Best omnidirectional drive trains in FIRST history

[O'Sancheski]

Originally Posted by R1ffSurf3r

8 wheel swerve

I would like to see an 8 wheel swerve. Does 233 have something that they are prototyping in their labs for next year?

[Arefin Bari]

Originally Posted by O'Sancheski

Does 233 have something that they are prototyping in their labs for next year?

I will be very surprised if I see team 233 with a swerve drive during the season.

[msimon785]

I cannot help but give my vote to 1717 the D'Penguineers and their 2011 swerve drive. I have seen many swerve drives, in both digital media and in person, and the D'Penguineers have undoubtedly (this being subjective, of course) set the new standard in Coaxial Swerve drive-trains. Here is a link to a video of them in competition, which is definitely worth a watch, ideally in HD. It's almost unbelievable how naturally and smoothly it drives.

Well, good luck on whatever you do build!

Originally Posted by msimon785

I cannot help but give my vote to 1717 the D'Penguineers and their 2011 swerve drive. I have seen many swerve drives, in both digital media and in person, and the D'Penguineers have undoubtedly (this being subjective, of course) set the new standard in Coaxial Swerve drive-trains. Here is a link to a video of them in competition, which is definitely worth a watch, ideally in HD. It's almost unbelievable how naturally and smoothly it drives.

Well, good luck on whatever you do build!

I believe the answer to my question lies in the swerve drive of 1717. Not only was that extremely fast and maneuverable, but it was some of the smoothest driving I've seen to date, even giving the Cheesy Poofs a run for their money this year! Anyone have any specs on that drive train?

[Chris is me]

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

I'd also love to see a year and video please.

I've always thought 71 and 111 in 2006 were great with their systems. 2008 comes close too.

111 didn't have an omnidirectional drive in 2006.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Chris is me

111 didn't have an omnidirectional drive in 2006.

Haha sorry, I just went back and watched the videos, I was thinking of 71 the whole time.

[CalTran]

I like 2010 Winnovations 6 Wheel Coaxial swerve. We were on their alliance 2010 at Greater Kansas City, and the next time I saw their robot they were competing on Einstein. Another close hit would be Team 16 Bomb Squads 3 wheel swerve.

[Aren Siekmeier]

Originally Posted by GCentola

Bomb Squad's (16) swerve drive. It continually amazes me year after year. It is fast, maneuverable, and makes any defense look silly. Our team is even considering prototyping a swerve drive after seeing them at IRI.

What sells it for me is that it is totally rock solid. Having worked with it for what, 10 years?, they have it in the bag, and they also have the smoothest driving (and one of the best drivers) I've ever seen.

[Tristan Lall]

This list isn't complete without including Joe Johnson's designs for 47 (now part of 51) in 2000 and 2001. Their 2000 robot is my favourite robot of all time, and was dominant in an era when parts still had to be sourced from the Small Parts catalogue. 2001 was a four-tread-drive, independently powered, independently steered swerve drive.

111 also has a history of excellent swerve drives—the world-championship-winning 2003 robot in particular, with its StangPS coprocessor and sketchable autonomous modes.

[Brandon Holley]

A personal fave:
1114's 2004 swerve(crab) drive that actuated up the steps.

It may not be the best omnidirectional drive of all time, but it was one of the most fun to watch...

-Brando