01-03-2011 18:06

MattC9

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Hey could you post some specs, I would really like to know the weight on this thing.

01-03-2011 18:07

Chris is me

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Wow!

It looks like the arm extension is actuated with a pneumatic cylinder, but I can't figure out what makes the arm rotate. Is another pneumatic cylinder used for this purpose, or does a motor drive it?

01-03-2011 18:17

eric1010

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Yes, a single motor drives the arm. The cylinder is a counterbalance.
The weight is very close to 120 lbs

01-03-2011 18:19

J93Wagner

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

It's CLEAR! Now it's time to fire up the motors and get going!

Anyway. Sorry about the really bad pun. It looks awesome and I hope to see it in action at Milwaukee.

01-03-2011 19:31

Duncan Macdonald

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Does this robot have a jellyfish based name?

01-03-2011 20:26

nahstobor

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

1714 works near a lexan factory, so their robots are mostly built of lexan!

What's better than robotics? :-)

01-03-2011 20:35

vhcook

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

For some reason, I am reminded of Wonder Woman's invisible plane. Neat design!

01-03-2011 20:38

IndySam

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

I have always ALWAYS wanted to build a polycarbonate robot. Great job.

Can you explain the cylinder as a counterbalance? Is it in a closed loop system?

01-03-2011 20:39

Chris is me

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

1714's done it every year since their founding year. In 2006 and 2007, they used kitbot rails, but since then the robots have not used structural metal.

01-03-2011 20:52

eric1010

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

The cylinder is mechanical, there is no programming involved. When the compressor turns on, it is pressurized and ready to go. There is a relief valve to let air out when necessary.

However, the arm motor is run by a closed PD loop for preset heights.

01-03-2011 21:00

IndySam

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

So you set the regulator to the pressure you want and just leave the solenoid in one position without controlling it? Interesting and innovative solution.

01-03-2011 22:38

dodar

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

I'm surprised noone has mentioned this yet but OBVIOUSLY they had to make their minibot with polycarb. lol

01-03-2011 22:52

Rupnick

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

They work out of "American Acrylics" so its Acrylic not Polycarbonate. Only thing I'm wondering about is the minibot, Polycarbonate is allowed but, rules say nothing about Acrylic. Unless I'm wrong and they use both now.

01-03-2011 22:56

Chris is me

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

While 1714 works out of American Acrylics, all robot parts are made of polycarbonate. Acrylic would quickly, quickly break.

01-03-2011 22:57

dodar

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Acrylic is not allowed but I thought 1714 always used Polycarb.

01-03-2011 23:06

Katie_UPS

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Invisible robot, nice.

01-03-2011 23:13

pfreivald

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Okay, that's just cool.

Cool cool cool cool.

01-03-2011 23:59

Rupnick

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Ah nevermind then. I retract my previous statement.

02-03-2011 00:14

EricH

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Incorrect. Acrylic is allowed, provided you don't go over cost and weight constraints and all those other general rules. However, using it on a robot? Not if it can be avoided; it breaks too darn easily on impact.

BTW, there's a robot in that picture? I only see a bunch of wires and other miscellaneous parts...

02-03-2011 00:27

J93Wagner

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

More Robotics of course.

02-03-2011 00:36

dodar

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

I was referring to the minibot.

02-03-2011 01:32

Navid Shafa

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

That is so hard to believe! I am surprised that it weighs that much...

Rough stats gives the weight of unfilled polycarbonate at 0.043 pounds per cubic inch and the weight of comparative aluminum 6061 at .098 pounds per cubic inch.

I'm sure you pushed the envelope, just would really love to hear where most of that weight went

Nice work, Like the design!

02-03-2011 09:34

Dr Theta

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

It looks great, and I can only assume that with "continuous improvement" it will be even more beastly when I get to see it in person. I was really excited to see that you guys decided to return to Minnesota. Great team, great robots, enough said.

02-03-2011 11:13

dbeckwith

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

What robot? I don't see a robot! *squints* Ohhhhh...
It's nearly invisible!

02-03-2011 15:03

Snalios

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Its not that hard to believe, considering that lexan weights more then aluminum.

02-03-2011 15:51

Nuttyman54

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Polycarbonate (Lexan) weighs about half as much as the same size piece of aluminum. However, it is not nearly as stiff. To achieve a similar stiffness (which is necessary in things like arms, chassis, etc.) you're going to end up at around the same weight as if you did it with aluminum, maybe even a little heavier. The weight in this robot probably went towards making it stiff enough for the rigors of competition (drivetrains that flex are not fun).

02-03-2011 16:01

AdamHeard

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

it's less dense than aluminum, but it's used in thicker (and larger pieces) usually. Most of the structural tubing on our robots is 1/16" wall thickness, occasionally 1/8". 1/2" polycarbonate is substantially heavier, while still being less dense.

02-03-2011 16:06

Chris is me

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

This isn't true.

02-03-2011 20:46

Navid Shafa

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Did you not see the stats I posted? I am not saying that I have the exact wieghts per cubic inch, but I'm pretty sure that they're close...

Also, Thanks Nuttyman54 and AdamHeard. Sure it could weigh the same as aluminum if it has increased the thickness, but from the picture, I had trouble noticing any difference in thickness considering it's practically invisible

02-03-2011 20:57

eric1010

Re: pic: Team 1714's 2011 Robot

Here are some higher resolution pictures: