These are basic robot chassis designs, for you to use in the
initial laboratory sessions. Either robot will support the
learning exercises and challenges of the first few weeks of
RoboRugby.
Choose one design and build it, so that
you can start learning how to program your robot. Later, you
will add various sensors, to get a fully-functioning robot, able to
find its own way around the table.
For the competition, you will probably want to design your own
robot, optimised for whatever strategy you will have devised...
A simple and sturdy robot - easy to build and easy to manoeuvre. Tank tracks on each side, each driven by a
separate motor, allow the robot to be driven in a straight
line and turned in its own length. Even when the Handyboard
is mounted on top, the low centre of gravity ensures good stability.
This basic concept could form the basis of your competition robot - the
winning team in RoboRugby*05 used a variation on this design.
Two wheels, each driven by a separate motor,
allow rapid turning. A castor wheel supports the other
end of the robot. This is a more complicated robot to build,
but it should be fairly strong if you build it properly.
However, the higher centre of
gravity can make it a bit unstable if you push it hard!
A modified version of this design could form the basis of
your competition robot, although the castor wheel may be a bit weak and
vulnerable.
