Power to the forward shields! (Titanic wall of defense)

Competition Rules/Strategy
1

Alright so I came up with a possible idea for a defensive robot that would be extremely simple to build and likely very easy to mess with people on the field. It also looks extremely intimidating to look at! :cool:

This robot will need mechanum wheels or suitable omni wheel configuration. Mechanum is ideal as it offers the most ideal transitions of movement. All the robot needs to be able to do is get across the balance bridges and in front of their hoops. Why? Keep reading. :wink:

::rtm::
[R02]
The Robot must satisfy the following size constraints:

A.horizontal dimensions must not exceed 28 by 38 in.,
B.the absolute height must not exceed 84 in.,
C.the height of the Robot at the start of the match must not exceed 60 in.,
D.any appendage may not extend more than 14 in. beyond the frame perimeter, and
E.no other part of the Robot may extend beyond the vertical projection of the Frame Perimeter (with the exception of minor protrusions permitted per 0).

We build the base to be a long rectangular chassis (28" long, 38" wide). On the side of the robot we have a small arm for lowering the ramps for field transition, as we can’t really brute force over the 4" tall 6" wide beam the ramps rest on. The robot will have to drive sideways over the ramps, but mechanum wheels sould make this easy.

In the middle of the robot is a lift that will extend the robots vertical height. Attached to this lift is a Sheet of polycarbonate, clear plastic. The lift will raise the sheet past the 60" starting height and bring it to 84" A sheet of aluminum or other material to put up some sort of intimidating team mural on would be great, but the game manual prohibits this.

::rtm::
[R08]
Robot parts shall not be made from hazardous materials, be unsafe, cause an unsafe condition, or interfere with the operation of other Robots.

Examples of items that will violate this rule include (but are not limited to):

A.Shields, curtains, or any other devices or materials designed or used to obstruct or limit the vision of any drivers and/or coaches and/or interfere with their ability to safely control their Robot

To avoid violation this rule we put up a transparent wall (be sure to keep it nice and clean).

This situation creates a barrier 84" tall and 38" wide. With some work, you could add a section to the wall that would extend the 14" beyond your perimiter to create an 84" x 52" wall, even more terrifying to have infront of your robot :cool: .

The rim of the 2 point baskets are located 61" from the floor. You have those covered. Come up closer to a robot and you could block many design’s shot trajectories, since your height won’t cover the 98" 3 point rim. The mechanum wheels allow you to move side to side, forward and back easily to cover the most ground, as your wall is useless if the other teams can just get to where you aren’t.

2

[G20]
Robots in contact with the carpet on their Alliance Station end of the Court are limited to 60 in tall. Otherwise, Robots are limited to 84 in tall.
Violation: Foul; or Technical-Foul for repeated or continuous violation.

3

I had kind of glanced over it as I was writing it. The Wall is supposed to be on a lift to get it up that 24". I didn’t describe it in detail other than saying “Attached to this lift is a Sheet of polycarbonate, clear plastic.”

I had accidentally deleted a line as I was writing. Appologies.

The original post has been edited to include this.

4

The term defensive robot and mechanum wheels do not belong in the same sentence together.

5

Defense != traction

6

Not gonna be an very effective defender getting pushed aside all the time. Mechanums are strictly for maneuverability. Go with a tank drive to beat opposing robots down.

7

You still have 70% of your pushing power, clearly they have more, but they will now have to be pushing you around so they can score. And your wall is still up there in the way.

If they jump into the safe zone to make their shot without interference, stand at the edge and hope their shots dont go over your wall. Robots that launch from the 60" point will most likely get over you.

Standing right in front of the hoops you cover the 2 point and 1 point hoops. In order to move you out they have to push you to the side and then if they are the bot trying to make the shot now head back out away from the hoops. Move back in and block once more!

8

I’d like to see a team push a robot through the fender.

9

The 2 point hoop is 61" high. You’re only allowed to be 60" tall while touching the carpet on your half the field.

Additionally, who say they have to back away to score?

10

If you are a blue robot you are going to be on the red side blocking. Since you are blue in red territory you can go out to 84".

Thats only if they rely on a launching system. If they can drop the ball in, then yes they could push you out and drop it in. Easily they could score one point. Little more challenging, the two points since they can only reach 60" (their side).

11

Read G20 and consider where your alliance station is, you have it backwards.

And why do they have to be far away to launch?

12

This is incorrect. You score towards your opponents alliance station and play defense on your half of the court.

13

Are the color of the carpets based on your goals/starting location or the side of the carpet attached to your alliance station?

14

Found it D:

[G20]
Robots in contact with the carpet on their Alliance Station end of the Court are limited to 60 in tall. Otherwise, Robots are limited to 84 in tall.
Violation: Foul; or Technical-Foul for repeated or continuous violation.

This strategy is not viable

15

That was post #2!

16

Yeahhhhhhh…

I read it completetly wrong…

17

Ok, so lets look at ways to have a defensive robot.

You go with 60" tall 28 wide and 38 long or vice versa. Then get sideways up in front of the hoops…then just run back and forth ramming anyone who doesn’t have a shooter as they come up to put balls in the hoops…Seams like a good way to keep dumpers from scoring 3-6 points per visit. If you can shut a team or two down long term it might determine the outcome of a match.

Would drop 6 tank drive be the way to go for this?

18

It’s all good, we all make these mistakes day 1 :slight_smile:

19

The defensive strategy of this game is interesting though. Because of the fender, you pretty much have to push a defensive bot to the side. Because most robots will score forwards, you would then be facing the wrong direction to shoot after you have pushed the defender out of the way. Do you think it is worth being able to shoot sideways instead, or am i overthinking strategy?

20

Maybe a wall bot is good for blocking targeting systems. You don’t need to block the shot, you just need them to miss.