Crazy Robot Inspection Stories

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I got a million of em!
I am leaving the rookie stories out of this post since it is not really fair. So here goes...
Eight CIM motors. "Rules says you can use the KOP motors and identical spares."
Non KOP motors because the KOP motors aren't strong enough
Robot is 6-8 inches too long.
Robot is 150+ lbs because they used a bathroom scale and interpolated the readings for each wheel.
Robot is 136 lbs and the engineering mentor tells his students not to listen to the LRI, they will play anyway and no one can stop them. Queuers do not like robots with no inspection sticker.
Robots with two or more batteries.
Robot with a 2" x 40" pneumatic actuator, inspection turned it into ballast.
Fifteen wheels on the floor last year. OK, it passed but it didn't drive very well.
Bumpers at last year's elevation, in black, with no numbers, made out of 1x6 pine.
Circular saw blades for wheels, "But they really grab the carpet!".
Aluminum box for chassis with the radio inside. Has been happening for years.
Battery used for counter weight on a moving arm to help hold robot on pipe. This was actually legal that year.
Chain sprockets used for ball handler. Reminded team of rule specifying no damage to field or game pieces.
Bumpers made of one pool noodle to conserve weight. Found steel inside bumper.
SUV winch for lifting with 1/2 HP motor. This year was not the first year for this.
Bumpers made out of stained and varnished 2x6 lumber. Furniture grade but not legal.
The entire robot from the 120 amp breaker on, wired with #18 wire. "We have tons of it so we used it."
I could go on and on....