4 inches vs. 1 foot

[Fe_Will]

I think the real question is why you are building a robot...

If the students want to build a 12 ramp then build it. "The robot is a vehicle to build better people not the other way around." Sometimes taking the risk and failing is more productive then not trying to at all.

And one more thing, mentors are here to guide and explain not to decide and do.

[Crtcalmss]

Our team struggled with the decision about ramp size as well. We "fondly" remember flipping backward off last years ramps. We remember so many others doing the same. A 12" ramp, unless mated with a sufficiently long ramp so that a robot 1) does not have the tendency to flip backward 2) does not become high-centered on the transition from ramp up to flat top.

In the end, we settled on a 4" high platform with an extendable ramp that has about a 20 degree slope. Most 'bots, except for those with really low clearance, should be able to climb us. We will be extending twin side-by-side ramps so we can provide a platform for two partners.

There are other additions to our design, but they're not important to this thread. Good luck with your design.

[stoltcclxxxviii]

Our team is possibly going for the 12 in but yes I agree that the 12 in ramps will be harder for some robots to climb and a four inch would be much easier for a bot to move up without tipping.

[Adam Richards]

Originally Posted by Fe_Will

And one more thing, mentors are here to guide and explain not to decide and do.

I don't want to get into an argument about it in this thread, but depending on their team's structure, that may or may not be the truth. If you want to further discuss it, please go ahead and PM or IM me.

[vivek16]

we are a rookie team but we are going to win the rookie all star award simply because we are wayzata. any ways we are going to go for 12 inches and we also have an ingenious plan that will let even weak robots climb onto us.