Team 16, Baxter Bomb Squad, 2012

Awesome robot! I've been waiting for this one all year!

Only question I have is: What is your reasoning behind the catapult? I know earlier you said wheeled shooters were getting "boring", but what was the tactical advantage you thought it gave you?

Just curious. Thanks a bunch for sharing this! I can't wait to watch the webcast!

[WarehouseCrew]

What is a "load cell" and how does it compensate for tubing and belt stretch?

[Jefferson]

Originally Posted by WarehouseCrew

What is a "load cell" and how does it compensate for tubing and belt stretch?

A load cell measures force. In this case the force the catapult is applying to the winch. Surgical tubing will relax when it is stretched for an amount of time. We use the load cell to quantify that relaxation and account for it to make our catapult more consistent.

[WarehouseCrew]

Would you be willing to share your design for the winch, belt and release mechanism for your catapult?

Our mechanism (cam that grabs a bar attached to catapult) is not as effective as we thought it would be. Our original linear catapult was scrapped because of weight and consistency problems, so we are scrambling to get a traditional one working.

[Alpha Beta]

Originally Posted by Meredith Novak

Next to winning, "unexpected" is our favorite accomplishment.

Well, I expected to see a swerve handled by an expert driver and this video didn't disappoint. The rest of the package was a delightful surprise. You must have had some fun designing this, and I'm going to have a blast watching it perform this weekend. Welcome back to KC.

[Jeff Waegelin]

Looks awesome! Can't wait to see you guys in Chicago!

[n1ckd2012]

Do you mind describing a few of your 8 driving modes? Why 8? Superb robot! Love the video.

[waialua359]

Originally Posted by Meredith Novak

Next to winning, "unexpected" is our favorite accomplishment. We didn't want to do a wheeled shooter - we've done them, we're bored with that, never liked the limitations. We really planned to do a puncher/ plunger, but the catapult prototypes were more convincing. Beater bars and catapults have been good to us.

We have hard stops for different shooting positions and a load cell to measure the force before firing.

The driver better be impeccable. No pressure, Austin...

This is just another reminder to all teams why we even participate in FIRST.
I need to pinch myself with reminders as well.

Great job Bomb Squad!

[delsaner]

Oh you guys and your swerve.

Looks beautiful. Creative and interesting design. I love your ball acquisition device. Can't wait to see you guys in competition!!

[Aren_Hill]

Originally Posted by Meredith Novak

We have 4 wheel modules - we went with 4 in 2011 and really liked the performance. It makes it a bit harder to manage the weight.

We'll trade you some weight for driver experience, I think we might weigh ~85lbs come midwest.

[JosephC]

Originally Posted by JTN

~~~~~BUMP~~~~~

It's only been like an hour


Great looking robot guys.

[CalTran]

I really really wish Blue Valley district didn't block youtube :'(
From what I've read so far, this is going to be one heck of a catapulting swerving robot...I'll be spending far too much time over in your pits this year at Greater Kansas City...good luck, and see you in 4 days!

[dodar]

Originally Posted by xSAWxBLADEx

too legit...good job with an other amazing robot. just one question is that 3 wheel crab or or did you try something new and add a wheel?

Quiet your tongue; what you speak of is blasphemy! I cant believe they went with 4. lol

[Brandon Holley]

No one does swerve like Baxter does, no one. Great looking bot guys. Well produced video as well. Good luck out there!

-Brando

[Robert Cawthon]

SWEET!! See ya at KC.