pic: Team 1817's Black Widow

[118 Tech]

First thanks for all the comments. A few things about the robot, the idea for gathering and depositing balls using the same mechanism was partly inspired by Lone Star Regional Videos of 16's 2002 Robot. My old team, The Robonauts, were paired up with them that year in the finals and I always thought that it was a good idea.

A few specs, 6 wheel drive, 2 speed transmission, does not shoot, but if a ball gets anywhere near that front beater bar, it sucks it up like a vacuum. With a limited budget, we could only buy 15 balls + 1 in the kit. It holds all 16 with some space for more. I'm guessing but if we really tried we could fit 25. But from my experience realistically gathering 10-15 at a time then scoring would probably be the best strategy. With our high gear on our transmission getting 10-15 balls on a floor scattered with balls then booking it back to the goal doesn't take that long.

About the bumpers, in trying to put them together we tried to keep within the spirit of the rules by not using them for a competitive advantage, e.g. using them to help channel the balls, but rather using them to help protect our robot from impacts. The angles cut into them do not aide us in going up the ramp or gathering balls, they are there simply because thats how our frame is shaped. If they are deemed illegal then the bumpers will just have to take a visit to their old friend, Dr. Bandsaw and hopefully he will have a remedy for the problem.

Good luck to everyone and see Y'ALL in Houston.

BTW: The bumpers are made with 2 foam pool noodles backed with 5" tall 3/4" plywood and covered with a tough fabric.