need advice - wish to build demo robot

[smcmahon]

My team had taken apart our 2008 robot as a learning experience for the new members this season. It was basically half of a robot anyways, since our Track Ball manipulator was heavily damaged on day 1 of the 2008 Pittsburgh Regional, and was subsequently removed. But I digress...

We have all the IFI electronics, motors, chassis, etc from 2008. I want the team to build a sort of 'demo' robot when school starts in the fall. Something low to the ground, so we can easily transport it to fundraising presentations and demonstrations.

What I'd ask of everyone here at CD is some advice on what to try to build. Ultimately, it'll probably just be 'tank drive', and the chassis will be facing whichever way fits the design best. I need ideas on what the robot could "do". Such as what manipulators we could build. Perhaps something to shoot a football or maybe grab a can of soda from a loader and set it on a table. Just something fun to show what sorts of possibilities exist for a FIRST robot. And something more than a giant remote controlled car.

I'm open for just about any ideas that won't break our budget. Can't wait to hear what ya'll may come up with. Thank you all in advance.