Unfortunately, due to the limits of human reflexes, we had to slow down our robot from a top speed of 24ft/sec to about 19ft/sec. However, our robot is still extremely fast, maneuverable, and able to herd the ball very effectively. If you remember our robot from last year, we also have only a slightly higher low gear. Following an upgrade the first day of competition (yay build/practice day!), we will also be able to hurdle without stopping. Ever.
Of course our motto: “It works. In theory.”
4 Cims helping out that differential
-True ackermann steering powered by a globe motor
-Dual 10" wheels on each side in the back
For all people who have had doubts about ackermann steering, you may rest now. I am the (unfortunate?) soul who has to drive this thing, and we got to practice on 1902’s field the other day (A big thanks to 1902 for that). It makes any corner pretty well at speed and once we get to a field where there is no chance of me running into 1902’s robot while they are still working on it, I’m hoping to open it up all the way.
Unfortunately there aren’t any videos with the ball in the gripper, although I do have one picture (albeit it crappy) of the robot holding the ball in the air, just low enough to drive underneath the overpass while popping the ball over, and not having to stop.
We ended up using four of the Igus bearings, two on the outside, two on the inside. The combined support of the 4 of them has worked out pretty well, no problems that I know about.
Of course, we discovered the differential in the Aim High game when we were prototyping this same bot, although we never built it. It’s from Northern Tools, it’s a bit heavy, but it is very strong, and we lightened it substantially after we had the axles lathed from 1" to 5/8". http://www2.northerntool.com/product/35768.htm
Contrary to popular belief, there was a pitiful video of the robot launching the ball (this will be fixed on Thursday through an extremely easy process that involves a hacksaw & drill).
