I was wondering if anyone could help me go about testing a CAD model of a robot on a CAD model of the field this year. Looking to test clearances and see if the robot would be able to cross over the different obstacles and then modify the robot model according to the test results. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated. Please specify for Inventor/Solidworks as I have both.
You should check out BXD Synthesis for Autodesk: http://bxd.autodesk.com/
It’s a program designed for Inventor used import CAD models of robots and drive them around a model of the field using their code. The beta was released pretty recently and I know our team is excited to try it out once we get a decent CAD model of our robot going. Good luck!
Check out using Gazebo for SolidWorks! 
http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/2014/05/solidworks-to-gazebo-robot-simulation.html
http://blogs.solidworks.com/teacher/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/WPI-Robotics-SolidWorks-to-Gazebo.pdf
-Colleen
You could also just download the field model in CAD and import your CAD model of your robot in that.
As someone brand new to CADing (using inventor) - what do you have to do so that CAD knows that something can’t be passed through?
We’ve imported a lot of CAD models (from vex, field, and KOP) and assembled some drivetrain parts in CAD. We haven’t put the robot on the field CAD yet - but from what I’m seeing so far, you could end up just shoving the robot through say the defense ramps - it won’t know that that it can’t go through it.
Completely rookie question I’m sure, but we’re low on CAD experience. I’m happy we can modify and assemble parts together so far.
I am in the same boat, while not new to cad i dont know how to test relationships realistically
Not sure if this thread is still time relevant to anyone still. But at work we are developing a new web application for solid mechanics testing and feasibility of CAD models. Which could presumably allow for simulating the action of Bots interacting with field elements and such.
At this time we are preparing to launch our prototype to limited users as we work out the functionality and User Experience. http://vrify.esi-group.com/
would love to involve some teams in the early testing. The service would be free to use and will hopefully soon integrate consumer class Virtual Reality devices (cardboard and Samsung Gear more so than Vive or oculus).
There is a way in Inventor that you can make objects solid and that should help you fix the problem you are having