The cap ball mechanism will go through more changes, as the new version is performing only on the same level as the first version and is outside 18 inches. The channel that holds both arms for the mechanism is on top of both arms, so it prevents the arms from having a strong grip around the cap ball since the cap ball is pushed a little further. The goals of the next mechanism will be:
- Tight grip
- Inside 18 inches
- Arms are consistent and don’t break
The cap ball mechanism might be made using Actobotics parts in the future.
The Actobotics chassis in progress, with more Andymark motors and screws needed:
So far, the wheels are much more secure (less wobble) and rotate more smoothly. Additionally, there is a little more space around the two drive motors. Currently, our robot uses TETRIX wheels which don’t have a good grip with the ground but in return don’t get dusty and result in a consistent performance. However, the new chassis will most likely use the Actobotics stealth wheels like the ones in the TRR robot, because:
- Holes match with Actobotics chassis, simpler
- Deal with the electrical problems better than TETRIX wheels
Although these wheels can get dusty easily, it won’t affect the performance of the robot as much as it would last year where there were ramps that required a good grip.
The shooter was made smaller and more compact though it is still long as the shooting height is affected if it is made any shorter.
For the shooter, more options are being explored to improve the consistency of the current shooter. The current shooter can shoot multiple particles in the same place in a row, however it is not consistent with itself whenever there is a break (such as turning the robot off).
For now, the shooter will be designed to shoot from the right side, so that it will fit in with the autonomous more easily, even though this will make building a little more difficult.
The sweeper will use 2 or 3 rows of sweepers vertically aligned to elevate the particles, where they will be inserted into the shooter.