Brain Storming
After the reveal , the team began brainstorming what strategies would allow the robot to obtain the maximum number of points . To brainstorm effectively , the students split into three groups . Each group devised a strategy for autonomous , tele-op , and the last 30 seconds of the game . After 30 minutes , the team reconvened and each presented their idea . Group 1 ’ s strategy was to place a gear on the airship and shoot 10 fuel balls during autonomous . Once tele-op begins , the robot would turn , head to the retrieval zone and pick up 1 gear along with as many fuel balls as possible to shoot in the high goal . On the way back to the boiler , the robot would open both hoppers closest to the opposite alliance ’ s boiler . Once the robot has returned to the airship , it would score the gear and fuel balls then repeat the process . In the remaining 30 seconds of the game , the robot would travel to the airship , and climb a strap-like rope of the team ’ s choice . Group 2 decided that the robot would be most effective if its bumpers were angled in the front to help guide a fuel ball into a ball pickup system . Unlike the first group , Group 2 chose the only concentrate on fuel balls and have no pickup mechanism for gears . To efficiently take in and shoot fuel balls , the group suggested a shooter that resembles a snow blower . This would allow for 360 ° movements , making aiming easier . Similarly to Group 1 , Group 3 decided to score 10 fuel balls and 1 gear during autonomous , then as tele-op begins , travel to a hopper . If other robots on our alliance are unable to shoot at the high goal , the group thought shooting fuel balls would assist the most . If the other robots cannot score gears , our robot would . This would allow our robot to work well with the other alliance members .
Issue 2 : January 16 , 2017 PAGE 4