Motorized Cart

[hardcopi]

I know this question will be asked again by the seniors and last year we erred on the side of telling them no, but I thought I'd put the question out there.

Is it against the rules to have a drive-able cart?

After our robot was shipped to World's last year they built a driveable robot cart. It has bumpers on it that stop it dead so if it bumps into anything it doesn't move. Basically it is a robot with a marine battery underneath the main robot. Doesn't take up anymore room than a normal cart it just has a seat where the driver would stand.

Last year the drive team were juniors and we told them "Better not risk it". This year is their last and I know they'd love to drive out there.

[CalTran]

Motorized carts aren't illegal, as of 2014 rules. 2015 rules may vary.

That being said, it also depends on the venue, as well as space constraints. I would suggest if you're looking to build a motorized cart, implement some method of using the cart in a "neutral" gear so you can manually push the cart.

[fb39ca4]

In 2012 and 2013 we used a motorized cart without any issues, though it is impossible to say for certain next year's rules will allow it.

[EricH]

It is not against the rules, no.

However, there are other considerations than just the rules.

There's safety. There's crowded areas in the pits and around the field. And there's the tendency of field reset to move unattended carts into their parking areas.

You'll need a neutral gear at a minimum, for field reset to be able to move the cart if needed (or if the battery dies). I'd add a beeper and a light for crowds, and possibly replace (or upgrade) "bumper" with "rangefinder set to stop about 6" from obstacles".

Speaking of obstacles... Can it go over about a 3" hump without spilling its robot? Such humps aren't uncommon in arenas--they're usually wiring covers. What about through a standard doorway? Again, not an uncommon situation, robot going through a doorway on a cart (and having trouble...)

Just a few considerations that, in my mind, would relegate a powered cart to use outside of FRC competitions.

[Abhishek R]

I know team 2013 had a driveable robot cart this year, maybe you could get in touch with them.

[Jpatterson1710]

Team SWAT 1806 has had a motorized cart for a while. It seems to get around fine. The driver stands on it and drives it with a joystick. I've never seem them have any issues at regionals or champs.