Tips from a veteran Robot Inspector

[Wayne Doenges]

Now that we are getting near robot completion it is now time to do some self inspection of said robot.

1) Go through the Robot Inspection checklist.
2) Be sure Main Breaker is where anyone can reach/see it. If your robot starts to smoke, during a match, wouldn’t it be nice if someone can quickly shut down your robot without having to hunt for the OFF switch?
3) One wire per Wago slot.
4) Confirm proper wire gauge, per application, per breaker.
5) Sharp corners. Remove them. I don’t like seeing blood, especially my own
6) Place air pressure gauges where they can be seen clearly.
7) Confirm any appendage cannot go further than 14 inches.
8) Bumpers. Use ¾ inch thick by 5 inches tall plywood, 8 inch minimum length. I have seen teams use ½ inch thick plywood and have to rebuild all their bumpers at a regional before they were allowed to play. Don’t be that team.
9) Bumper Zone is 2 inches to 10 inches.
10) Battery securely contained in robot. I have seen too many robots, during a match, dragging their battery.

At the regionals:
1) Don't wait till the last minute to have your robot inspected. You will avoid the rush from the other teams who waited till the last minute.
2) Don't get mad at the inspectors if they ask you to make some changes. They are only trying to help you have a great regional experiance.