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Our robot for the 2009 FRC Season : Tornado
A video of it in action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCVLZFyEI1Y&fmt=18 (hi-res)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCVLZFyEI1Y (normal res)
16-02-2009 21:31
Seat NinjaOMG that's the scariest bot I've seen this year. The scoring speed is impressive.
16-02-2009 21:32
andrew348Wow. A great machine. The speed is very impressive.
16-02-2009 21:33
wo-bot 141WOW.. speechless that's an amazing robot!
16-02-2009 21:41
s_forbesThat thing holds a rediculous amount of orbit balls! Thumbs up to whoever came up with that concept, it's a very efficient solution. We figured out that you would have to move balls quickly to be a threat, but jeez...
Also, I'm envious of your sheet metal abilities. It makes for some beautiful robots.
16-02-2009 21:42
AndyB
The transfer from the hopper the shooter is so epically awesome. I love it. It makes me want to powdercoat/anodize everything black... EVERYTHING.
16-02-2009 21:42
Lil' Lavery
Oh my, 148 doesn't seem to be sponsored by RackSolutions anymore!

177
16-02-2009 21:44
JonellGregor
That is an awesome robot!
It works really well!
Hope to see you guys at a competition!
16-02-2009 21:48
wendymomThe piggies are squealing
16-02-2009 21:49
pacoliketacowow. quite impressive. i love the scoring/collection mechanism.
16-02-2009 21:50
Tottanka
that
was
awesome!!!!!
I call it now, they are on Einstein.
16-02-2009 21:52
RyanCesiel
I'm absolutely speechless.
16-02-2009 21:53
cziggy343AWESOME! thats all i can say about that
16-02-2009 21:59
Mike RossAt 3:10 in the video, my jaw hit the floor.
If your drivers can handle this beast half as well as they did Tumbleweed, then look out.
16-02-2009 22:06
Andrew SchuetzeI was wondering who was going to put a new 'spin' on the 2002 Baxter Bomb Squad combo harvest / score design.
16-02-2009 22:09
Akash Rastogithats epic
I can't wait to see that thing on einstien
16-02-2009 22:15
Mike SchreiberI'm calling it right now, you're 3rd championship win.
AMAZING job!
16-02-2009 22:23
roboticWanderorwhat serves as the "door" at the bottom of the spiral hopper? a 3rd roller? or a pneumatic flap or what?
16-02-2009 22:29
smurfgirl
I love the robot, but I keep hearing the name "Tumbleweed" in my mind. It's going to take some adjusting.
16-02-2009 22:30
Brandon Martus|
what serves as the "door" at the bottom of the spiral hopper? a 3rd roller? or a pneumatic flap or what?
|
16-02-2009 22:32
Chief SamwizeWow...
Thats all that needs to be said, awesome looking robot.
-Sam
16-02-2009 22:33
Tom BottiglieriLooks alright, I guess.
16-02-2009 22:34
Billfred
Mark my words: very few robots whose ball output is one ball wide will do well this season.
This is one of the very few.
16-02-2009 22:40
Brandon Holley
Awesome robot guys...you really made an epic machine
I love the practice bot too...watch out for these guys.
16-02-2009 22:46
Phil Rosswhat kind of an autonomous are you guys running?
PS. fantastic job.
16-02-2009 23:09
nahstobor
i'm shaking at the knees
16-02-2009 23:19
ChrisLooks very spiffy,
I can't wait for the Alumni under the hood tour at Championship. Best of luck at Dallas, and Houston.
16-02-2009 23:21
HerodotusReally impressive design. I wouldn't be surprised if you guys make it to Einstein again this year.
16-02-2009 23:24
artdutra04
Once again you've created an amazing robot - your sheet metal construction has been a great inspiration for other teams with similar sheet metal capabilities. I can't wait to see your robot compete this year. Good luck.
16-02-2009 23:57
AndrewMorrisonpshhh.... nothing spectacular there.
haha. I kidd, I kidd.
Awesome Robot, I really can't wait to see it
in competition!
17-02-2009 00:02
AdamHeard
Wow....
Seriously impressive.
Great design. Great styling.
17-02-2009 00:03
Paul CopioliThis machine is absolutely gorgeous! The lines are clean and elegant. Two regional wins and at least an Einstein appearance this year is my prediction. The state of Texas is in big trouble in 2009. The robot is very, very scary. I can't wait to see it in person.
Too bad we will not see it until the Championship.
17-02-2009 00:07
teamprontoI'm so glad to see a truly awesome robot this year. This one does it all.
17-02-2009 00:46
Greg Marra
I hope to get a chance to see this robot in action in person!
17-02-2009 01:09
Tom BottiglieriI am not sure how refs will count the balls going into the goals with power scorers like these...
17-02-2009 01:31
James1902
...this is the only ship day video i've ever seen that made my mouth drop
.
I'll defiantly have to check this one out at Atlanta
17-02-2009 01:38
Taylor_RatliffQuick question: How do you remove balls when powered down?
That is an amazing robot.
17-02-2009 01:56
Brandon Martus|
Quick question: How do you remove balls when powered down?
That is an amazing robot. |
17-02-2009 02:25
TetramanI'll just say the obvious: Your robot is one of the slickest posted here and probably the best thus far.
Amazing design, kudos and good luck at your competitions. All eyes are on you this year.
17-02-2009 05:47
waialua359Best design I have seen so far. Very very elegant to say the least. I'd say the judges will award this robot all of the robot design awards at any regional it attends.
However, curious to see what 25, 217, 233 and 1114 has come up with also.
Lets just say if your mouth has dropped on this one, there are 2 more twinbots that will whop your jaws in a blink of an eye.
17-02-2009 06:52
GaryVoshol
What a machine!
Oh, the poor scorers in Texas! Did you guys set out with the goal of getting a <G14> in every match?
And the scariest thing? The scene right at the end of the video when comp and practice bots are both shooting. Kinda makes those collaboration teasers change from a dream team to a nightmare for everyone else! 
17-02-2009 07:58
HotWingscan you please give our team the 2nd bot. We can just change the 1 to a 5 so it says 548 ?
17-02-2009 09:57
Pjohn1959
Very Scary JVN. Look forward to seeing it in action at Lone Star.
17-02-2009 10:57
Amanda MorrisonLast year, 148 was a threat. This year, they appear to be absolutely formidable. Knowing the rigorous training they go through, instinct tells me they'll be a nightmare to face on the field.
148 is the absolute collaboration between students and engineers, and as witnessed the results are astounding. Copioli described it as a 'clean and elegant' machine a few posts up, and even that flattering description barely does this justice. Let me add 'graceful' and 'polished' to the long list of adjectives we're throwing out.
Just like Mr. Carnevale, I also can't wait for the alumni tour. And you kids know I'll be grilling you, so get ready. I'll be in Dallas, and I'm bringing my popcorn.
17-02-2009 11:02
JaneYoung
Folks will be able to hear the crowds in Texas all the way to - mm - Canada. 
Tornado is a good name, very good name. Terrifying Tornado would be accurate.
17-02-2009 12:45
Jimmy NicholsWow! Very impressive. Congratulations 148 on what looks to be a great robot. Good Luck!
17-02-2009 14:08
Andy Baker
Very very impressive job, guys. This thing is awesome. I especially loved the camera-in-the-ball shot.
Keep inspiring.
Andy B.
17-02-2009 14:31
Kevin_Morris|
Last year, 148 was a threat. This year, they appear to be absolutely formidable. Knowing the rigorous training they go through, instinct tells me they'll be a nightmare to face on the field.
148 is the absolute collaboration between students and engineers, and as witnessed the results are astounding. Copioli described it as a 'clean and elegant' machine a few posts up, and even that flattering description barely does this justice. Let me add 'graceful' and 'polished' to the long list of adjectives we're throwing out. Just like Mr. Carnevale, I also can't wait for the alumni tour. And you kids know I'll be grilling you, so get ready. I'll be in Dallas, and I'm bringing my popcorn. |
17-02-2009 14:35
ChristinaR
The only thing I could muster after seeing that video was "...whoa."
Good luck you guys! (pfffft like you need it
)
17-02-2009 14:37
Collin Fultz
Robot looks great guys. See you in Atlanta!
17-02-2009 15:35
Meredith NovakAbout 4 o'clock this morning, my son was looking at robot videos. I kept hearing him say: "That is terrifying." I was going to ask him what he was talking about. I think I know...
Amazing job, John, et. al.
See you in Atlanta!!!
17-02-2009 20:09
tanner2point0That's a real beautiful design, we looked at something similar but scrapped it when we decided against a screw.
18-02-2009 00:20
lyncaTornado is fast and effective! I expect nothing less from an amazing team!
This year, both the Texas Regionals have a large number of rookies. Many of these rookies barely have a legal robot let alone a working autonomous. I hope the veteran Texas teams spend more time helping rookies than working on their practice bot.
Two basic rookies without autonomous and an amazing 148 robot still stand a chance of losing a match.
How does 148 plan on moving the empty cell to the fueling station ?
18-02-2009 01:19
roboticWanderor|
How does 148 plan on moving the empty cell to the fueling station ? |
18-02-2009 03:57
GarrettF2395
Holy smokes!
And I thought Oklahoma had the scariest tornado's!
Boy was I wrong...
Amazing job RoboWranglers!
I can't wait to see video of this thing competing on TBA.
18-02-2009 08:31
Karthik
Great Machine!!! I love everything about this robot from the color scheme to the insane fire rate. Add in one of FIRST's best drivers, and you have a recipe for success. I'm expecting big things from 148 this year.
18-02-2009 08:49
antoineftWow seriously awesome machine! I still don't get how some of you teams have time to build such amazing robots and on top of that build a complete 2nd one. Thoroughly impressed!
Also love the ball cam!
Antoine
Mentor
Team 2609 - BeaverworX
18-02-2009 11:10
Cory
|
How does 148 plan on moving the empty cell to the fueling station ?
|
18-02-2009 11:45
GODUX123That is definately a champion-potential robot!!!
18-02-2009 13:48
Karthik
|
This year, both the Texas Regionals have a large number of rookies. Many of these rookies barely have a legal robot let alone a working autonomous. I hope the veteran Texas teams spend more time helping rookies than working on their practice bot.
|
18-02-2009 17:37
JVN|
At 3:10 in the video, my jaw hit the floor.
If your drivers can handle this beast half as well as they did Tumbleweed, then look out. |
|
This year, both the Texas Regionals have a large number of rookies. Many of these rookies barely have a legal robot let alone a working autonomous. I hope the veteran Texas teams spend more time helping rookies than working on their practice bot.
Two basic rookies without autonomous and an amazing 148 robot still stand a chance of losing a match. |
|
How does 148 plan on moving the empty cell to the fueling station ?
|

18-02-2009 17:53
Travis CovingtonThe robot looks great! I am definitely a fan of the red and black
I did, however, like the robot much better the last time I saw videos of it. It’s borderline excessive now. Who needs to unload their hopper so fast, anyway?
I'll enjoy watching this bot in Einstein. Hopefully on the same side of the field this time. (err, with the same color trailer, I mean)
18-02-2009 20:27
R.C.
Wow, Nice robot and I love the integration of the helix hopper to the dumper. Very Nice Job, just a random question, how many balls are gonna be available to each team? 10.20.30.40?
18-02-2009 20:30
mark johnsonJaw still on desk after hitting replay button for the tenth time!!! Sweet bot, great design guys. I would say good luck , but you will make your own luck with that beast. Also great video, and awsome song choice.
18-02-2009 20:31
Tottanka
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Wow, Nice robot and I love the integration of the helix hopper to the dumper. Very Nice Job, just a random question, how many balls are gonna be available to each team? 10.20.30.40?
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18-02-2009 20:32
EricH
18-02-2009 20:35
Jimb0|
Wow, Nice robot and I love the integration of the helix hopper to the dumper. Very Nice Job, just a random question, how many balls are gonna be available to each team? 10.20.30.40?
|
18-02-2009 20:47
gorrillai think i just had an brain aneurysm
i cant think of anything to say really, to much awsomeness-esness in one robot for my brain to handle
18-02-2009 21:03
JVN|
Wow, Nice robot and I love the integration of the helix hopper to the dumper. Very Nice Job, just a random question, how many balls are gonna be available to each team? 10.20.30.40?
|
18-02-2009 21:06
Akash Rastogi
18-02-2009 21:18
ParkerFI've definitely loved working on this robot. She's a work of art from an engineering standpoint. It's hard on us when we have to crate the lovely powder coated robot. Bare sheet-metal just isn't as enticing. Competition won't come fast enough. I can't wait to see what else is out there. The diversity of creative minds within FIRST is a great part of the competition.
Oh, and before I get asked again...No, this is not as hard to drive as Tumbleweed. Three wheeled swerves are unforgiving.
-Parker
18-02-2009 21:21
Travis Covington|
I've definitely loved working on this robot. She's a work of art from an engineering standpoint. It's hard on us when we have to crate the lovely powder coated robot. Bare sheet-metal just isn't as enticing. Competition won't come fast enough. I can't wait to see what else is out there. The diversity of creative minds within FIRST is a great part of the competition.
Oh, and before I get asked again...No, this is not as hard to drive as Tumbleweed. Three wheeled swerves are unforgiving. -Parker |

18-02-2009 21:27
Kevin_MorrisPretty much... he's either sitting at his desk or shooting kids with nerf guns...
...in a nurturing and supportive way... 
I kid as well...
18-02-2009 23:33
Lil' Lavery
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Pretty much... he's either sitting at his desk or shooting kids with nerf guns...
![]() |
18-02-2009 23:36
s_forbes|
What's John's nerf gun of choice? I'm betting it's a Maverick.
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18-02-2009 23:40
R.C.
|
I'm assuming you've read the rules and are asking more about why we have the large capacity...
Simple: We wanted to be able to fill a goal in one shot. We're hoping our alliance partners will generously allow us to use some of their 40, and we're hoping our opponents will be generous enough to throw a few on the floor for us, as you can see gobbling them up isn't an issue for TORNADO. Or were you asking something else? -John |
19-02-2009 00:06
Lil' Lavery
19-02-2009 00:20
Travis Hoffman
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...and we're hoping our opponents will be generous enough to throw a few on the floor for us, as you can see gobbling them up isn't an issue for TORNADO. -John |

19-02-2009 00:44
JVN|
Don't be afraid to try and deny access to the balls even after they've hit the floor, either. At least scatter 'em around a little to make drivers like Parker work for it.
![]() And yes, that stuff probably could be in another thread, so to get back on track - it looks like a CIM powers your helix - what gearing did you use to power the helix drive, and what material was used for the central spire? |
19-02-2009 01:00
lynca
16-03-2009 17:36
JVN|
This year, both the Texas Regionals have a large number of rookies. Many of these rookies barely have a legal robot let alone a working autonomous. I hope the veteran Texas teams spend more time helping rookies than working on their practice bot. |
16-03-2009 21:23
Kerstenwoooow amazing bot!!!
17-03-2009 01:00
lynca|
I'm extremely proud of the fact that our students were all out working their butts off helping other teams at the Dallas event. I know they all slept soundly on Saturday night.
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