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