesive off the wheels is a chore. Have the operator avoid spinning the wheels or turning a real lot, as this scrubs off the tape.

You need a few kids to shag orbit balls as the robot plays with them - they inevitably try to roll away. Don't want to be giving those away...

2 or 3 batteries will get you through a parade.

Decorate the trailer, be sure people know exactly what they are seeing, and it wouldn't hurt to have a little "sponsors and mentors needed - come play robots with us" sign on there somewhere. The team should all be dressed alike.

We found the CIM motors get really hot after 15 minutes of continuous operation; it may be a good idea to mount some muffin fans so they cool them off a little. Duct tape, velcro, wire, whatever it takes to mount them.

Even though this is last: Safety First. Make sure the robot can be stopped before it accidentally hits a bystander. The ball handlers/candy-giver-outers should be aware and able.

Oh, have fun, hydrate, and sunscreen...