2012 Robot
![Our 2012 robot (side view).](/images/robots/2012/2012-d.png)
The FIRST challenge for this year was called Rebound Rumble. The challenge included throwing foam basketballs into hoops at various heights. Additional points could be earned by balancing on a see-saw like bridge. For more information, see the official game animation.
Design
The 2012 robot had a tiny frame. This design was chosen because of its ability to complete the Coopertition Challenge and balance on the bridge easier. It was also a skinnier robot because the maximum dimension size was based on the addition of width and length. Choosing to make a wider chassis resulted in the robot frame to be shorter. The robot featured a 4 wheel arcade drive. After the first competition, we added“training wheels” to prevent rolling.
Throwing
To throw the basketball, a system was created with 6 CIM Motor with a few window motors. The basketball was placed between 4 wheels, 2 on each axle, which was connected to a motor. To shoot the different height hoops, the power of the motor was adjusted.
Intake
Surgical tubing with zip ties horizontally to intake balls and transfer them to an elevator system. Left-most image shows this system.
![The 2013 robot intake system.](/images/robots/2012/2012-a.png)
![The 2013 robot's throwing system.](/images/robots/2012/2012-b.png)
![The 2013 robot about to launch a basketball.](/images/robots/2012/2012-c.png)
Programming
The programming was mainly written in LabVIEW, a graphical language based on C, C++, and C#.