Building a VEX Field for an interactive display

[PUFIRST]

Hi, Purdue FIRST Programs is looking into creating an interactive display for our organization. It will be a soccer game based that will use both VEX and FLL robots. If anyone has any ideas for the design, we want it 4' by 6' and able to be folded up and moved in the trunk of a car, then please post your ideas. Thanks a bunch

PFP

[Lil' Lavery]

Team 116 has used a portable vex-based game for outreach events since 2005. The "squarebots" field is composed of two 10'x5' sections that fit together to form a 10'x10' field. There is a few inch high wall running around the outside of the field to prevent robots and balls from falling off. The field is then covered in foam tiles (like those used on the FTC fields). The game is typically played 2-on-2, with 4 modified squarebots attempting to push and manipulate ping-pong balls. Different iterations have existed over the course of the field, but they typically involve robots trying to bring the balls back into the red tiles in front of their area and/or place them into plastic solo cups.
Pictures:
http://invisiblerobot.com/robotics/r.../p1310562.html
http://invisiblerobot.com/robotics/r.../p1310564.html
http://invisiblerobot.com/robotics/r.../p1310570.html
http://invisiblerobot.com/robotics/r.../p1320734.html
http://invisiblerobot.com/robotics/r.../p1240253.html

It can't be fit into a car, but it is easily transportable in a pick-up or van (with removable middle seats).
http://invisiblerobot.com/robotics/r.../p1310732.html


Also look at the Portable Inspiration white papers by 1712.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by PUFIRST

Hi, Purdue FIRST Programs is looking into creating an interactive display for our organization. It will be a soccer game based that will use both VEX and FLL robots. If anyone has any ideas for the design, we want it 4' by 6' and able to be folded up and moved in the trunk of a car, then please post your ideas. Thanks a bunch

PFP

330 did something like this a few years back. 4' by 8', but it worked.

The table split right in the middle using four bolt and T-nut sets. Bolts were stored in a small pouch attached to the underside of one section.

Construction-- 2 4' by 4' frames were built with a central support crossing the middle parallel to the "ends". Material: 2x4s
This was followed by making sure the upper wall pieces (I forget just what, but I think 1x4) were the right size. Whatever they were, there are three per section.

Right here is where I'm hazy in my recollection. I think it went: tack upper walls together, attach covering, and then place on lower frame and secure. This was followed by painting the sides (one side red, one side blue) and attaching the attachment system.

Later, after we discovered that the material we used was warped, we added another section of 2x4 to the bottom for more bracing at 90 degrees to the other one.

The bottom looked something like this on each side:
__
l+l
l_l

The top:
_
l_

It split into two for ease of transport--two 4' by 4' by 9" or so sections is easier than 1 4' by 8' one.

And, for a soccer game, golf balls work well.

[Andrew Bates]

If you wanted to use parts from an actual you could purchase side panels and joining pieces and make a field any size.